By Deji Osas
Bentley has offered the clearest look yet at its first fully electric vehicle — but the reveal comes with a major strategic shift. The British luxury automaker is no longer racing toward a fully electric future, signaling a major rethink of its earlier promises to abandon combustion engines by 2030 and later 2035.
In a newly released teaser image, Bentley showcased the silhouette of its debut EV under a semi-transparent cover. The glimpse reveals a sleeker, lower-profile SUV featuring horizontal lighting signatures and a more coupe-like stance than the larger Bentayga. Internally described as “the world’s first true luxury urban SUV,” the model is set to be unveiled next year and reach customers in 2027.
But even as the EV enters the lineup, Bentley says its beloved combustion nameplates — including the Continental GT and Flying Spur — will remain on sale “until at least 2035,” and potentially beyond, depending on market demand. Plug-in hybrids, whose popularity is growing among Bentley buyers, are now expected to play a longer-term role in the brand’s future.
The move marks a retreat from the company’s earlier ambition to pivot exclusively to EVs within the next decade. Bentley’s leadership says customer preferences have made it clear that ultra-luxury shoppers want a mix of powertrains, not a full-electric lineup just yet.
Still, the brand’s first EV is positioned to be technologically impressive. Bentley revealed that the upcoming SUV will be able to gain roughly 100 miles of driving range in just seven minutes of fast charging — putting it among the quickest-charging luxury EVs in development.
Although the company has not confirmed exact charging specifications, the model will share its platform with the upcoming Porsche Cayenne EV, which charges at up to 400 kW and houses a 108 kWh battery capable of more than 600 km (372 miles) of WLTP range. Bentley’s SUV is expected to deliver similar performance and range figures.
The new EV also draws inspiration from the EXP 15 concept, though its production proportions appear flatter, sportier and more refined — blending crossover practicality with fastback-style styling. A lower roofline and compact greenhouse hint at a more dynamic shape than the Bentayga, positioning the newcomer as a luxury urban cruiser.
Production of Bentley’s electric lineup will take place at its revamped Crewe headquarters, which is being upgraded to support high-volume EV manufacturing. The expanded plant is scheduled to be fully EV-ready by mid-2026, shortly before mass production of Bentley’s first electric SUV begins.
With its revised strategy, Bentley is now charting a more gradual transition — blending combustion, hybrid and electric offerings — while still preparing to enter the ultra-luxury EV arena with a bold new flagship.
