Bentley confirms the launch of its first fully electric SUV for late 2026, with deliveries scheduled for 2027, as part of a strategic update that adjusts the brand’s electrification timeline. The model, still unnamed, will introduce a new category within the luxury segment.
The development of this electric SUV marks a turning point for the British company, which has begun pre-series production at its historic Crewe facility as part of the industrial program supporting its updated Beyond100+ strategy. The marque, renowned for its craftsmanship, aims to transfer its traditional standards to a vehicle designed for a new territory: the high-end electric sector intended for both urban and global use. With dimensions smaller than the Bentayga, this model will inaugurate a more compact format without sacrificing material quality, leatherwork or the meticulous manufacturing that characterizes Bentley.
Bentley’s decision to invest in an electric SUV responds to the sustained growth of this body style across virtually all premium markets, including those where the adoption of alternative energies is developing at uneven rates. The brand defines this project as a “Luxury Urban SUV”, a concept that integrates its classic design codes with advanced sustainable-propulsion technologies. This effort is complemented by the transformation of the Crewe plant into a Dream Factory, equipped with an expanded design center, a next-generation paint shop and integrated logistics solutions, all operating under a carbon-neutral framework that will be internationally certified.
From a technical perspective, initial information confirms that the upcoming model will use a high-performance electric architecture compatible with ultra-fast charging. One of the most noteworthy figures is its ability to recover approximately 161 kilometers in seven minutes, positioning this SUV favorably within the global offering of luxury electric vehicles. Although the brand remains discreet regarding battery capacity and final power output, the new model is expected to deliver performance levels consistent with Bentley’s hallmark driving experience, blending mechanical silence, advanced acoustic insulation and precise dynamic response.
The evolution of the project also reflects a significant strategic adjustment: Bentley has revised its goal of full electrification. The brand will extend the presence of combustion engines and plug-in hybrid systems beyond the initially planned date, allowing them to coexist within the range well into the next decade. This change responds to the reality of international luxury markets, where demand for diversified solutions remains considerable. The decision does not represent a step backward but rather an adaptation to the complexity of regulatory timelines, charging infrastructure and the preferences of high-net-worth clients, which differ markedly across regions.
The anticipation surrounding this electric SUV has also had an impact on the supplier and technology-partner ecosystem, which sees the project as an example of the type of luxury vehicle expected to dominate the next decade. Bentley has strengthened its alliances to secure access to advanced software platforms, next-generation electrical systems and digital-production solutions. Part of the strategy includes the integration of artificial intelligence to optimize logistics processes and predict maintenance needs, allowing clients to enjoy a vehicle designed to operate with elevated precision standards and extended life cycles. In parallel, the brand reinforces its commitment to long-term innovation, establishing the technological foundations required for its future electric portfolio.
The arrival of the electric SUV coincides with a pivotal moment for the industry. The luxury segment is redefining its relationship with sustainability, not only through energy efficiency but also by adopting more rigorous production processes, material traceability and global emissions-reduction strategies. Bentley has integrated these factors into its Beyond100+ program, which guides the evolution of all current and future models. The British marque aims to position itself as a benchmark among manufacturers that combine tradition, industrial excellence and technological innovation.
The launch scheduled for 2026 positions this SUV as the emblem of a new phase. It represents Bentley’s entry into a territory where electric mobility, high-end design and the expectations of a global client attentive to sustainability and performance converge. The model will form the foundation for the development of the brand’s future electric vehicles, anticipating a portfolio that will grow gradually and in a structured way, reinforcing Bentley’s commitment to sustainable luxury.
From The Luxury Trends Magazine (Luxury Magazine – Revista de Lujo) we would like to thank Bentley for the images. © Bentley
