Bentley has been transitioning to electrification for several years, starting with the 2018 release of the Bentayga Hybrid. The brand currently offers plug-in hybrid versions of the Continental GT and Flying Spur, with plans for its first fully electric vehicle to debut in 2026. This move is part of Bentley’s broader strategy to shift toward an electric future, reflecting both industry trends and changing consumer preferences.
The upcoming electric vehicle will be a crossover SUV, described by Bentley’s new CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser as a “luxury urban SUV.” The vehicle is expected to be compact, measuring under 197 inches, which would place it in a similar size range to vehicles like the Porsche Cayenne or Audi Q7. It will also share its platform with the upcoming Porsche Cayenne EV, underscoring the collaboration between the two companies within the Volkswagen Group.
Bentley has not yet revealed detailed specifications about the new electric model, but it has emphasized its focus on key aspects like range and charging speed. Walliser reassured fans that the brand’s move to electric vehicles will not diminish the unique characteristics that define Bentley, stressing that the company is not aiming to make just any electric car, but a true Bentley with the luxury and performance expected from the brand.
One of the challenges Bentley faces with electrification is maintaining the distinct driving experience that its internal combustion engines provide, particularly the iconic engine noise. Matthias Rabe, a Bentley board member, mentioned that the company is working on a solution to replicate the engine note but did not offer further details. This indicates Bentley’s commitment to preserving the sensory experience that accompanies its luxury vehicles, even in an electric era.
Alongside the electric vehicle announcement, Walliser revealed that Bentley is extending its carbon neutrality target from 2030 to 2035, renaming its electrification strategy from “Beyond 100” to “Beyond 100 Plus.” The shift toward full electrification is driven by both legislative pressure and increasing customer demand for electric vehicles. However, Walliser acknowledged that some markets would take longer to fully adopt electric vehicles, highlighting the global variation in readiness for such a transition.
