Bentley is preparing to launch its first fully electric vehicle in 2026, aiming to carve out a new niche in the luxury SUV market. The company intends to position this model as a unique offering, distinct from existing high-end EVs, and priced below its current Bentayga range.
A New Segment for Luxury Electric SUVs
According to Bentley’s chief communications officer, Wayne Bruce, the upcoming EV will be unlike anything else currently available. The vehicle will balance size, quality, and performance with a competitive price point – likely under $450,000 in Australia. This positions it below the Bentayga Speed, which starts at $513,600, but near the base Bentayga V8 ($412,600).
This price strategy is significant. Bentley is betting that a more accessible entry point will broaden its EV customer base, attracting buyers who may not have previously considered an electric luxury vehicle. The shift reflects a broader trend in the luxury automotive market, where brands are increasingly targeting younger, more environmentally conscious consumers.
Design and Performance
The new SUV will be smaller than the current Bentayga (5.1 meters long), likely aligning in size with the Audi Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan Electric. Crucially, despite sharing a platform with Volkswagen Group models, Bentley insists the EV will retain its signature luxury aesthetic. The design will draw inspiration from the 2019 EXP 15 concept, featuring progressive styling and a unique interior that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
The EXP 15 showcased features like a digital grille, a rotating dash (which can switch between digital display and wood veneer), and lavish materials such as silk and woven metal. These elements underscore Bentley’s commitment to maintaining its high-end brand identity in the electric era.
Charging and Range
Bentley has confirmed the EV will be capable of recovering 100 miles (161km) of range in just 6.5 minutes using DC fast-charging – suggesting support for speeds over 350kW. The battery and motor configuration remain undisclosed, but speculation points to a similar setup as the Porsche Cayenne Electric, which boasts up to 850kW of power and 623km of range.
Fast charging is essential for luxury EV adoption. Consumers expect convenience alongside performance, and Bentley’s commitment to rapid charging aligns with this demand. The delay of the initial launch (originally planned for 2025) was due to technical issues encountered during the development of the shared Platform Premium Electric (PPE) by Porsche and Audi.
Production and Future Plans
The vehicle will be designed and manufactured in the UK, at Bentley’s Crewe headquarters. The company had initially planned to release a new EV every year until 2030, but revised this strategy due to market conditions.
The shift toward electric vehicles is no longer a matter of if, but when. Bentley is adapting to this reality by positioning itself at the forefront of luxury EV innovation.
The 2026 launch will mark a pivotal moment for Bentley, signaling its commitment to an electric future while retaining its heritage of craftsmanship and performance.
