Bentley has delayed the launch of its first fully electric vehicle (EV) to 2026, with plans to unveil it as the “world’s first true luxury urban SUV.” Originally scheduled for 2025, the EV will be a smaller, city-friendly alternative to the Bentayga, reinforcing Bentley’s pivot toward a sustainable lineup. This revised timeline is part of the automaker’s updated Beyond100+ Strategic Plan, with full electrification now targeted by 2035 instead of the earlier 2030 goal. Until then, Bentley will continue expanding its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) lineup, extending PHEV lifecycles through 2035 to meet evolving market and regulatory demands. New CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser describes this strategy as “a major transformative plan for tomorrow,” aiming to balance luxury with sustainability in response to today’s challenging economic and legislative landscape. Luxury Gets Compact with Bentley’s First Electric SUVBentley’s first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) will not replace any current Bentley vehicle but will create a new segment altogether. Smaller than the Bentayga at under five meters in length, the SUV is designed with dense urban environments in mind, allowing city dwellers in locations like London, Madrid, and Rome to easily park on the street rather than requiring garage space. Beyond its compact design, Bentley emphasizes that this EV will retain the hallmark Bentley driving experience. Technical chief Matthias Rabe assures that it will offer substantial range without compromising on performance, saying, “No customer will complain about range.” Additionally, Bentley has ruled out synthetic engine noises; instead, they are developing an innovative sound profile to deliver an authentic Bentley experience. “Sound is extremely important,” said Rabe, hinting that Bentley is developing “something in a very interesting way for sound” that no other brand has yet pursued. The model’s platform remains undisclosed, but there’s speculation that this EV could use VW Group’s PPE platform, shared with Porsche and Audi, enabling twin-motor options and 800V charging for fast energy recovery. Design-wise, the luxury EV will embody Bentley’s heritage with iconic styling elements and a new, clean front-end look to reflect its electric nature. The firm’s Mulliner customization division will play a central role, offering extensive customization to make each model a bespoke creation in true Bentley fashion. ‘Dream Factory’ for Next-Gen EVsBentley’s Beyond100+ Strategic Plan includes a sweeping transformation of its Crewe headquarters, which the brand calls a “Dream Factory” for the next generation of electric vehicles. This self-funded investment program—one of the largest in Bentley’s 105-year history—aims to reinvent the 85-year-old Crewe facility with state-of-the-art upgrades, including a new design centre, dedicated EV assembly line, and advanced paint shop. Bentley promises these updates will establish new benchmarks in “digital, flexible, and high-value manufacturing operations.” The Crewe site, already certified carbon-neutral, will play a central role in Bentley’s electric lineup, with all future models designed and developed in-house. The facility will focus exclusively on either EV or PHEV platforms, avoiding combined powertrains to ensure optimal performance and luxury standards. “The packaging demands are so different,” noted Rabe. “In the luxury segment, you would never reach the optimum if you did that.” New facilities will cater to custom builds and extensive personalization, allowing the Mulliner division to offer customers an unparalleled luxury experience. “Craftsmanship is at the heart of the Bentley experience,” Rabe added. A Hybrid-Only Lineup Ahead?Bentley is solidifying its lead in the luxury hybrid market by extending the lifecycle of its PHEVs to 2035. Following the discontinuation of the iconic W12 engine, the Continental GT, GT Convertible, and Flying Spur will be powered solely by the Ultra Performance V8 hybrid powertrain. Bentley hopes that this strategic shift will keep its offerings relevant as European emissions regulations tighten from 2027. Walliser believes that demand for EVs will rebound by 2026. This optimistic outlook coincides with a growing push for climate action across Europe, seen in protests in countries like Spain and increased public support for stricter emissions policies. Bentley has timed its entry to match these anticipated changes, with plans to introduce a new hybrid or electric model each year from 2026 through 2035. While Bentley’s focus remains on hybrid and electric powertrains, the brand acknowledges its legacy. Executives hint that Bentley will consider crafting low-volume, non-electrified models for select clients, potentially even a bespoke high-performance Bentayga or a special edition model designed for exclusive buyers. Source: Bentley
