Bentley may be a bit late to the EV game, but with big plans for the next decade, they’re making up for lost time. The question is: will their electric models have the same iconic appeal as their traditional luxury vehicles? It’s going to be interesting to see how the luxury market embraces Bentley’s shift to electric, but one thing’s for sure – better late than never, and when Bentley goes electric, it’ll still turn heads.
Bentley's first electric vehicle is now confirmed for launch in 2026, following initial reports from March that anticipated a 2025 debut. This luxury urban SUV will be among ten electric and plug-in hybrid models Bentley plans to introduce over the next decade, setting a new standard in sustainable luxury.
Bentley’s upcoming electric vehicle will likely utilize the VW Group’s PPE platform, currently used in models like the Porsche Macan. Bentley has confirmed that the new EV will be developed, designed, and produced at its headquarters in Crewe. This marks the beginning of Bentley's ambitious plan to launch a new plug-in hybrid or battery electric vehicle each year over the next decade, shaping the future of sustainable luxury.
In 2020, Bentley introduced its ‘Bentley100’ business strategy, which has since evolved into the more ambitious ‘Beyond100+’ plan. Originally, Bentley aimed to become an all-electric brand by 2030. However, with demand for luxury EVs progressing more slowly than anticipated, this target has now shifted to around 2032-2033. Under the updated Beyond100+ strategy, Bentley intends to produce only fully electric cars starting in 2035, while continuing to offer plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models until then.
It's not yet clear if Bentley’s upcoming PHEV and EV models will be entirely new or based on existing platforms, but hints suggest a significant expansion beyond the current lineup of four models, potentially introducing a broader range of vehicles.
With see farewell to the Bentley w12 engine the Continental GT and Flying Spur are now offered purely with a V8 PHEV powertrain.
So, what can we expect from Bentley’s new electric urban SUV? It’s anticipated to be a more compact SUV than Bentley's usual models, likely under 5 meters in length, offering enhanced versatility and making it the smallest vehicle in their lineup to date. While Bentley hasn’t shared many specific details—such as range—they’ve hinted that it will meet customer expectations, so we can expect a solid driving range that won’t disappoint.
Supporting Bentley’s transition toward a fully electric model range is the opening of a new carbon-neutral facility at the company’s headquarters in Crewe. This facility includes a state-of-the-art paint shop covering 12,460 square meters, set to be completed soon. The paint shop will offer an extensive range of colours, with over 100 different shades available. This large, four-story building will house more than 370 Bentley employees and is part of a £2.5 billion investment program in future production at Crewe, where all Bentley models are hand-built.
As Bentley shifts gears into an electrifying new era, the next decade promises to be one to watch. With bold plans and a clear commitment to sustainable luxury, Bentley is setting the stage for a revolution in high-end automotive design. How will loyal customers embrace this green vision? Will Bentley’s electric dreams capture the thrill and elegance the brand is known for? Only time will tell—but one thing’s for sure: the road ahead has never looked so exciting!
