Bentley Teases Its First-Ever Electric SUV; Launch Expected In 2026

Bentley Motors is making strides towards its all-electric future, with plans to launch its first fully battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in 2026. As part of the company's ambitious Beyond100 strategy, Bentley's debut BEV will be a high-end luxury SUV, referred to as an “Urban SUV.” 

Although details remain sparse, Bentley has offered some hints about the styling and scope of its upcoming BEV through teaser images. The design is expected to share similarities with the Bentayga, Bentley’s current luxury SUV model, but with significant changes that accommodate the BEV’s unique powertrain and align with the Urban SUV’s intended market. 

The Urban SUV will reportedly incorporate lessons learned from Bentley’s recent push into plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology, which could provide a strong basis for its battery-electric platform. Bentley’s progress with PHEVs has already laid foundational knowledge for their engineers, potentially easing the transition to a fully electric lineup, and improving consumer confidence in Bentley’s electric models. 

The introduction of this BEV aligns with Bentley's Beyond100 plan, a long-term roadmap aimed at transforming Bentley into an all-electric luxury brand by 2035. The plan outlines an annual launch of either a new PHEV or BEV model through 2030, with Bentley eventually phasing out internal combustion engines entirely. Starting in 2035, all new Bentley models will be battery-electric. 

The Urban SUV will be designed, developed, and manufactured at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, England. Bentley has made considerable investments in the Crewe plant, with a focus on sustainable practices and high-tech assembly lines tailored to BEV production. By consolidating the production of its electric vehicles in Crewe, Bentley is aiming to retain its reputation for British craftsmanship and control over quality while also meeting new sustainability benchmarks.

Although Bentley has not explicitly confirmed the influence of its corporate family in the BEV’s development, the brand is part of the Volkswagen Group, which includes Porsche and Audi—companies with extensive experience in electric vehicle technology. Bentley will likely leverage some of this shared knowledge to streamline production and ensure the Urban SUV meets the high standards of the modern EV market.