Bentley has offered a first glimpse of its upcoming all-electric model, releasing a teaser image that hints at the contours of what it calls the “world’s first true luxury SUV.” Deliveries of the unnamed battery-electric vehicle (BEV) are expected to begin in 2027, marking a milestone in the company’s transition toward electrification.
The teaser photo shows the vehicle draped under a cloth, revealing a silhouette with large wheels and a long bonnet — design traits consistent with Bentley’s signature SUV styling. The Crewe-based automaker said the model will measure under five metres in length and boast “a charging time from 0 to 100 miles in less than seven minutes.” Development is said to be advancing quickly, with pre-production and prototype vehicles undergoing a “global performance programme,” according to the Volkswagen-owned luxury brand.
See also: Bentley Softens Electrification Strategy, Keeps Combustion Engines in Medium-Term Plans
Bentley had initially planned to electrify its entire lineup by 2030 as part of its “Beyond100+” strategy, but it has since adjusted those ambitions amid weaker demand for luxury EVs. The company first delayed its target to 2035 and later abandoned a fixed phase-out date for combustion engines. Still, it continues to prioritise electrification, pointing to the forthcoming BEV and a concept car unveiled in July that previewed future electric designs.
“Today’s updates to our Beyond100+ strategy reaffirm Bentley’s commitment to progress — responsibly and sustainably,” said Chairman and CEO Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser. “We are evolving our product cadence to reflect the realities of a changing world and a dynamic marketplace. By introducing new internal combustion engine models and offering hybrid powertrains until at least 2035, we are ensuring that every Bentley customer can continue to experience the full breadth of our performance and craftsmanship.”
See also: Bentley Opens New Technical Centre in Crewe to Support EV Development
Walliser described the upcoming all-electric Bentley as “a bold step forward,” adding: “With industry-leading charging capability and unmistakable Bentley character and design, it marks the beginning of an exciting new era for our brand — a future defined by innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability.”
Bentley’s latest announcement confirms that hybrid models will remain a mainstay of its portfolio until at least 2035, with a new limited-edition combustion performance model expected before year-end. Successor versions of the Bentayga, Flying Spur, and Continental GT — originally planned as fully electric — will now also continue to offer petrol engines, catering to sustained demand in markets such as the United States and the Middle East.
As part of its ongoing transformation, Bentley is modernising its Crewe headquarters, preparing its historic “A1” building for the assembly of electric vehicles and expanding its Engineering Technical Centre to integrate prototype production, material testing, and software development for the next generation of models.