Bentley Motors has set a 2026 launch date for its first electric vehicle (EV), marking a pivotal step in the British luxury brand’s new Beyond100+ electrification strategy, which extends its EV goals to 2035 and beyond. The carmaker shared that this initial EV, described as the “first true Luxury Urban SUV,” is designed to open a new segment in the market. Although Bentley had previously targeted 2030 for an all-electric lineup, this goal has now shifted to 2035 in response to evolving market conditions.
The EV, teased in a shadowed silhouette, shows a profile that resembles the existing Bentayga SUV, with notable modifications including a lower rear roofline, curvier fender shoulders, and a distinctive flick at the D-pillar’s base. Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser noted the EV would measure under 5 meters (197 inches), making it more compact than the Bentayga, which stands at 5.1 meters (202 inches) in standard form.
Walliser shared that the new model is aimed at attracting a different kind of buyer who may not have previously considered Bentley, acknowledging that traditional customers have shown limited interest in EVs. However, he expressed optimism, saying that the current slowdown in EV demand is “a dip” and that interest would recover over time.
The automaker was cautious about sharing full technical specifications but highlighted that the EV’s range would be “surprising” and alluded to a new, non-synthetic sound generation technique, unique within the industry. Bentley emphasized that it would maintain a clear distinction between its electric and combustion engine models, ruling out dual powertrain versions of any vehicle.
The Beyond100+ plan also includes an annual launch of a new battery-electric vehicle (BEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) from 2026 through 2035, after which Bentley intends to focus exclusively on electric vehicles. “Everybody knows that the market looks different than was projected in 2019 – this is not Bentley-specific, it’s valid for the whole car industry,” said Walliser, acknowledging the need for flexibility within the plan.
The company’s new EV and other future models will be developed at Bentley’s Crewe headquarters in England, which is currently being upgraded with new design facilities, a BEV assembly line, and a paint shop. As a part of Volkswagen Group, Bentley’s upcoming EV will share certain platforms and components with other brands in the group, aligning with Bentley’s historical approach to leveraging shared technology.
