Bentley has officially confirmed that its first electric vehicle (EV) will debut in 2026. The luxury British automaker revealed that the highly anticipated electric model will be an “Urban SUV,” designed to be smaller than its existing Bentayga model, and will serve as a key part of Bentley’s transformation toward an all-electric future.
While the launch date was initially in 2025, the company updated the timeline in an online presentation. Bentley’s new CEO, Frank-Steffen Walliser, emphasized that the “Urban SUV” will be a completely new model, offering a more compact size for a more versatile, city-friendly driving experience. The new EV will measure under 16.4 feet in length—slightly smaller than the Bentayga’s 16.8 feet. Walliser also teased that the electric SUV will offer “amazing” range and “extraordinarily good” charging speed, though specific details are yet private.
Electric SUV As Bentley’s 1st EV
Bentley’s decision to go electric aligns with its broader strategy to have its entire range of vehicles battery-powered by 2035. However, the automaker plans to continue producing hybrid and combustion engine models for the foreseeable future, depending on market demand and regulatory requirements. Bentley remains committed to exploring e-fuels as part of its long-term sustainability strategy, as demonstrated in a recent test of the Continental GT Speed.
In addition to the electric SUV, Bentley also discussed plans for expanding its facilities. The company is investing £2.5 billion ($3.2 billion) into new technologies, including a new 134,119-square-foot paint shop scheduled to open in 2025 at its Crewe, England plant. This expansion will help Bentley meet the demand for its future models while maintaining its reputation for luxury and craftsmanship.
Bentley’s first electric SUV marks a significant shift for the automaker as it aims to attract new customers with a more compact, environmentally conscious offering while maintaining the luxury and performance that the brand is known for. With the launch of its EV range set for 2026, Bentley’s transformation into an all-electric future is well underway.
