Bentley is poised to enter the electric vehicle market with its first-ever all-electric SUV, dubbed the “Urban SUV.” While initially slated for 2025, the launch has been pushed back to 2027. This move signals a significant shift in Bentley’s strategy as it transitions from solely gasoline-powered luxury vehicles towards a more sustainable future.
The brand recently unveiled its first official teaser image, revealing a production prototype cloaked in camouflage. The picture offers a glimpse into the SUV’s silhouette and design cues, suggesting a sleeker profile compared to Bentley’s current SUV offering, the Bentayga.
Design: Modern Elegance Meets Purposeful Stance
Bentley describes the Urban SUV as embodying “pure Bentley” design in a more contemporary way. The car adopts a classic two-box layout with a prominent bonnet and a steeply raked windscreen. This aerodynamically efficient design is complemented by high-set wheel arches, hinting at the vehicle’s purposeful stance despite its likely city-centric focus.
While under camouflage, previous spy shots show the SUV to be shorter than the Bentayga, hovering below five meters in length. Notable features like a frameless window design (a first for a Bentley SUV) and an intriguing lift-up front intake at its outer edges echo elements seen in the EXP15 concept car.
The rear end appears to move away from the rounded oval shapes characteristic of the Bentayga and Continental models, hinting at a sharper, more angular aesthetic influenced by the EXP15’s design language.
Performance: Electrified Luxury Redefined
Bentley promises unparalleled performance with its electric SUV. Technical specifications shared by Bentley reveal it will be built upon Porsche’s cutting-edge PPE platform. This translates to an 800V architecture, dual motors, and advanced chassis technology borrowed from the upcoming Porsche Cayenne EV.
Expect a power output exceeding 1000bhp — potentially even matching the rumored top-end Cayenne variant’s capabilities. The brand boasts acceleration figures surpassing those of the Continental GT Ultra Performance Hybrid (3.2 seconds for 0-62 mph), and charges offering an astounding ability to replenish up to 100 miles of range in under seven minutes.
Range: A Measured Approach
While Bentley hasn’t explicitly disclosed range figures, the company acknowledges potential limitations due to the SUV’s design. Expect a realistic range of approximately 350-370 miles compared to the Porsche Cayenne EV’s likely greater efficiency.
An Enduring Commitment to Craftsmanship and Technology
Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser emphasizes that this electric SUV will not replace any existing models but rather cater to new customers seeking a more versatile and sustainable luxury experience. Production will take place at Bentley’s Crewe, UK plant, ensuring the vehicle benefits from its world-renowned craftsmanship and bespoke attention to detail.
The interior design remains shrouded in mystery, but anticipation runs high for how Bentley will marry its traditional design language with advanced digital interfaces. Whether it fully embraces a digitized experience or maintains the tactile charm of its mechanical controls, expect opulent materials like leather, wood, and metals to define the cabin’s luxurious ambiance.
Bentley’s foray into the electric SUV segment signifies more than just a product launch; it marks a bold declaration of its commitment to sustainable luxury while upholding its legacy of exceptional craftsmanship and performance. The Urban SUV promises an exciting glimpse into Bentley’s electrified future, poised to redefine expectations within the high-end automotive landscape.
