Bentley has officially teased its first all-electric car (EV), which will be launched in 2026. This premiere EV will be an SUV, marking a dramatic move for the historic British company. Bentley is boldly labelling it the "world's first true luxury urban SUV." The unveiling will mark the beginning of Bentley's electric era, with the brand committed to introducing a new EV model each year for the following decade. Bentley's ambitious goal envisions an entirely electrified lineup by 2035.
Though exact specifics about the EV's performance and features are unknown, Bentley's Chairman and CEO, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, stated that this step is consistent with the company's Beyond100+ vision. He said, "Four years, almost to the day that Bentley initially outlined its Beyond100 strategy, we adapt to today’s economic, market, and legislative environment to initiate a major transformative phase for tomorrow." Bentley's Beyond100+ vision will extend its aims over the next decade, confirming its commitment to sustainability and a fully decarbonised future, with only electric vehicles in production by 2035.
Until then, Bentley will continue to develop plug-in hybrid electric cars (PHEVs), with plans to incorporate this transition technology into models such as the Continental GT coupe, Convertible, and Flying Spur with an updated V8 hybrid powertrain.
Bentley also marked an end to an era this past July by halting production of its iconic hand-built 12-cylinder engine at its Crewe headquarters in the UK. The W12 engine, a powerhouse for models like the Bentayga, Continental GT, and Flying Spur, was first introduced in 2003 and reached a production milestone of over 100,000 units.
