Bentley is pushing forward with its first all-electric vehicle, the Urban SUV, with recent winter testing providing a clearer look at its design and confirming ambitious performance targets. The luxury automaker expects to begin customer deliveries in 2027, despite earlier considerations to delay full electrification beyond 2035 based on hybrid model success.
Design Details Emerge
The latest prototype sightings reveal key design elements. Unlike Bentley’s current Flying Spur and Bentayga, the Urban SUV sports headlights more closely resembling those of the Batur model – featuring a single-unit design with four distinct LEDs. The front bumper integrates air intakes for battery and motor cooling, with a central radar sensor.
At under five meters in length, the Urban SUV is shorter than the Bentayga, yet retains Bentley’s upright front end while drawing inspiration from the EXP15 concept. The roofline extends nearly to the rear, creating a purposeful SUV silhouette. Other notable features include frameless windows (a Bentley SUV first) and front intakes that lift at their edges, echoing the EXP 15’s design.
Performance and Technical Specifications
Bentley is aiming for record-breaking performance with its electric SUV. The company claims acceleration will surpass even the Continental GT Ultra Performance Hybrid, which reaches 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds. Rapid charging is also a priority: Bentley promises 100 miles of range in under seven minutes.
The Urban SUV will share technical components with the upcoming Porsche Cayenne EV, utilizing Porsche’s PPE platform and an 800V architecture. This means dual-motors, advanced chassis technology, and potentially a 112kWh battery pack with 400kW charging capabilities and up to 1000bhp. Air suspension with dual-valve dampers and the Active-Ride system (borrowed from the Taycan and Panamera) may also be available.
While exact range figures remain unknown, Bentley anticipates a realistic range of 350-370 miles, acknowledging that its more upright design may slightly hinder efficiency compared to the Porsche Cayenne EV.
A New Era for Bentley
Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser emphasizes the Urban SUV’s versatility, targeting both long-range travel and city driving. The model is not intended as a replacement for existing Bentley vehicles but rather as an addition to attract new customers. The interior will likely feature premium materials (leather, wood, and metal) and integrate Porsche’s latest digital interfaces, including a vertically mounted center display.
“Our first fully electric Bentley represents a bold step forward… it embodies our vision for sustainable luxury and technological excellence.” – Frank-Steffen Walliser, CEO of Bentley
The Urban SUV represents Bentley’s commitment to electrification while maintaining its signature luxury and craftsmanship. As testing continues, the model is poised to become a key player in the high-end electric SUV market.
