Bentley is set to transform the luxury SUV market with the debut of its first compact electric SUV. Positioned below the best-selling Bentayga in both size and price, this innovative “Urban SUV” marks Bentley’s bold entry into the all-electric landscape.
Accounting for 41% of Bentley’s sales in early 2024, the Bentayga’s success laid the groundwork for Bentley to expand its lineup. The new Urban SUV, slated for a 2026 debut, aims to attract a wider audience with a price point expected to start around $150,000. Here’s a detailed look at what we know so far.
A Name Worthy of Bentley’s Legacy
Say goodbye to “Urban SUV,” as this is merely a placeholder until Bentley announces the official name. True to tradition, the new model will inherit Bentley’s penchant for elegant and evocative names, akin to the Bentayga, Flying Spur, and Continental.
Bold Design Inspired by the Future
Bentley’s new SUV will derive its DNA from both the iconic Bentayga and the futuristic EXP 15 concept car. Expect unique design elements like a rectangular, illuminated grille, upright headlights, and streamlined taillights. While opinions may vary on its aesthetics, Bentley loyalists can count on being offered endless customization options. With over 46 billion configurations possible at launch, no two SUVs will look quite the same.
Measuring just under 16.4 feet in length, this SUV will be sleek yet spacious—with dimensions slightly tighter than the Bentayga’s 16.8 feet.
Fully Electric, Fully Advanced
The Urban SUV will be Bentley’s first all-electric production vehicle. Built on Volkswagen Group’s PPE platform, shared with models like the Audi Q6 E-Tron and Porsche Macan Electric, it promises state-of-the-art technology.
Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser has teased that the SUV will set benchmarks for efficiency, range, and charging speeds. With a range of approximately 350-400 miles, paired with rapid charging capabilities, this electric SUV aims to offer practicality without compromise. Notably, the propulsion system will deliver a specially engineered, exhilarating sound experience for enthusiasts.
Pricing and Production
The compact Urban SUV will be produced at Bentley’s renowned Crewe facility in England, adhering to the automaker’s Beyond100+ strategy of delivering a new electric or hybrid vehicle every year until 2030. Expected to start at around $150,000, the Urban SUV is designed to appeal to a broader luxury audience seeking sustainable innovation.
Launch Timeline
Bentley’s original plan to release the Urban SUV in 2024 has shifted, and it is now set to debut towards the end of 2026, with deliveries beginning in 2027. The delay ensures that Bentley delivers cutting-edge innovation aligned with its reputation.
Bentley is not just building smaller SUVs; it’s redefining luxury for an electric future. Whether you’re a longtime Bentley enthusiast or simply curious about their transition to EVs, this new model represents a significant milestone in the industry.
