Bentley is ramping up development of its first electric model, and the latest spy shots from the Nurburgring show the compact Urban Electric SUV wearing production bodywork for the first time.
Originally slated for 2025, the launch was pushed back to 2027 as demand for electric models softened globally.
But the testing schedule tells you Bentley is committed, and this thing is happening whether the market is ready or not.
The new SUV slots beneath the Bentayga in both size and price, targeting what Bentley defines as a town car.
That means under five metres long, which keeps it compliant with strict parking regulations in cities like London, Paris, and Madrid.
CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser has been clear that this model will attract customers who would never have considered a Bentley before.
It’s expected to undercut everything the brand currently sells, and the Bentayga starts around $215,000, so that’s significant positioning.
The platform underneath is Volkswagen Group’s PPE architecture, but it leans heavily on the new Porsche Cayenne Electric rather than the smaller Macan EV.
Porsche made so many modifications to the PPE setup for the Cayenne that it’s practically a new platform, and they’re charging others for using it.
That includes Bentley. Expect a 108 kWh usable battery with various dual-motor configurations available.
Top-spec Turbo models from Porsche are targeting over 1,000 horsepower, so Bentley’s version should deliver serious performance credentials.
The design stays mostly traditional despite the polarizing EXP 15 Concept revealed earlier this year.
Two pairs of rounded headlight housings flank a blanked-off grille panel that should echo the matrix grilles on combustion-powered Bentleys.
Diamond-shaped grille mesh adds familiarity, and each lower intake curves inward at the centre to house the radar and lidar sensor suite.
A panoramic sunroof sits up top, and badge wings appear on each front fender.
Mildly bulged wheel arches hint at sporty intentions, while the rear end stays restrained with a diffuser panel and a low tailgate opening for easy cargo loading.
The spy shots show thick camouflage, but the overall profile isn’t far removed from what we’ve seen of the Cayenne Electric.
The roof doesn’t slope aggressively, which means plenty of rear headroom and cargo capacity. A spoiler creates the necessary drama without compromising practicality.
Bentley anticipates this model being as profitable as the old flagship Mulsanne, which is a bold claim considering the price point.
The company is repurposing one of its existing buildings in Crewe for production.
Walliser previously confirmed the car will be shown to media in Q2 2026, with first customer deliveries starting Q1 2027.
With global EV demand proving weaker than expected, those dates could shift, but for now, Bentley is moving forward with its electric gamble.
