Bentley Electric SUV Gamble: New Spy Shots Reveal Luxury Crossover on PPE Platform for 2026 Launch

Bentley Electric SUV Gamble Takes Shape: New Spy Shots Reveal Intriguing Luxury Crossover with Traditional Yet Futuristic Styling

Bentley’s upcoming electric baby SUV is beginning to shed its disguise, with new spy shots from the Nürburgring Nordschleife revealing its production-bound body for the first time. This luxury-focused electric crossover, set to launch in 2026 with production following in 2027, sits atop the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, shared with the forthcoming electric Porsche Cayenne. While initially disguised as a Porsche, the new images confirm a distinct Bentley presence, showcasing intriguing styling cues that blend traditional Bentley elegance with futuristic elements, all while targeting a sub-5-meter footprint for urban agility.

Mostly Traditional Styling with Futuristic Hints

Following the polarizing EXP 15 Concept, Bentley’s new electric crossover appears to adopt a more traditional yet subtly modern design.

• Front Fascia: The front features two pairs of rounded headlight housings on either side of a blanked-off grille panel, likely to retain a similar shape to combustion-powered Bentleys’ matrix grilles (ignoring camouflage bulges). However, the angular panels around these lights suggest a more futuristic overall look.
• Lower Intakes: Diamond-shaped grille mesh adds familiarity, with lower intakes curving inward at the center to house the radar/lidar sensor suite.
• Frunk: The existence of shutlines indicates a capacious frunk for storage.
• Side Profile: A panoramic sunroof and Bentley wings badge on each front fender are visible. Cladding hides exact door contours, but mildly bulged wheel arches hint at a sporty demeanor.
• Rear Design: Traditional pumped-up rear arches flow into the rear, with a relatively restrained diffuser panel. The tailgate opening appears low for easy luggage and dog access. The roofline isn’t aggressively sloped, with a spoiler providing drama, suggesting ample cargo capacity and rear headroom. Taillights are camouflaged but likely differ from the larger Bentayga.

Performance, Platform, and Predicted On-Sale Date

Bentley’s unnamed electric crossover, dubbed the “Luxury Urban SUV,” promises agility and impressive range.

• PPE Platform: It will be based on the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, shared with the upcoming electric Porsche Cayenne, ensuring robust EV underpinnings.
• Sub-5-Meter Footprint: The SUV will measure under 16.4 feet (sub-5-meters) in length, a strategic decision to allow owners to park in strict cities like London and Madrid without incurring hefty fines, and to make it “much more agile” than the Bentayga.
• Dual-Motor Power: Dual motors are expected, providing capable winter performance and thrilling acceleration.
• Battery and Range: Likely to feature the same 113 kWh battery capacity (108 kWh usable) as the electric Cayenne, translating to an estimated WLTP range of around 350 miles.
• Charging: The 800-volt platform is expected to support 400 kW charging, with wireless charging also a possibility.
• Launch and Production: Bentley has confirmed a 2026 launch, with series production following in 2027. This timeline suggests an extended period of spy shots and testing.

Navigating a Changing EV Landscape

Bentley’s electric SUV project comes at a time when global demand for EVs is proving weaker than initially expected.

• Market Challenges: The project was greenlit when EV demand was soaring, but recent market shifts could impact the final rollout.
• Potential Date Shifts: Bentley has acknowledged that dates could shift if global EV demand continues to prove weaker than anticipated, reflecting a cautious approach in a rapidly evolving market.

This electric SUV represents a significant “gamble” for Bentley as it moves towards an electrified future, balancing brand heritage with the demands of the modern EV landscape.

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