Bentley Motors has begun pre-series production of its first all-electric vehicle, marking a new era in the British marque’s journey toward sustainable ultra-luxury. The upcoming Luxury Urban SUV is being built at Bentley’s historic Crewe facility in the UK and will serve as the brand’s first step into full-scale electrification under its revised Beyond100+ strategy.
The production-ready version of Bentley’s first EV will make its global debut in late 2026, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. Prototype testing is already underway across multiple continents, with the brand fine-tuning performance and efficiency under varied driving and climatic conditions.
A New Era: Bentley’s Luxury Urban SUV
Bentley’s inaugural EV will take the form of a compact luxury SUV, positioned below the Bentayga in size but retaining the space, craftsmanship, and refinement synonymous with the brand.
Measuring under five metres in length, the new model will combine advanced battery and powertrain technologies with rapid-charging capability — offering charging speeds of up to 300kW.
According to Bentley, the EV can add 100 miles (160km) of range in just seven minutes, making it one of the fastest-charging luxury EVs in its segment. This blend of performance and convenience underscores Bentley’s commitment to combining traditional luxury with cutting-edge innovation.
Bentley’s Electrification Roadmap: Balancing Tradition and Transition
Although Bentley’s first EV is a landmark moment, the company has confirmed that its internal combustion and hybrid models will continue to be sold until at least 2035.
This marks a strategic revision of its earlier plan to become fully electric by 2030 — a decision influenced by global market trends and customer preferences.
In the interim, Bentley will continue to enhance its plug-in hybrid lineup, including the Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur, each receiving powertrain upgrades to deliver improved efficiency and performance.
Limited-Run ICE Performance Model in 2025
Before the arrival of the EV, Bentley will launch a limited-production performance model by the end of 2025 — a final celebration of pure internal combustion engineering.
This special-edition car will feature the most advanced iteration of Bentley’s iconic twin-turbo W12 or V8 engine, serving as a tribute to the brand’s performance heritage before the full transition to electrification begins.
CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser explained that this move reflects Bentley’s intent to “offer customers freedom of choice while advancing confidently toward electrification,” ensuring the brand’s DNA of power, presence, and prestige remains intact.
Crewe “Dream Factory”: The Future of Bentley Production
Bentley’s Crewe Dream Factory is undergoing extensive modernization to serve as the cornerstone of the company’s electric future.
The facility is being restructured to support both EV and hybrid architectures, with heavy investment in sustainability, automation, and carbon neutrality.
Key Developments Include:
- A new paint shop set to open in 2026
- Expanded assembly lines for hybrid and EV models
- A newly inaugurated Design Centre and Logistics Hub
- A target of carbon-neutral operations by 2030
This transformation represents Bentley’s largest self-funded investment in its 106-year history and will secure over 4,000 UK-based jobs as the brand pivots toward electric mobility.
Bentley’s Beyond100+ Vision
The updated Beyond100+ strategy outlines Bentley’s roadmap for the next decade — merging innovation, sustainability, and heritage into a single philosophy.
Key Objectives:
- Achieve carbon-neutral production by 2030
- Introduce a fully electrified lineup by the early 2030s
- Continue advancing sustainable design and manufacturing practices
The upcoming Luxury Urban SUV will be the first embodiment of this vision, blending handcrafted luxury with zero-emission performance and next-generation digital technology.
Verdict: A Defining Step for Bentley’s Future
The start of pre-production for Bentley’s first EV marks a defining moment in the brand’s evolution. By blending traditional craftsmanship with advanced electrification, Bentley is setting a new standard for sustainable ultra-luxury performance.
While the timeline for full electrification has been extended, the company’s commitment to innovation, design excellence, and exclusivity remains steadfast. The Luxury Urban SUV, arriving in 2026, will bridge Bentley’s storied past with its electric future — symbolizing the next chapter in British luxury motoring.
checkout:First Bentley EV Enters Pre-Production Ahead of 2026 Debut
