First Bentley EV Enters Pre-Production Ahead of 2026 Global Debut

Bentley Motors has begun pre-production of its first fully electric vehicle as part of its revised Beyond100+ strategy. The upcoming model, described as a “Luxury Urban SUV,” is being developed and built at the company’s Crewe headquarters. It is scheduled for a global reveal in 2026, with customer deliveries expected in 2027.

The new SUV will be under five metres in length and will introduce advanced electric technology capable of charging up to 100 miles of range in about seven minutes. Prototype units are now undergoing global testing as Bentley prepares for full-scale production.

Alongside its first EV, Bentley confirmed updates to its product roadmap. The company will continue offering plug-in hybrid and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, adjusting its earlier plan to become fully electric by 2035.

Current hybrid variants of the Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur will remain in production for the next decade, while a new limited-production, ICE-powered performance model will be introduced before the end of 2025.

Bentley’s Crewe facility continues to undergo major transformation under the Beyond100+ plan. The company is investing in new manufacturing capabilities, including a state-of-the-art paint shop scheduled to open in 2026. Earlier in 2025, Bentley completed its new Design Centre and Integrated Logistics Centre, further modernising the 87-year-old site for the electric era.

Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, said. “Today’s updates to our Beyond100+ strategy reaffirm Bentley’s commitment to progress — responsibly and sustainably. We are evolving our product cadence to reflect the realities of a changing world and a dynamic marketplace. By extending introducing new internal combustion engined models, and offering hybrid powertrains until at least 2035, we are ensuring that every Bentley customer can continue to experience the full breadth of our performance and craftsmanship. Our first fully electric Bentley, the world’s first true Luxury Urban SUV, represents a bold step forward, it embodies our vision for sustainable luxury and technological excellence. With industry-leading charging capability and unmistakable Bentley character and design, it marks the beginning of an exciting new era for our brand - a future defined by innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability.”