Bentley has pushed again its plans to have its complete lineup be absolutely electrical solely from 2030 to 2035, however the model remains to be working onerous on its first EV manufacturing mannequin, which might be revealed in 2026 and go on sale in 2027. Not solely will the brand new electrical SUV be in a phase that Bentley has by no means competed in earlier than, it is going to even be the corporate’s smallest providing ever — and I hope extra high-end luxurious manufacturers observe go well with.
The launched teaser reveals the silhouette and main character traces of the EV, which Bentley describes as being the world’s first “Luxurious City SUV” that can create a brand new phase. It is going to be designed, developed and constructed at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, and from the teaser it ought to appear like a smaller Bentayga. In accordance with Autocar, who attended an internet briefing concerning the mannequin, newly appointed CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser introduced the brand new mannequin might be lower than 5 meters lengthy (196.9 inches), so at the very least half a foot shorter than a Bentayga. It can nonetheless very a lot be a Bentley regardless of its comparatively compact measurement, as Autocar reported:
“This primary BEV is unquestionably a milestone for Bentley,” mentioned Walliser. “Because the Continental GT and the Bentayga, again within the days, actually outlined a identified sector, a brand new phase, the place no competitors was, in order that’s once more a process for this primary EV. It is not going to exchange a automobile: it will likely be an extra automobile in our fleet, and it will likely be one thing actually completely different to what we provide as we speak.”
Specializing in a luxurious SUV for city use will assist to offset the additional weight and measurement required by the batteries in an EV. Whereas the corporate has but to offer agency particulars of the mannequin’s vary, Bentley technical boss Matthias Rabe mentioned: “No buyer will complain about vary.” He added: “For us it’s additionally essential that the vary is sweet below regular driving circumstances, not simply with a continuing low velocity, but in addition with greater speeds.”
Rabe additionally promised: “We don’t simply wish to create any electrical automobile. It must be a real Bentley.” He mentioned the agency had regarded to its heritage fleet “to actually be taught what makes a Bentley a Bentley, from the driving feeling and all of the senses of that automobile. We’ll use that to create our first electrical Bentley, so the sound and all that might be typical Bentley. We’re actually impressed and enthusiastic about that. It is going to be a real Bentley.”
As regards to sound, Rabe mentioned that “we’re all automobile guys and sound is extraordinarily essential, however it has to come back naturally”, ruling out the introduction of artificial engine noises. However he hinted that the agency is engaged on “one thing in a really fascinating manner for sound. I can’t say extra as a result of no person else is doing it proper now. It is going to be actually thrilling.”
This new SUV will use the identical Premium Platform Electrical (PPE) platform that was co-developed by Audi and Porsche, underpinning present fashions just like the Audi A6 E-Tron, Q6 E-Tron and Porsche Macan EV, plus future ones just like the next-gen Cayenne and different higher-end Volkswagen Group EVs. It might make sense that the Bentley could be associated to the Macan EV, because the Flying Spur and Continental GT are to Porsche’s Panamera, particularly as the brand new Macan is just below 5 meters lengthy. Walliser promised to Autocar that “…it might be ‘fully flawed’ for Bentley to develop a mannequin that was ‘something like’ one which the Stuttgart-based agency would produce.” The presently Bentleys don’t really feel like Porsches in any respect, so I’m assured this new EV received’t simply be a slapdash rebadge job.
It’s fascinating that Bentley goes this route, as an alternative of making large ultra-luxury EVs like its rivals. Vehicles just like the Cadillac Celestiq, Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV and Rolls-Royce Spectre benefit from their electrical powertrains and excessive pricetags, and Bentley simply might’ve made its first EV a humungous coupe or sedan. I believe that is the proper transfer, although. Driving an enormous automobile within the metropolis is a ache within the ass, whether or not you’re in a extra car-friendly one like Los Angeles or a complete nightmare like New York Metropolis or Paris. Why can’t there be tremendous luxurious vehicles that occur to be small, too?
Some manufacturers have toyed with this concept. Mini had the Goodwood particular version, which had a brilliant good inside constructed and trimmed by Rolls-Royce, however on the finish of the day it was nonetheless only a Mini. I am keen on the Aston Martin Cygnet, however it regardless of its leather-covered cabin, it was nonetheless only a Toyota supermini. Yeah, luxurious manufacturers provide small entry-level vehicles just like the Mercedes A-Class or BMW 1 Sequence, however these are a far cry from an S-Class or 7 Sequence. As a lot as I like the Vary Rover Evoque, it’s not the identical as an enormous physique Vary Rover. Porsche is the primary firm to actually nail downsizing with out dilution with the Macan, however that’s extra of a efficiency mannequin than an outright luxurious one.
You shouldn’t have to surrender opulence and engineering since you desire a automobile with a smaller footprint that’s simpler to park. I get wanting the presence and elegance of an enormous automobile, however there’s no purpose we are able to’t have that model in a smaller package deal. I’m you, Rolls-Royces and Aston Martins and Maybachs of the world. Please, proceed to construct the ridiculous machines we love you for, however attempt dipping your toes into the world of small vehicles. I wish to stroll by an elegant neighborhood and see a street-parked, beat-up metropolis automobile with an inside nicer than my home. I see tons of Bentaygas with damaged physique panels and curbed wheels anyway. Possibly a smaller automobile would truly be handled higher within the large metropolis.
