Bentley is getting closer to launching its very first fully electric vehicle, and new spy photos are giving us a clear look at what’s coming. The British luxury brand’s upcoming electric SUV, expected to arrive in 2026 and likely wear a 2027 model year badge, has been spotted both inside and out during testing.

This new electric SUV was first announced back in 2024 under the name Luxury Urban SUV, but Bentley has not officially confirmed its final name yet. Industry rumors suggest it may be called Bentley Mayon, although the automaker has also trademarked the name Barnato.

Built on Volkswagen Group’s Electric Platform

Bentley’s first production EV will be built on the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE). This is the same advanced electric architecture that underpins future electric models from Porsche, including the upcoming Cayenne Electric.

Pre-series production reportedly began in November 2025, which explains why the test vehicle already looks very close to final production form. Even though the prototype is still wearing heavy camouflage, several finished details are clearly visible.

Smaller Than Bentayga, But Still Very Premium

The electric SUV appears to be slightly smaller than the Bentley Bentayga, which is currently available with gasoline and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Despite the smaller size, the new EV still looks unmistakably Bentley thanks to its premium materials, wide stance, and refined proportions.

One noticeable feature is the front-mounted adaptive cruise control sensor, which slightly disrupts the clean design of the bumper. However, this is expected on modern luxury vehicles packed with driver-assistance technology.

Interior Takes Inspiration From Porsche and Audi

Inside the cabin, Bentley’s electric SUV shows strong design influences from the Porsche Cayenne Electric, with a touch of familiar Bentley luxury and some elements borrowed from Audi.

The large central OLED touchscreen looks nearly identical to Porsche’s Flow Display system. The fully digital instrument cluster also mirrors Porsche’s layout, showing remaining driving range and vehicle information in a clean, modern format.

Interestingly, the left-side steering column stalk appears to come directly from the 2026 Audi Q3, while the right-side stalk has a unique design. The knurled metal-style finish on these controls is also carried over to buttons on the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Aside from a missing Bentley logo on the airbag cover (likely hidden for testing purposes), the steering wheel itself looks very much like a Bentley unit.

Luxury Details Still Very Bentley

Bentley’s signature luxury touches are clearly present. Knurled physical controls sit below the central display, adding a premium feel. The dashboard design suggests an optional passenger-side screen, which would align with high-end electric vehicles from Porsche and Audi.

The SUV also features round “bullseye” air vents, similar to those found in the Bentayga, Flying Spur, and Continental GT, though slightly redesigned for this new electric model. See more Photos

Fast Charging and Dual Charging Ports

Like the Porsche Cayenne Electric, Bentley’s EV features two charging ports, one on each rear fender. The left port is expected to support DC fast charging, while the right port will likely be for AC charging at home or public chargers.

Bentley has already confirmed impressive charging performance. The company claims the SUV will be able to add 100 miles (161 km) of driving range in under 7 minutes, which puts it among the fastest-charging luxury EVs on the market.

For comparison, Porsche says the Cayenne Electric can gain 202 miles (325 km) in just 10 minutes under ideal conditions.

Built in Crewe, Not Overseas

Unlike many Volkswagen Group models that are built in factories across Europe, Bentley has confirmed that its electric SUV will be manufactured in Crewe, England. This decision reinforces Bentley’s commitment to British craftsmanship, even in the electric era.

Expect Serious Power and All-Wheel Drive

As a luxury SUV with significant weight, the Bentley EV is expected to come standard with all-wheel drive, using dual electric motors.

For reference, the base Porsche Cayenne Electric produces 435 horsepower and 615 lb-ft (835 Nm) of torque with launch control. The extreme Cayenne Turbo Electric pushes those numbers to a massive 1,139 horsepower and 1,106 lb-ft (1,500 Nm) of torque.

Given Bentley’s ultra-luxury positioning within the Volkswagen Group, many expect the Mayon to offer very high performance figures, possibly rivaling or exceeding Porsche’s top trims.

Bentley’s Electric Future Takes Shape

With pre-production already underway and testing intensifying, Bentley’s first electric SUV is clearly nearing its official debut. While the final name and specifications remain under wraps, everything we’ve seen so far suggests a powerful, fast-charging, ultra-luxury EV designed to compete with the very best electric SUVs on the market.

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