- Bentley’s upcoming electric SUV will be smaller than the Bentayga.
- Initial customer acceptance of small, luxury SUVs has been strong, according to the automaker.
- The upcoming SUV will have a boxier and chunkier look.
Electrification is a sensitive topic today. While some brands have fully dedicated EV lineups, others remain firm on internal combustion. One manufacturer that continues to use large engines is Bentley.
While its product lineup has a hybrid option, a full battery electric vehicle has never been in its portfolio until now.
We spoke with Mike Rocco, CEO of Bentley North America, who gave us more information about the brand’s upcoming small EV SUV. He believes the car is poised to help advance the brand, but also notes that there is significant interest in this type of vehicle.
Future SUVs 2026-2030: Bentley Urban SUV
Photo by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1
“We tested this car over the last six weeks in Miami and Los Angeles. Eight out of ten people said they would buy it. It’s something very new and different for Bentley, and that’s what excites us.”
Electric vehicles are still a hard sell for many Americans. As automakers feel the impact of reduced incentives, the fact that a car company not known as an electric car maker is seeing positive results from potential buyers could signal the start of something new. However, Rocco emphasized that the new Bentley SUV will not be marketed as a fully electric vehicle, as its main aim is to be an electrified Bentley.
“So, when we come to market with this car, we’re not going to market it as a BEV. We’re going to market it as the next Bentley or the new Bentley. Of course people will know what that is. But the focus isn’t on BEV; it’s on “here’s the next Bentley.”
As Bentley claims a warm welcome to the electrified model, we learn more about the SUV itself. While we still don’t have photos or know much about the car, we were given some insight into how the upcoming model will look compared to other vehicles in the Bentley lineup.
Rendering of the Bentley ‘Urban SUV’ by Motor1
Photo by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1
“We’re promoting it as an urban SUV. So, it’s smaller, a little boxier on the outside. Interior-wise, it’s almost the same space as it was before.”
An “urban SUV” suggests this is a much smaller model than the Bentayga, and potentially closer to the size of a BMW X5 or X3. The design concept also appears to be different from other Bentleys, as no other brand’s lineup has a boxy look. However, this makes sense considering the SUV design trend is returning to large, off-road looking vehicles.
There’s little information about when this next SUV will be launched or even its price, but considering it’s already been designed and market tested, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before we see one.
Motor1 Take: Bentley’s upcoming SUV could be a game changer for the brand. The market for small luxury SUVs is huge, and if they can provide an electric powertrain that delivers lots of power and great range, this could be a new source of revenue for the brand.
