Bentley has pushed again its plans to have its total lineup be totally electrical solely from 2030 to 2035, however the model remains to be working laborious on its first EV manufacturing mannequin, which will likely 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’s 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 exhibits 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 will likely be designed, developed and constructed at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, and from the teaser it ought to appear like a smaller Bentayga. In response to Autocar, who attended a web based briefing in regards to the mannequin, newly appointed CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser introduced the brand new mannequin will likely be lower than 5 meters lengthy (196.9 inches), so not less than half a foot shorter than a Bentayga. It is going to 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,” stated 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 substitute a automobile: it is going to be a further automobile in our fleet, and it is going to be one thing actually totally different to what we provide at this time.”
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 provide agency particulars of the mannequin’s vary, Bentley technical boss Matthias Rabe stated: “No buyer will complain about vary.” He added: “For us it’s additionally necessary that the vary is nice below regular driving circumstances, not simply with a relentless low pace, 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 stated the agency had seemed 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 will likely be typical Bentley. We’re actually impressed and enthusiastic about that. It will likely be a real Bentley.”
As regards to sound, Rabe stated that “we’re all automobile guys and sound is extraordinarily necessary, but it surely 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 means for sound. I can’t say extra as a result of no person else is doing it proper now. It will likely 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 could 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 slightly below 5 meters lengthy. Walliser promised to Autocar that “…it will be ‘utterly incorrect’ for Bentley to develop a mannequin that was ‘something like’ one which the Stuttgart-based agency would produce.” The at present 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 a substitute of making enormous ultra-luxury EVs like its rivals. Vehicles just like the Cadillac Celestiq, Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV and Rolls-Royce Spectre profit from their electrical powertrains and excessive pricetags, and Bentley simply might’ve made its first EV a humungous coupe or sedan. I feel that is the correct transfer, although. Driving a giant 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 an excellent good inside constructed and trimmed by Rolls-Royce, however on the finish of the day it was nonetheless only a Mini. I like the Aston Martin Cygnet, but it surely regardless of its leather-covered cabin, it was nonetheless only a Toyota supermini. Yeah, luxurious manufacturers supply 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 really like the Vary Rover Evoque, it’s not the identical as a giant 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 need a automobile with a smaller footprint that’s simpler to park. I get wanting the presence and magnificence of a giant automobile, however there’s no motive we are able to’t have that fashion in a smaller package deal. I’m taking a look at 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 via 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. Perhaps a smaller automobile would really be handled higher within the large metropolis.