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First Bentley EV pre-production begins ahead of its 2026 debut

Dhruv Dhaka
By Dhruv Dhaka
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Global prototype testing of this ‘Luxury Urban SUV’ is underway. Bentley will also unveil a limited-run, non-hybrid performance model by the end of 2025.

Bentley has begun the pre-series production of its first all-electric model, a new luxury SUV built at its Crewe site as part of the revised Beyond100+ plan. The EV, referred to as a “Luxury Urban SUV”, is set to debut in late 2026, with deliveries scheduled for 2027. Measuring under five metres, the e-SUV will offer advanced battery charging capability, adding 100 miles of range in about seven minutes, according to the automaker, which says global prototype testing is underway.

  1. Bentley’s first EV could offer up to 300kW charging speed
  2. Major investment is underway to modernise Bentley’s Crewe plant

ICE and hybrid models to continue till at least 2035

New limited-run performance model to debut by end-2025

Bentley has confirmed it will continue to sell hybrid versions of the Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur at least until 2035, pushing back its goal of going fully electric by then. Moreover, it will unveil a new, limited-run non-hybrid performance model by the end of this year.

Company CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser said the decision reflects current market demand, noting that continuing with ICE and hybrid options gives customers more choice as the brand transitions to electric mobility.

Crewe ‘Dream Factory’ preps for next-gen models

New paint shop and facility upgrades to support Bentley’s EV future

Bentley is continuing major upgrades at its Crewe ‘Dream Factory’ as it gears up for next-generation electric models. The site is being turned into a carbon-neutral and flexible production hub, with a new paint shop set to open in 2026. Earlier this year, Bentley also inaugurated a new Design Centre and Logistics Hub.

This is the brand’s biggest self-funded investment to date and will help secure jobs for its 4,000 employees as the company moves towards large-scale EV production.

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