Bentley is set to become the latest brand to introduce its own EV—a crossover SUV of course—scheduled for a 2026 debut. According to CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser, the “luxury urban SUV” will be around 197 inches in length, a little less than the 209-inch Bentley Bentayga SUV.Related: Volkswagen’s China crisis: Can the German giant survive the EV price war?Bentley will prioritize range, charging, and engine noise for their upcoming EVNo other aspects of the SUV were revealed, but Walliser did say that they are prioritizing range and charging speed as the model’s key features. He also assured worried fans that electrification would not diminish the aspects that made Bentley such a storied brand.Bentley board member Matthias Rabe also spoke to concerns about the lack of engine noise, saying that Bentley is working on some kind of solution for the issue that keeps many enthusiasts away from EVs.
Bentley’s factory plansBentley
The company has revised its carbon neutrality plan with a longer timelineAlong with the announcement of its upcoming electric SUV, Bentley also revised its carbon neutrality plan, now dubbed Beyond 100 Plus. The plan details the creation of a new “Dream Factory” in Crewe, the establishment of Bentley’s Sustainability Council in 2023, its social and environmental sustainability objectives, and an updated goal to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2035, rather than 2030.Bentley is exploring unique ways to improve emissions and sustainabilityBentley’s first foray into electrification came in 2018 with the Bentayga Hybrid followed by the Flying Spur Hybrid in 2022. On their “Electrification” page, they also talk about a Flying Spur Hybrid prototype that drove around Iceland powered by a mix of clean electricity and an alternative fuel based on waste straw. During that drive, CO2 emissions were reportedly cut by 45%.Related: Is Hyundai’s INITIUM hydrogen-powered concept an EV killer?The company has also been exploring ways to recycle magnetic material to make new magnets and create a fully integrated e-axle without any rare-earth magnets whatsoever.Sustainable special editions are another new concept that Bentley is trying out. One of these special editions dubbed the Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition, features sustainable wool fabrics instead of leather and open-pore veneers that need less lacquer. Bentley says features like these will become more prominent in their cars.
Bentley Beyond100+ LineupBentley
Electrification makes sense for luxury cars like BentleysWhile I am personally not the biggest fan of electric cars, save for Lucids and Rivians, I think the technology is best used in high-end luxury cars. Rolls-Royces and Bentleys aren’t best known for their engine sounds; they’re known for the luxurious ride they provide for both the driver and passenger.If anything, these brands spend more time and money trying to subdue all noise to provide and quiet and plushy ride. Swapping an internal combustion engine for an electric one makes sense, but the challenge lies in the considerable weight of these land yachts. Hopefully, Bentley can find a way to minimize the impact of this weight on EV batteries and maintain a reasonable range.Related: Toyota’s 4Runner TRD Surf Concept takes SEMA to the beach