On November 6 of last year, Bentley announced through a statement the updates introduced in the Beyond100 program, first presented in 2020. A year later, the British luxury car manufacturer of the VW Group reported that it had introduced further changes to the action plan, which is now called Beyond100+, in order to adapt it to a time of great instability in the automotive sector (industry and market). However, the start of series production of the brand’s first electric SUV is still scheduled for next year, a commitment illustrated by the release of its first image!
Initially, in Beyond 100, the Crewe-based company had very ambitious electrification plans, including the end of internal combustion engine production by 2030 – but last year’s Beyond 100+ postponed that goal to 2035. And, at the time of announcing the adaptation of the plan, the brand made another commitment, namely the production of its first electric vehicle in 2026. The manufacturer also renewed its goal of complying with environmental regulations imposed by the European Union (EU), particularly in the field of CO2 emissions, with technologies such as electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrains.
Now, the brand admits to maintaining the production of internal combustion engines beyond 2035, due to the growing demand for PHEVs, which combine thermal and electric mechanics; and has even confirmed the production, in a limited edition, of a new version of the Supersports – the first-ever version of the Continental GT with rear-wheel drive only! During a press conference held at its headquarters, the manufacturer’s director, Frank-Steffen Walliser, stated that the changes in the Beyond100+ strategy are nothing more than the adaptation of the plan to the development expectations of the largest markets, and the demands and needs of luxury car customers.
Walliser, during the meeting, presented the assembly line of the first 100% electric Bentley, confirming the start of production at the end of 2026 and the commencement of deliveries to customers in 2027. This is an SUV designed, developed, and produced in Crewe, which aims to create a new segment of luxury cars. The British brand announces it as more compact than the Bentayga, measuring less than five meters in length, and geared towards more urban use, which meets the condition to attract new customers to Bentley.
According to the top official of the British brand, the new SUV will have an autonomy well above average (more than 600 km, guaranteed), and fast charging technology that will allow for replenishing more than 160 km of autonomy in about seven minutes. Walliser did not announce details, but it is believed that this model is based on the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) platform, with an 800 V electric architecture, a very modern structure created by Audi and Porsche – the Ingolstadt house already uses it in the A6 and Q6, while the Weissach brand employs it in the new generations of the Macan and Cayenne.
