Bentley's Electric SUV Will Be Priced Like the Bentayga, According to CEO.

      Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien

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      The forthcoming Bentley electric SUV will venture into new ground for the luxury marque in terms of powertrain, though its pricing will remain consistent. In an interview with The Drive at the 2026 New York Auto Show, Bentley’s president and CEO Mike Rocco stated that the cost of the company’s first electric vehicle will be “comparable” to that of the Bentayga.

      Sales of electric vehicles present unique challenges, including ongoing consumer concerns over charging infrastructure and range, which are further complicated by the current presidential administration's anti-EV stance. Nonetheless, Rocco asserts that the same key factors for success hold true regardless of whether a model operates on gasoline or electricity.

      “The automotive industry is relatively straightforward. You need to establish the right price point. It’s essential to have a bank that accurately provides residual values, as most vehicles will be leased. Additionally, you need to have the appropriate sales volume in mind.”

      Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien

      Regarding pricing, Rocco indicated that a final figure has yet to be determined, but it should “be comparable” to the Bentayga. The Bentayga, which is Bentley’s sole SUV, also ranks as its best-selling model, which is why the electric version will also be an SUV, albeit a smaller “urban” variant. Rocco confirmed that it is scheduled to launch in the third quarter of 2027 and will be previewed in the third quarter of this year.

      Rocco mentioned that, during customer focus groups in Miami and Los Angeles, 8 out of 10 participants expressed their willingness to purchase the electric SUV. He also noted that dealer feedback during an exhibition in Lisbon was positive. Rocco emphasized that achieving the correct price point will be crucial for translating that enthusiasm into orders, referencing how Rolls-Royce experienced a decline in Spectre orders following a relatively successful introduction. Pricing similar to that of the Bentayga could potentially make Bentley’s EV more affordable than the Rolls coupe.

      Bentley was content to allow Rolls to be the first to introduce an EV "because we wanted to observe how the market would develop," stated Rocco. The brand has had plenty of time to assess the situation. In 2022, Bentley announced plans to launch five electric vehicles over five years starting in 2025, aiming for an all-electric lineup by 2030. When it revealed the “urban SUV” in 2024, Bentley indicated it would showcase the EV in 2026 ahead of a market launch in 2027. Currently, we seem to be getting just a teaser rather than a full unveiling, but the production schedule remains intact.

      Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien

      While Bentley previously indicated plans for an all-electric lineup by 2035 as recently as 2024, Rocco confirmed that the urban SUV will be the sole Bentley EV for the time being. He noted that the decision to proceed with this model is not only based on its current development stage.

      Anticipate that Bentley’s inaugural EV will utilize the same version of the Volkswagen Group Premium Platform Electric (PPE) as the Porsche Cayenne Electric, with design elements at least partially inspired by the EXP 15 concept. Spy photographs reveal a blunt front profile similar to that of the concept.

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