Bentley’s next era is taking shape, and it’s clear the brand isn’t following the typical all-electric script. Instead, it’s rewriting its Beyond100+ strategy. The updated plan still includes the highly anticipated electric SUV but also rethinks Bentley’s timeline for going fully electric while transforming its Crewe headquarters into a next-generation “Dream Factory.” And if early spy shots are anything to go by, Bentley’s upcoming SUV could be one of its most daring designs yet – a sleek, compact EV that will give wealthy buyers an alternative to the gas-powered Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Bentley’s First Electric SUV
SH Proshots/Autoblog
Bentley’s first fully electric model is almost here as pre-series production begins ahead of its 2026 debut. Dubbed the world’s first “Luxury Urban SUV,” this model will slot below the Bentayga but carry the same air of grandeur, built entirely at Bentley’s state-of-the-art Dream Factory in Crewe, England. It promises industry-leading charging performance, with the ability to add 100 miles of range in just seven minutes – halving the time it takes a Tesla Model X.
ICE Power Isn’t Going Away Just Yet
Bentley
While the spotlight is firmly on Bentley’s electric ambitions, the brand isn’t giving up combustion altogether. The updated Beyond100+ strategy shifts the goalposts: instead of going fully electric by 2035, Bentley will now continue offering internal combustion and hybrid powertrains well into the next decade. A new, limited-production performance model powered purely by petrol is already confirmed for release before the end of 2025. Meanwhile, V8 hybrid versions of the Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur will remain available until at least 2035, with the chairman and CEO, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, adding that “every Bentley customer can continue to experience the full breadth of our performance and craftsmanship.”
Crewe’s “Dream Factory” to Build the Future
Bentley
Bentley’s vision for its future cars depends heavily on the evolution of its home base. The historic Crewe headquarters is being transformed into what the brand calls the “Dream Factory” – a next-generation, digital, and sustainable production hub that redefines modern craftsmanship. A new paint shop is set to open in 2026, complementing the recently built design and logistics centres that are already streamlining production. Taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, Bentley’s path forward is clear: They’re easing into the world of electrification with their upcoming, unnamed electric SUV, but they won’t quit gas engines cold turkey.
