by Bentley is preparing a second SUV: the electric Barnato will become the younger brother of the Bentayga
Bentley has decided to expand its SUV lineup by introducing a second model, which will be positioned one step below the Bentayga. The new car, rumored to be named Barnato after Woolf Barnato of the legendary “Bentley Boys” group, will completely abandon internal combustion engines in favor of an electric powertrain.
Despite the fact that demand for electric vehicles in key markets such as the US has slowed somewhat, the new model is expected to attract buyers looking for the smoothest and most comfortable driving experience. The use of electricity will also help Bentley reduce the average emission level of its fleet. The official unveiling of the new electric car is expected later this year, with first customer deliveries beginning in 2027.
First spy photos and design
A prototype of the future SUV was spotted for the first time during tests at the Nürburgring. Like previous examples, it is covered in heavy camouflage that hides key design elements. However, a darkened lower radiator grille can be discerned.
Early test vehicles used lighting styled after the dual headlights of the Flying Spur and Bentayga, but this prototype is closer to a design with a single headlight unit, like the Bentley Batur model. The clusters also feature four separate LEDs, reminiscent of a modern Porsche solution.
It is difficult to say exactly what the radiator grille will look like. It will likely be painted in the body color and serve more of a decorative function rather than for cooling. The design may be inspired by last year’s EXP 15 concept. The main air intakes for cooling will be located in the lower part of the front bumper, and a radar sensor will be installed in the center of the front panel.
Technical components from Porsche
It is known that the Barnato is based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, which is also used by other VW Group models, including the Porsche Cayenne Electric. According to Carscoops, the car will receive a battery pack with a capacity of 113 kWh, which supports fast DC charging, allowing the range to be replenished by 160 km in less than seven minutes.
Bentley is also expected to use electric motors from Porsche’s “parts bin,” most likely from the Cayenne Electric. The power range in Porsche varies from 402 hp in the base version to an impressive 1156 hp in the top-end version. Rumors suggest that the flagship Barnato version from Bentley will also have over 1,100 horsepower.
Interior and technologies
Similarities with the Cayenne Electric will also be evident in the cabin. Although these spy photos show only a small part of the interior, previous prototypes demonstrated that a number of technological solutions will be shared with Porsche. In particular, this refers to the curved OLED display of the infotainment system, which runs on Android Automotive OS. However, Bentley plans to give the interior its own unique style through the extensive use of leather, wood, and metal in the trim.
Thus, the new Bentley Barnato electric SUV will become not just a younger version of the Bentayga, but also a technological breakthrough for the British brand, offering a combination of luxury, performance from Porsche, and environmental friendliness. This is a bold step into the future, demonstrating Bentley’s desire to adapt to the new realities of the automotive market without sacrificing its DNA of luxury and exclusivity. All that remains is to wait for the official premiere to see how successfully these seemingly different worlds have been combined.
