by The Name of the Future Bentley EV May Come from the Past
Bentley’s future electric crossover, which has repeatedly been caught in spy shots, may finally get its name. Despite being positioned as “the world’s first luxury urban SUV,” it could be named after a person from the brand’s historical past — Barnato.
Rumors about this name have been circulating for years. Back in 2016, it was reported that the company was working on an entry-level sports car with that name. More recently, in 2025, the likelihood of using the Barnato name for the crossover increased significantly after the manufacturer filed a corresponding trademark application.
New trademark filings for the Barnato name have been discovered in the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The American documents pertain to goods and services such as “vehicles and parts,” including “electric cars.”
Who is Woolf Barnato?
This name would be a tribute to Woolf Barnato, who purchased his first Bentley in 1925 and later bought out the car company itself. He is also known for winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times behind the wheel of 4½ Litre and Speed Six models.
Interestingly, Bentley has already honored the Barnato family before. In 2024, a special Bentayga S series was introduced in honor of Woolf’s daughter, Diana Barnato Walker, known as the “Bentley Flying Lady.” During World War II, she delivered aircraft to the front, including 260 Spitfire fighters.
The Electric Platform Leaves No Room for an Internal Combustion Engine
Separately, it is worth noting the technical features of the novelty. Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser stated that the company has no intention or technical ability to modify this car to install a hybrid or conventional gasoline powertrain. The reason lies in the architecture of the used PPE platform.
Such a step is not even technically feasible due to the use of the PPE platform.
This statement looks particularly interesting against the backdrop of general trends. For example, Porsche recently reversed its electric strategy by bringing back internal combustion engines for models like the Boxster. However, Bentley seems to be betting specifically on pure electricity for this new model.
The Future of the Model and Market Context
The future of the model remains in question, as market adaptation to electric vehicles is happening slower than many manufacturers expected. This could affect sales of the new Barnato. However, Bentley’s management emphasizes that the Bentayga model, which offers conventional powertrains, remains in the lineup. Thus, buyers who are not ready to switch to electric power will not be forced to do so and can choose a traditional SUV.
Bentley’s decision not to deviate from the electric architecture of its new SUV, despite market fluctuations, indicates the brand’s long-term faith in this direction. Using a historical name associated with the golden age of racing and company ownership is a powerful marketing move. It creates a bridge between the brand’s glorious past and its electric future, attempting to attract a traditional audience to new technologies. The success of this strategy will directly depend on whether the car can combine the unparalleled luxury expected from Bentley with the benefits and practicality of a modern electric drive in conditions where part of the market is still hesitant.
