Bentley’s Electric SUV Unveiled: Ultra-Luxury Meets Curved Displays and Porsche Cayenne DNA

Bentley’s upcoming electric crossover, codenamed Barnato, has been caught in new spy shots both inside and out, confirming its ultra-luxury credentials and striking design cues. The model closely mirrors the Porsche Cayenne Electric in profile, but Bentley has infused its own flair with a fully enclosed grille, circular headlights reminiscent of the Continental and Flying Spur, and wide intakes featuring a diamond mesh insert. A sensor pod is mounted centrally below the grille, while the rear features pronounced wheel arches, front fender badges, and a rear-side charging port. The rear end appears curvaceous, with taillights echoing Bentley’s current lineup, though part of the rump is obscured by cladding in the spy images.

Inside, the Barnato breaks new ground with a trio of curved displays—including a portrait-oriented infotainment system with a dedicated home button and HomeLink connectivity. The dashboard houses a curved digital instrument cluster, while the steering wheel adopts a two-tone design with gloss black accents, knurled thumb wheels, and wing-like stalks similar to those on the Audi Q3. The right side of the wheel features a shifter, and the left side integrates light and wiper controls. Real metal accents, a knurled shifter surround, and a sizable wood trim piece on the front passenger dashboard elevate the cabin’s tactile luxury. Additional highlights include thick metal trim, circular air vents, contrast stitching, and metal pedals. The center console includes dedicated climate control switchgear, eliminating the need to navigate the infotainment system for basic adjustments.

Under the skin, the Barnato rides on the Porsche-Piëch Electric (PPE) platform, shared with models like the Audi A6 e-tron, Q6 e-tron, Porsche Macan Electric, and Cayenne Electric. The latter boasts a 113 kWh battery, 390 kW DC fast charging, and outputs ranging from 435 HP (324 kW) to 1,139 HP (849 kW), depending on the variant. Bentley’s electric SUV is expected to slot between the mid and high-end outputs of the Cayenne Electric. Charging capability is equally impressive, with Bentley claiming the ability to add 100 miles (161 km) of range in just seven minutes.

Bentley Americas CEO Mike Rocco has confirmed the Barnato will debut in the United States in Q3 2027, with pricing anticipated to sit on the “lower end” of the brand’s range. This suggests a starting price around $200,000 to $250,000, positioning it as a high-end yet comparatively accessible entry in Bentley’s electric lineup.