Bentley's Electric SUV, The Barnato, Revealed Through Renderings

Daily Car

30/03/2026

Bentley is gearing up to expand its SUV portfolio with the upcoming Barnato, an all-electric model set to sit below the existing Bentayga. While official images remain under wraps, speculative renderings offer a compelling glimpse into the design of this groundbreaking vehicle, hinting at a departure from the Bentayga's styling.

Key Takeaways

The Barnato will be Bentley's first all-electric SUV, potentially named after Le Mans winner Woolf Barnato.
It's expected to be sleeker and more athletic than the Bentayga, drawing inspiration from the EXP 15 concept.
Performance figures could be staggering, with outputs potentially reaching up to 1,140 hp.
The interior will blend traditional craftsmanship with advanced digital technology, including a curved OLED display.

A Sleeker, More Athletic Design

The Barnato is envisioned as a more dynamic and visually striking SUV compared to the Bentayga. Its design language appears to be influenced by Bentley's futuristic EXP 15 concept. At the front, the traditional matrix grille is reimagined as a closed-off element, signaling its electric nature. Distinctive four-element headlights are complemented by a horizontal DRL strip and a lower intake designed for cooling and aerodynamics.

From the side, the Barnato looks shorter and more athletic, featuring muscular haunches and frameless windows. A sculpted shoulder line adds to its dynamic profile. The rear is characterized by slim, jewel-like LED taillights and a diffuser reminiscent of the Porsche Taycan's design.

Digital Cabin Experience

Inside, Bentley aims to fuse its renowned craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. A prominent curved OLED display is expected to dominate the dashboard, flowing into the center console, similar to the layout in the latest Porsche Cayenne Electric. This system will likely run on Android Automotive OS, offering enhanced AI voice control and app integration.

Other anticipated features include a 3D digital instrument cluster, an augmented-reality head-up display, and digital key functionality. While the steering wheel retains physical buttons and knurled scroll wheels, the overall interior design promises a modern and luxurious environment, available in four- and five-seat configurations.

Platform And Powertrain

The Barnato will utilize the Volkswagen Group's Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, shared with upcoming electric Porsches. It's expected to house a substantial 113 kWh battery, enabling both high performance and long-distance travel, with claims of recovering 100 miles of range in under seven minutes.

Power outputs are projected to range from approximately 402 hp to over 1,140 hp in top-tier variants. All models are anticipated to feature dual-motor all-wheel drive, with advanced cooling systems to manage sustained high performance.

Competitive Landscape

The Bentley Barnato is poised to enter a highly competitive segment, challenging established luxury performance SUVs such as the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Lotus Eletre, Lamborghini Urus, Aston Martin DBX, Ferrari Purosangue, and the flagship Range Rover SV. Its performance and technological advancements will likely be benchmarked against electrified Porsche models.

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