Bentley Mayon or Barnato: The new electric SUV below the Bentayga
Test footage from Nürburgring reveals Bentley's all-new electric SUV, positioned below the Bentayga. The vehicle may share components with the all-electric Porsche Cayenne, using a 113 kWh battery and 800 volts of electricity.
Bentley is developing a completely new all-electric SUV, tentatively codenamed Urban SUV, positioned below the Bentayga. According to CarScoops, a prototype has appeared at the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany heavily camouflaged, confirming that this will be the company's first electric SUV and will only be sold as an EV.
Unlike the Bentayga, which offers both petrol and hybrid engine options, the new model is positioned lower, is smaller in size, and has a lowered roofline. Based on industry sources, the car is likely to share components with the all-electric Porsche Cayenne, meaning it could use an 113 kWh battery and an 800-volt electrical system. Because Bentleys are generally heavier, the expected WLTP range may be lower than the approximately 350 miles (about 560 km) expected on the all-electric Cayenne.
According to the trademark documents filed, the trade name could be Mayon (named after a volcano in the Philippines) or Barnato (honoring Bentley's legendary racing driver), in keeping with the company's naming tradition.
Design cues identified from the prototype.
The camouflage covers most of the body, but the round headlights – similar to the Bentayga – are visible. This is a departure from the vertical headlight style on the previous EXP15 concept. The body proportions suggest the new SUV is more compact than the Bentayga, with a lower roofline, targeting a customer segment that prioritizes urban mobility.
Its overall dimensions are expected to be comparable to the all-electric Porsche Cayenne, thus positioning this model in the mid-size luxury SUV segment, rather than the large Bentayga.
Electrical and battery systems: aiming for the specifications of a fully electric Cayenne.
Bentley has not yet released the specifications. However, based on industry observations and technical connections, the model may share many components with the all-electric Porsche Cayenne. In that case, a 113 kWh battery and 800-volt voltage configuration is a logical scenario. The benefits of 800-volt power typically lie in faster and more efficient charging and better thermal management, although specific charging details have not yet been revealed.
The WLTP range figure is not yet official. Due to the generally high weight of Bentley vehicles, the number may be lower than the approximately 560 km (350 miles) that the all-electric Cayenne is expected to achieve.
Expected performance: referencing Cayenne EV configuration.
Regarding powertrain specifications, Bentley has not yet confirmed them. CarScoops cites the all-electric Cayenne as a reference: the standard version has 402 horsepower, while the Turbo version can reach up to 1,139 horsepower. Given the brand's standing and product positioning, the specifications of the new Bentley electric SUV are likely to fall between these two ranges, but we still need to wait for official announcements.
Testing at Nürburgring shows Bentley is refining performance under demanding conditions, including body control at high speeds and the ability to cool the battery and electrical system.
Cockpit: leaning towards a distinctive luxurious design language.
Interior images reveal that Bentley isn't following the trend of "flat dashboards and huge central screens" commonly seen in many EVs today. The company may continue to maintain its signature traditional luxury style, focusing on premium materials and handcrafted details, although the final design hasn't been fully revealed yet.
Product positioning and naming
Ten years after the Bentayga's launch, the new electric SUV marks Bentley's second SUV model and its first EV in this segment. According to brand filings, the name could be Mayon or Barnato, continuing Bentley's tradition of naming vehicles after historical places or figures associated with the brand.
The main points are already known.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Position within the product range | Lower than the Bentayga, with dimensions expected to be similar to the all-electric Cayenne. |
| Drive format | Electric only (EV) |
| Code name | Urban SUV |
| Trade name may | Mayon or Barnato |
| Reference platform/technology | It is possible to share components with the all-electric Porsche Cayenne. |
| Battery and voltage (estimated) | 113 kWh battery, 800-volt electrical system (referenced from Cayenne EV) |
| WLTP range (estimated trend) | It may be lower than the all-electric Cayenne's range of around 560 km/h due to weight. |
| Detailed brand identity design | Bentayga-style round headlights; different from the EXP15 concept with vertical headlights. |
| Test site | Nurburgring, Germany |
Conclude
Bentley's new electric SUV prototype reveals a strategy to expand its SUV lineup into a segment lower than the Bentayga, with a purely electric configuration and a focus on sharing technology with the all-electric Porsche Cayenne. Identifying elements such as round headlights, a compact body proportion, and a traditionally luxurious interior are already revealed. Technical specifications, range, and official name still await Bentley's announcement.
