Fresh images of Bentley's EV reveal new details and tech-filled cabin

This is our most revealing look yet at Bentley’s first EV, which is due to be unveiled at the end of next year. 

Spied testing in the freezing conditions of northern Sweden, this mule of Crewe’s so-called Luxury Urban SUV has lost the chunky camouflage that we’ve seen used by previous prototypes. 

Without it, a Bentayga-like bonnet, production-spec front lights and a wide and low front end are all visible alongside a monolithic shape that is clearly inspired by the recent EXP 15 concept. 

The EV’s nose and much of its rear end are, however, still partially covered, hiding the final design.

This is also the first time we’ve seen inside the EV. These pictures reveal a cabin that combines the features of the Bentayga (notably its round, metal air vents) with technology from the closely related new Porsche Cayenne Electric (a 14.25in curved digital instrument panel and a 14.9in infotainment touchscreen). 

Other than the fact that the EV will be based on the Porsche- and Audi-developed PPE platform, details are still thin – but Bentley R&D boss Matthias Rabe recently revealed that the SUV will be one of the fastest-charging EVs on the market, being able to gain 100 miles of range in just six and a half minutes.

It means that the new EV could offer charging speeds of up to 350kW. The fastest-charging EV currently on sale in the UK is the Lotus Emeya, which can accommodate speeds of up to 400kW.

However, to achieve such a speed, it will need to use a capable charger. Average charger capacity in the UK is around 120kW, with just a handful able to provide faster rates.

Rabe also said the EV – of which its official name has yet to be announced – was “very comfortable like a Flying Spur and agile like a Continental GT” while also possessing “very fast” 0-100mph and 0-200mph times. He added that it will be “the best Bentley on the road”.