Bentley’s All-Electric Barnato SUV: Platform, Design, and Performance Details Revealed

Bentley’s next all-electric SUV, codenamed Barnato, will share its electric vehicle (EV) platform with the Porsche Cayenne Electric, according to industry sources. While key design elements remain camouflaged, the SUV is expected to draw visual inspiration from the EXP 15 concept, a 2023 show car that previewed Bentley’s electric future.

The Barnato will be smaller than Bentley’s current flagship SUV, the Bentayga, and will be powered entirely by electricity. This move aligns with Bentley’s strategy to reduce its fleet emissions and cater to the growing demand for luxury electric vehicles.

Prototype Spotted at the Nürburgring

A camouflaged Barnato prototype was recently observed testing at the Nürburgring, marking its first public appearance. The vehicle is adorned with the same heavy camouflage seen on other prototypes, obscuring key design features. However, visible elements include a blacked-out lower grille and temporary headlights, which are expected to be replaced by production-spec lighting.

The upper LED light strip is likely to be retained for the final model. While the grille’s exact design remains unclear, industry insiders speculate it may resemble the body-colored, mostly decorative grille introduced on the EXP 15 concept, rather than serving a cooling function.

Additional notable features spotted on the prototype include a large panoramic glass roof and a lower roofline compared to the Bentayga, suggesting a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile.

Technical Specifications: Battery and Performance

The Barnato will utilize the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, a modular EV platform developed by the Volkswagen Group. This platform is also used in the Porsche Cayenne Electric and other upcoming electric models from the group.

The SUV is expected to be equipped with a 113 kWh battery pack, which will support DC fast charging. Bentley claims this system can add 100 miles (160 km) of range in under seven minutes, providing a significant boost for long-distance travel.

Power for the Barnato will likely come from electric motors shared with the Cayenne Electric. Porsche’s electric models in this segment offer outputs ranging from 402 hp to 1,156 hp, and Bentley’s electric SUV may feature similar performance figures to match its luxury and sportiness.

Interior Design: Shared Technology with Porsche

The Barnato’s cabin is expected to closely mirror that of the Cayenne Electric, with several components lifted directly from Porsche’s EV. Spy shots of the prototype have captured only a portion of the interior, but earlier images suggest the SUV will feature a curved OLED central display running Android Automotive OS, aligning with Bentley’s modern infotainment strategy.

While further details about the Barnato’s interior remain under wraps, the shared technology underscores Bentley’s commitment to leveraging the Volkswagen Group’s resources to deliver a cutting-edge electric luxury experience.