Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
Spy photographers have once again caught several upcoming vehicles undergoing testing, giving an early glimpse at what's to come before they officially debut.
Bentley Continues Development of Urban SUV
Bentley will enter the electric era in '26 with the unveiling of its first fully electric SUV, a compact luxury model aimed primarily at wealthy urban buyers, according to sources. The British manufacturer is promoting the newcomer as "The World's First Luxury Urban SUV," and plans to begin series production in '27.
The model represents a clear shift for Bentley, a brand long associated with large saloons and grand tourers. At less than 16 ft. in length, the new SUV is noticeably smaller than the company's traditional offerings. According to Bentley, the size is intentional: the vehicle is designed for navigating dense city streets while still offering enough battery capacity for comfortable trips into the countryside.
Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser says the car will feature a battery of "impressive size" and offer charging speeds "as good as anything on the market." However, he downplays the idea of long-distance EV travel for Bentley customers. "Bentley owners don't drive 1,000 kilometers in a day," he says. "That's something for truck drivers. Bentley owners take the plane."
The SUV will use the Porsche/Audi EV platform already employed in the Porsche Macan and Audi A6 and Q6 e-tron. In its current form, the platform supports up to 630 hp and an 800-V, 95 kWh battery capable of charging from 10% to 80% in 21 minutes, with a range of around 382 miles. Walliser suggests Bentley's version may surpass these figures, noting plans to "push the boundaries of charging speed, energy density, overall design and motor efficiency."
A final name has yet to be chosen. Bentley recently registered the trademarks Mayon and Barnato, either of which could be used.
Industry observers expect the SUV to launch first in China, where demand for premium electric vehicles is growing rapidly and SUVs remain highly popular, even in major cities.
Facelift Coming for Cupra Born
The long-awaited facelift for the Cupra Born has been spotted again testing in Spain. It is rumored to be a big upgrade coming alongside the new VW ID.3 and is expected to be revealed at the beginning of '26.
Visually, the new Cupra Born will be more oriented towards current models, such as the new Formentor or the new Tavascan. It is the first upgrade for the Cupra Born.
It is not yet clear whether we will also see new technology with the new models, according to sources. The focus is primarily on a new look and a new interior with higher-quality materials and fewer touch panels.
It will also be interesting to see what happens to the Cupra Born in the future. VW is not planning a new ID.3 when the MEB platform is phased out and is focusing on the electric Golf. Is Cupra possibly cancelling the Born and launching an electric Leon alongside the electric Golf? The VW brand hinted at this step last year.
