Bentley is working on a second crossover, and it won't be a scaled-down Bentayga with a combustion engine. Codenamed Barnato after Bentley Boy Woolf Barnato, the new model will be fully electric and slot in below the Bentayga.

A prototype has already been spotted lapping the Nürburgring. Though it's wearing heavy camo, the silhouette is clear: this SUV looks lower and more compact than its bigger sibling. The front end is still obscured, but these latest prototypes no longer mimic the dual headlights of the Flying Spur or Bentayga.

Instead, the headlights—with four visible LED elements—bear a strong resemblance to those on the Bentley Batur. That's a design cue also seen on the Porsche Macan and Cayenne Electric. The production grille will likely be mostly decorative and painted in body color, since cooling duty falls to functional air intakes in the lower bumper. The styling might echo the EXP 15 concept, but Bentley will have to tread carefully to ensure the electric crossover remains distinctly a Bentley and not just a dressed-up Porsche.

Under the skin, it will be closely related to Porsche. The Barnato will ride on the PPE architecture that will underpin the future Cayenne Electric. Expect a battery pack around 113 kWh and fast charging that can add roughly 160 km of range in just seven minutes. For a luxury SUV, real-world charging convenience matters more than headline-grabbing peak rates—owners won't want to linger at a charger longer than a quick stop.

Early indications suggest the electric motors will also be sourced from Porsche's parts bin. The Cayenne Electric's power outputs range from 402 hp to a staggering 1,156 hp, and flagship Bentley versions could top 1,100 hp. But here's the catch: for Crewe's clientele, that kind of power isn't about track thrills—it's about effortless acceleration, making a heavy luxury SUV surge forward without any sense of strain.

The cabin is also expected to share elements with Porsche. Prototypes have been spotted with a curved OLED display and Android Automotive OS infotainment. Bentley will set itself apart through its choice of materials—leather, wood, metal—and a more serene atmosphere. Otherwise, customers might wonder why it costs significantly more than a Cayenne Electric.

The Barnato represents a delicate balancing act for Bentley: harnessing Porsche's speed and electronics without sacrificing the qualities its customers value most—silence, substance, and an unmistakable handcrafted feel.