Bentley’s Electric Future: What’s In a Name? The Story Behind the Upcoming EV
By [Your Name/Industry Expert Name]
Published: March 18, 2026
Updated: [Current Date]
Bentley, the epitome of British luxury and automotive craftsmanship, is on the cusp of a monumental shift. As the automotive world accelerates toward an electric future, the Crewe-based manufacturer is preparing to unveil its first-ever battery-electric vehicle (BEV) before the close of 2026. This landmark moment signals a new chapter for a brand synonymous with V8 thrum and opulent interiors. While spy shots have confirmed the vehicle will take the form of a compact SUV—a strategic move to capture the booming luxury electric SUV market—the most pressing question remains: What will it be called?
Our deep dive into the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) reveals a compelling clue that points toward a name steeped in the marque’s glorious past. We believe Bentley’s first EV will be christened “Barnato.” This name, filed on August 20, 2025, covers a comprehensive range of automotive products, including vehicles, components, and, significantly, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Given Bentley’s confirmed plans to launch a second EV only in 2030, this single naming decision holds significant weight for the brand’s electric strategy.
But who is Barnato? The name evokes a figure of legendary status in Bentley’s history, a man whose audacity and vision helped forge the very identity of the brand.
The Man Behind the Name: Woolf Barnato and the Bentley Boys
To understand the significance of the name “Barnato,” we must journey back to the Roaring Twenties, an era of jazz, flappers, and unprecedented automotive innovation. In this vibrant landscape emerged a group of privileged thrill-seekers known as the “Bentley Boys.” These wealthy adventurers, racers, and bon vivants were instrumental in establishing Bentley’s reputation for speed, durability, and uncompromising luxury. Among them, one figure stood out for his business acumen and competitive spirit: Woolf Barnato.
Born in 1895, Barnato inherited a fortune from his father, who had made his wealth in diamond mining. This financial independence allowed Barnato to pursue his passions, chief among them motorsport. He purchased his first Bentley in 1925, quickly becoming captivated by the thrill of driving and racing the marque. His talent behind the wheel was undeniable. He entered the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1928, piloting a Bentley Speed Six alongside Sir Henry “Tim” Birkin. They finished first, setting a new distance record and announcing Barnato’s arrival as a formidable force in international racing.
Barnato’s success at Le Mans was not a fluke. He returned in 1929, again with Birkin, and secured another victory. His hat trick was completed in 1930, this time with Glen Kidston, solidifying his place as one of the most accomplished Bentley drivers of all time.
However, Barnato’s contribution to Bentley extended far beyond the racetrack. In 1925, the company, then under the leadership of W.O. Bentley, was facing significant financial difficulties. The post-World War I economic climate and the high cost of producing Bentley’s sophisticated machines were taking their toll. Sensing an opportunity and believing passionately in the brand’s potential, Barnato invested heavily in the company, acquiring a controlling stake and assuming the role of chairman.
Under Barnato’s leadership, Bentley entered its golden age. He fostered an environment of innovation and competition, encouraging the development of even more powerful and refined vehicles. It was during this era that iconic models such as the Speed Six and the supercharged Blower Bentley emerged. These cars were not merely modes of transport; they were symbols of speed, prestige, and British engineering prowess.
Barnato’s strategic vision and financial backing transformed Bentley from a niche manufacturer into a global icon of luxury and performance. His legacy is one of audacious spirit, business acumen, and an unwavering commitment to excellence—qualities that resonate deeply with the brand’s modern identity.
The Blue Train Special: A Legend Forged in Speed
Perhaps the most legendary tale associated with Woolf Barnato is the 1930 race against the Le Train Bleu, one of the most luxurious passenger trains in the world. This escapade perfectly encapsulates Barnato’s flamboyant personality and his dedication to proving Bentley’s superiority.
The story begins in Cannes, on the French Riviera, where Barnato had spent a convivial evening with friends. As dawn broke, the conversation turned to a recent boast by two other British automakers, who claimed they could beat the Le Train Bleu from Cannes to Calais. Barnato, never one to back down from a challenge, scoffed at their claims. He wagered that he could not only beat the train but could also drive from Cannes to his club in London—the Conservative Club in St. James’s Street—before the train even reached its destination in Calais.
The wager was set. Barnato returned to his Bentley Speed Six, a formidable machine capable of impressive speeds. He embarked on his epic journey, navigating the winding roads of southern France, through the Alps, and across the English Channel. The drive was fraught with peril. He pushed the Bentley to its absolute limits, executing daring overtakes and maintaining an average speed that was almost unthinkable for the era.
As he neared London, Barnato’s determination intensified. He raced through the city streets, the powerful engine roaring, the car a blur of motion in the early morning light. He pulled up to the Conservative Club, breathless but triumphant, just minutes before the Le Train Bleu was scheduled to arrive at the Calais docks. He had won.
The victory was not without consequence. Barnato was fined by French authorities for excessive speeding, a testament to the extreme measures he took to achieve his goal. However, the publicity generated by his audacious feat brought invaluable exposure to the Bentley brand, cementing its reputation for speed and reliability.
To commemorate his remarkable achievement, Barnato commissioned a bespoke Bentley Speed Six from the prestigious coachbuilder Gurney Nutting. This unique car, later known as the “Blue Train Special,” was a masterpiece of automotive design. It featured a sleek, aerodynamic coupe body, finished in a striking dark blue livery that paid homage to the train he had defeated. The interior was appointed with the finest materials, including luxurious leather upholstery and polished wood veneers, reflecting Barnato’s discerning taste.
The Blue Train Special became a symbol of Barnato’s triumph and a testament to Bentley’s engineering capabilities. It remains one of the most iconic and sought-after Bentleys ever created, a tangible link to the brand’s legendary past.
A Modern Echo: The EXP 15 Concept
The spirit of Woolf Barnato and his legendary Blue Train Special lives on in Bentley’s electric future. In a fascinating twist, the design inspiration for Bentley’s upcoming EV concept, the EXP 15, can be traced directly to Barnato’s Gurney Nutting Sportsman coupe.
Last year, Bentley unveiled the EXP 15, an electric SUV concept that provided a tantalizing glimpse into the brand’s upcoming EV lineup. The concept vehicle, with its sleek lines and futuristic proportions, captured the imagination of automotive enthusiasts worldwide. But what many may not realize is that the design DNA of the EXP 15 owes a debt to Barnato’s Blue Train Special.
Indeed, images of the EXP 15 concept are often pictured alongside the Gurney Nutting Sportsman coupe, highlighting the clear visual lineage between the two vehicles. While the EXP 15 reimagines these classic design cues for the electric era, the connection is undeniable. The flowing lines, the sense of proportion, and the overall aesthetic philosophy all pay homage to Barnato’s iconic creation.
This connection is more than just a stylistic choice; it represents a deliberate effort by Bentley to bridge its storied past with its electric future. By drawing inspiration from the Blue Train Special, Bentley is signaling that its upcoming EV will not be a departure from the brand’s core identity but rather a natural evolution of its legacy. It suggests that the same spirit of innovation, performance, and luxury that drove Woolf Barnato to victory will continue to define Bentley in the electric age.
Naming Conventions and Future Prospects
While the evidence strongly suggests that “Barnato” will be the name of Bentley’s first EV, it is important to acknowledge that trademark filings do not always translate directly into production vehicle names. Bentley has a history of exploring various naming options, and the final decision rests with the company’s leadership.
In addition to Barnato, Bentley has also filed for the name “Torcal” in the European Union and the United Kingdom. However, as of now, Torcal has not been registered in the U.S., and Barnato appears on all three trademark registries. This dual-naming strategy is not uncommon for luxury automakers, as it allows for flexibility in naming conventions across different markets.
Furthermore, Bentley currently holds a trademark for “Mulsanne,” the name of its former flagship sedan. However, Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser has stated that the Mulsanne will not be revived, despite requests from some enthusiasts. Walliser indicated that the Mulsanne, while beloved, did not sell in sufficient quantities to justify its return to the lineup. This decision underscores Bentley’s commitment to focusing on models that align with current market demands and future growth opportunities.
Considering these factors, the “Barnato” name appears to be the most compelling candidate for Bentley’s first EV. It resonates with the brand’s heritage, evokes a sense of performance and luxury
