We Think We Know What Bentley’s First EV Will Be Called
The electric SUV, due to be revealed by year’s end, could end up being named for Woolf Barnato, an influential Bentley racer and executive from the 1920s.
By Caleb MillerPublished: Mar 18, 2026
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Bentley will unveil its first EV before the end of 2026, and we think we know what it will be called.
A trademark has been filed in the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom for “Barnato.\”
Woolf Barnato purchased a controlling stake in Bentley in 1925 and drove Bentleys to three consecutive Le Mans victories while he led the company.\n\nBentley is poised to electrify its legendary lineup, with the brand’s first all-electric vehicle slated for a grand reveal before the close of 2026. Spy shots have already offered a tantalizing glimpse of this new electric SUV, a departure from Bentley’s traditional grand tourers. While the automaker has remained tight-lipped about the official designation, our own investigation into filings with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office suggests the name might be “Barnato,” a moniker steeped in the very fabric of Bentley’s illustrious history.\n\nThe legal trail begins with a trademark application filed on August 20, 2025, covering a comprehensive range of automotive goods and services, including motor vehicles, components, and electric vehicle infrastructure such as charging cables and stations. This breadth of coverage, particularly the inclusion of EV-specific assets, strongly indicates that “Barnato” is destined for Bentley’s pioneering electric model. After all, Bentley has no other current involvement in the electric vehicle sphere, and the company has explicitly stated that a second electric model won’t arrive until at least 2030, making this debut all the more significant.\n\nFor Sale Near You\nSee all results for new 2028 Bentley Barnato for sale near 634720\n\nBarnato is a name that resonates deeply within the annals of Bentley lore. The man himself, Woolf Barnato, born in 1895, was a central figure among the famed “Bentley Boys” of the 1920s—a cohort of daring racers, affluent heirs, and intrepid adventurers who catapulted the Bentley brand into the stratosphere of automotive excellence. Barnato, who inherited a considerable fortune from his father’s diamond mining empire, acquired his inaugural Bentley in 1925. Just a year later, when the company found itself navigating choppy financial waters, Barnato intervened decisively, injecting the necessary capital to assume control and ascend to the position of chairman.\n\nFox Photos|Getty Images\nWoolf Barnato with his Bentley Speed Six after winning the 1930 24 Hours of Le Mans.\nUnder Barnato’s visionary leadership, Bentley forged some of its most iconic prewar models, including the formidable Speed Six and the supercharged Blower Bentley. Yet, Barnato was far more than a shrewd businessman; he was a consummate racer in his own right, clinching the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans title an astonishing three times between 1928 and 1930, all behind the wheel of a Bentley. His legend was further cemented by an audacious feat in 1930, when he orchestrated a spontaneous race between a Bentley Speed Six and the Le Train Bleu, the opulent express train connecting the French Riviera with Calais.\n\nBarnato declared with unwavering confidence that he could not only outpace the train from Cannes to London—a challenge that had previously been issued by two other British marques earlier that year—but that he could arrive in London before the train even reached its final destination in Calais. He delivered on this audacious promise, besting the train by a mere four minutes, though his victory was accompanied by a fine from French authorities for the excessive speeding required for such a triumph. This spectacular stunt garnered invaluable publicity for the marque, and Barnato commemorated his achievement with the creation of the Gurney Nutting Sportsman coupe, a bespoke variant of the Speed Six that came to be known as the \”Blue Train Special\” (a designation that has occasionally caused confusion regarding the specific car he raced). Intriguingly, this very coupe was photographed alongside and served as a direct source of inspiration for last year’s EXP 15 concept, an electric SUV prototype that offers a compelling preview of Bentley’s foray into the realm of electric mobility.\n\nView Photos\nBentley\nThe EXP 15 concept with the Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman coupe.\nWhile the trademark filing for “Barnato\” provides compelling evidence, it is by no means an absolute guarantee of the final production name. Bentley has also pursued the name “Torcal\” in both the European Union and the United Kingdom, though this name has yet to materialize on the U.S. registry, and \”Barnato\” itself appears on the trademark lists for the EU and UK as well. Furthermore, Bentley retains an existing trademark for \”Mulsanne,\” the designation previously bestowed upon its flagship sedan. However, Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser recently clarified at a media gathering that the Mulsanne will not be resurrected, explaining that while the model enjoys a loyal following and there have been calls for its return, it simply did not achieve the sales volumes necessary to warrant a new iteration.\n\nUltimately, the weight of evidence points strongly toward \”Barnato\” being the chosen name for Bentley’s first electric vehicle. The historical significance of the name, the brand’s clear trajectory into electrification, and the timing of the trademark filings all converge to create a compelling narrative. We eagerly anticipate the official confirmation later this year, when Bentley finally lifts the veil on this groundbreaking electric SUV. Could this historic name adorn the most futuristic Bentley yet, blending a century of performance heritage with cutting-edge electric propulsion? Only time will tell, but the prospect is undeniably thrilling for enthusiasts of the marque and the automotive industry as a whole. This strategic move into the EV space positions Bentley to navigate the evolving demands of the luxury market, ensuring its continued relevance and leadership in the electrified future of high-performance automobiles.\n\nThe road ahead for Bentley is one of transformation, where the roar of the W12 engine may soon be complemented by the silent surge of electric power. Yet, through this evolution, the company remains committed to the core tenets that have defined Bentley for a century: unparalleled craftsmanship, bespoke luxury, and exhilarating performance. The \”Barnato\”—should it indeed bear this storied name—will not merely be an electric SUV; it will be a testament to Bentley’s enduring legacy and its bold vision for the future. This new chapter promises to redefine what a Bentley can be, proving that even as the powertrain evolves, the spirit of the Bentley Boys continues to race onward.\n\nFrom the legendary exploits of Woolf Barnato to the sleek lines of the EXP 15 concept, the threads of history are clearly woven into the fabric of this new electric offering. As we approach the official unveiling, the anticipation builds, fueled by the prospect of a vehicle that honors the past while embracing the future. This is not just the electrification of a car; it is the electrification of an icon, and the automotive world is watching with bated breath.\n\nThe final reveal will undoubtedly be a moment of considerable significance for the brand and for the luxury automotive sector. Bentley’s ability to successfully transition to electric propulsion while retaining its distinctive character will be a defining factor in its long-term success. The \”Barnato\”, if named as such, carries the weight of that expectation, but it also embodies the potential to usher in a new era of electric luxury performance that is quintessentially Bentley. The countdown to 2026 continues, promising a reveal that will undoubtedly make history.\n\nThe implications of this move extend beyond Bentley itself. As a revered name in the automotive industry, Bentley’s foray into the EV market signals a broader trend toward electrification within the luxury segment. Other manufacturers are undoubtedly monitoring Bentley’s progress closely, seeking to glean insights and benchmarks for their own electric initiatives. This creates a ripple effect throughout the industry, accelerating the pace of innovation and development in electric vehicle technology and design.\n\nUltimately, the success of Bentley’s first EV will be measured not only in sales figures but in its ability to captivate and inspire customers in a rapidly evolving market. The name \”Barnato\” evokes a spirit of daring and achievement, qualities that Bentley aims to imbue in its electric future. As the company prepares to launch this groundbreaking vehicle, it stands on the precipice of a new era, ready to demonstrate that even as the automotive landscape transforms, the legacy of Bentley will continue to drive forward, electric and undaunted.\n\nJoin the conversation and share your thoughts on what the future holds for Bentley. What are your expectations for the brand’s first electric vehicle, and how do you envision it honoring the legacy of Woolf Barnato? Your insights are valuable as we collectively anticipate this historic moment in automotive history.\n\nThe automotive industry is currently undergoing a period of unprecedented transformation, driven by the rapid advancement of electric vehicle technology and the growing consumer demand for sustainable mobility. Within this dynamic landscape, Bentley stands as a venerable institution, one that has long been synonymous with luxury, performance, and impeccable craftsmanship. Now, as the brand embarks on its journey into the realm of electrification, it faces the dual challenge of honoring its illustrious past while simultaneously embracing the innovations that will define its future.\n\nThe decision to name the upcoming electric SUV \”Barnato\” is a masterstroke of branding, one that seamlessly bridges the gap between
