The article discusses the potential naming of Bentley’s first electric vehicle, expected to be an SUV, which is slated for reveal by the end of 2026. A trademark application for “Barnato” was filed in the United States, European Union, and the United Kingdom. This name has historical significance for Bentley, as Woolf Barnato was a key figure in the company’s early days, having purchased a controlling stake in 1925 and led the brand to success through three consecutive Le Mans victories. Barnato’s legacy includes his adventurous spirit and notable achievements, such as the famous race against the Le Train Bleu in 1930. The article speculates that this naming choice reflects Bentley’s intention to honor its heritage as it transitions into the electric era. While “Barnato” appears to be the frontrunner, Bentley has also filed for “Torcal” in Europe and the UK, though this name has not been registered in the US. Additionally, the company still holds the “Mulsanne” trademark, but the CEO has indicated that this name will not be revived. The final decision is expected later in 2026 when the vehicle is officially unveiled.
The automotive landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, and at the vanguard of this transformation stands Bentley, a marque synonymous with British luxury, heritage, and unparalleled craftsmanship. For over a century, the Crewe-based manufacturer has defined the pinnacle of automotive opulence, blending bespoke artistry with engineering prowess. However, the inexorable march of electrification presents a novel challenge—and an unprecedented opportunity—for Bentley to reimagine its identity while staying true to its core ethos. By the close of 2026, the world will witness the unveiling of Bentley’s first battery-electric vehicle (BEV), a milestone that will irrevocably alter the trajectory of this storied brand. While official nomenclature remains shrouded in mystery, a deep dive into the annals of Bentley’s illustrious history and a meticulous examination of recent trademark filings offer compelling clues as to what this groundbreaking electric offering might be called.
The digital ether, the repository of modern commerce and legal declarations, often whispers secrets that corporate PR departments strive to keep under wraps. Such appears to be the case with Bentley’s upcoming EV. A comprehensive review of intellectual property filings, specifically those lodged with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and its European and United Kingdom counterparts, reveals a recurring, evocative name: “Barnato.” This single word, imbued with the spirit of early 20th-century motoring adventure, resonates deeply within the Bentley lore. The application, filed on August 20, 2025, comprehensively covers a suite of automotive essentials, including “motor vehicles and parts and fittings therefor.” Crucially, the filing explicitly lists “electric vehicles, electric charging cables, and charging stations for electric vehicles.” The latter inclusions are particularly telling, underscoring the applicant’s intent to establish a comprehensive ecosystem for its electric future, not merely a standalone product.
The convergence of this trademark filing with Bentley’s confirmed timeline for its inaugural EV—slated for debut before the year’s end—creates a compelling narrative. The company has been characteristically tight-lipped about the specifics of its first electric model, yet clandestine spy shots have provided invaluable insights. These visual leaks confirm that Bentley’s maiden foray into electrification will take the form of a compact SUV. This strategic choice aligns with broader industry trends, as luxury SUV segments continue to dominate sales charts, offering a familiar, high-riding silhouette that appeals to affluent buyers seeking status, comfort, and versatility. Furthermore, Bentley has explicitly stated that a second electric model is not anticipated until 2030, suggesting that this initial EV will serve as a halo product, a technological tour de force designed to redefine expectations for electric luxury motoring.
But why “Barnato”? To understand the potential significance of this name, one must delve into the rich tapestry of Bentley’s past, specifically the era of the “Bentley Boys.” This cohort of wealthy, adventurous British sportsmen, active in the 1920s and 1930s, were instrumental in forging Bentley’s reputation for speed, endurance, and daring. Among them, one figure stands out with particular prominence: Woolf Barnato. Born in 1895, Barnato inherited a considerable fortune derived from his father’s diamond mining empire in South Africa. This financial independence allowed him the freedom to pursue his passions, chief among them motor racing.
Barnato’s association with Bentley began in 1925 when he purchased his first car from the struggling company. His acumen and passion quickly became apparent. By 1926, Bentley Motors was teetering on the brink of insolvency. In a dramatic turn of events that would forever link his name to the marque, Barnato stepped in, investing a substantial sum that effectively granted him controlling interest in the company. He assumed the mantle of chairman, ushering in a golden age for Bentley.
Under Barnato’s leadership, the company developed some of its most iconic pre-war models. The Speed Six, a robust and powerful touring car, and the supercharged Blower Bentley, a snarling beast of a machine, are enduring symbols of this era. However, Barnato was not content to simply preside over the company; he was a hands-on participant in its competitive endeavors. He was a formidable racer in his own right, achieving what many considered the pinnacle of motorsport: three consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving a Bentley from 1928 to 1930.
Barnato’s most audacious exploit, however, transcended the racetrack and captured the global imagination. In 1930, while on his way to the French Riviera, he engaged in a high-stakes wager with a group of fellow motorists. The challenge: to race a Bentley Speed Six from Cannes, France, to London, England, against the newly inaugurated luxury express train, Le Train Bleu, which traveled from Cannes to Calais. This was no ordinary train; it was the epitome of continental sophistication, a symbol of speed and luxury in its own right.
Several British automakers had previously boasted of beating this train, but Barnato intended to go one better. He declared that not only could he defeat the train in covering the distance from Cannes to London, but he could do so even after the train had reached its terminus in Calais. It was a bold, perhaps foolhardy, declaration. Yet, Barnato was known for his audacious spirit and his ability to deliver on his promises.
The race commenced. Barnato, at the wheel of his souped-up Speed Six, pushed the car to its absolute limits. The journey was fraught with challenges, including the need for multiple refueling stops, a far cry from the relatively seamless journey of the train. Nevertheless, Barnato drove with ferocious intensity, his focus absolute. When the train finally pulled into Calais, its passengers disembarked, confident in their victory. However, unbeknownst to them, Barnato had already crossed the English Channel and was making his final dash to London. He arrived at his destination a mere four minutes before the train’s scheduled arrival in Calais, a stunning demonstration of automotive prowess.
While the victory was a triumph for Bentley and a testament to Barnato’s daring, it came at a cost. French authorities fined him for the excessive speeding required to achieve his goal, a minor penalty in the grand scheme of his achievement. To commemorate this legendary feat, Barnato commissioned a bespoke Bentley Speed Six, a modified version of the car he had raced, which became known as the “Blue Train Special.” This unique vehicle, a testament to his audacity, would later inspire one of the marque’s most significant concept cars.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Bentley EXP 15 concept was unveiled. This electric SUV concept, with its sleek lines and forward-looking design, bore a striking resemblance to Barnato’s Blue Train Special. The visual connection was undeniable, serving as a clear homage to the man who had once saved the company and elevated its profile through his daring exploits. The EXP 15 was not merely a styling exercise; it was a harbinger of Bentley’s electric future, a demonstration of how the brand envisioned electric mobility—luxurious, stylish, and imbued with a sense of adventure.
The decision to name the production EV “Barnato” would therefore be a deeply symbolic one. It would signal a conscious effort by Bentley to connect its electric future with its storied past, to demonstrate that the same spirit of innovation, luxury, and daring that defined the brand in the 1920s will continue to animate it in the electric era. It would position the EV not as a departure from Bentley’s heritage, but as a continuation of it, albeit in a new, electrified form.
However, the automotive world is a complex ecosystem of trademark law and strategic maneuvering. While the “Barnato” filing appears robust, it is not the only name in contention. In parallel filings within the European Union and the United Kingdom, Bentley has also sought protection for the name “Torcal.” This name, too, has historical resonance, having been used for a limited-edition variant of the Mulsanne sedan, one of Bentley’s most luxurious models. Yet, the “Torcal” filing has yet to materialize in the US, and the name “Barnato” appears on all three trademark registers.
Furthermore, Bentley’s existing portfolio includes the “Mulsanne” trademark. This name, once synonymous with Bentley’s flagship limousine, has been on ice since the discontinuation of the Mulsanne sedan in 2020. There has been speculation, fueled by fan requests and industry rumors, that “Mulsanne” might be revived for a new model. However, Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser
