Seoul Gazette - Bentley: Visions for 2026

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Bentley: Visions for 2026

AUTOMOTIVE 22.02.2026

Bentley: Visions for 2026

Bentley returns to its roots in 2026 with the Continental GT Supersports, one of the most extreme versions of the two-seater grand tourer ever to hit the road. A hundred years after the first ‘Super Sports’, the new Supersports remains true to its name: it will be limited to just 500 numbered units and offers the purest driving experience.

At the heart of the Supersports is the revised 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with enlarged turbochargers and reinforced cylinder heads. With 666 PS and 800 Nm of torque, it achieves the highest performance ever achieved in a Bentley V8. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission – a departure from the usual all-wheel drive and an expression of the purist concept.

The Supersports' performance is impressive: 0–100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of around 310 km/h. To ensure the car remains stable at high speeds, the aerodynamics have been comprehensively optimised. A huge front splitter, side skirts, aprons and a fixed rear wing generate over 300 kilograms of additional downforce compared to the Continental GT Speed. The weight reduction extends from carbon fibre body parts to a complete titanium exhaust system; the total weight remains below two tonnes, enabling the car to achieve 1.3 g of lateral acceleration.

In the interior, Bentley has opted for a combination of carbon fibre and fine leather. The traditional rear seats have been replaced by two lower-positioned sports seats to save weight and lower the centre of gravity. As usual, customisation is possible through the in-house refiner Mulliner, with new colour and material combinations available. Orders for the Supersports will start in March 2026, with production starting later in the year. Bentley has not yet announced official prices, but experts expect them to be well into six figures.

Urban SUV – first all-electric production model
While the Supersports celebrates the petrol tradition, Bentley is simultaneously venturing into the fully electric future. The British manufacturer has announced its first all-electric SUV, currently known under the working title ‘Urban SUV’, for the end of 2026. With a length of less than five metres, it is set to be more compact than the Bentayga and create a new market segment. The manufacturer promises tailor-made luxury and a wide range of personalisation options, as well as state-of-the-art technology.

Technical details are still scarce, but Bentley confirmed at a press conference that the Urban SUV will be based on an 800-volt platform and will offer a charging capacity for a range of 160 kilometres in under seven minutes. The developers are thus aiming for industry-leading charging times. The platform is likely to come from the Volkswagen Group, as is already the case with other models in the Premium Performance Electric (PPE) modular system.

Production of the pre-series vehicles has already begun in autumn 2025, and Bentley emphasises that the Urban SUV will be designed, developed and built entirely in Crewe. The market launch is planned for the end of 2026, with the first deliveries to customers scheduled for 2027. Inside, customers can expect a new level of digital connectivity, paired with sustainable materials and the typical Bentley finish. The trade press estimates the starting price at around €140,000, which would be below the Bentayga.

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Beyond100+ – Strategy and outlook
With its Beyond100+ strategy, Bentley is pursuing a clear path to an electrified future. The introduction of a fully electric urban SUV is part of a product roadmap that envisages at least one electrified model per year from 2026 onwards. At the same time, hybrid technology will continue to be used for years to come: the manufacturer has announced that it will keep plug-in hybrid models in its range until at least 2035 in order to offer customers a flexible choice between combustion engines, hybrids and fully electric models.

With the return of the Supersports and the debut of the Urban SUV, Bentley is committing to a dual-track strategy: on the one hand, preserving traditional values and sporting passion, and on the other, consistently implementing its electrification goals. 2026 therefore marks a turning point for the brand – a step towards the future without denying its roots.

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Alfa Tonale 2026: With a new look

Alfa Romeo has given its Tonale compact SUV, launched in 2022, a very subtle but effective update. Three years after its debut, the designers are drawing on Alfa's typical heritage and sharpening its profile: The front now features a more pronounced, concave Scudetto radiator grille, which references the historic ‘33 Stradale’ with horizontal struts. The grille is flanked by a redesigned front apron, in which a wider air intake and side openings give the Tonale a more dynamic look. Alfa Romeo has also shortened the front overhang and widened the track, giving the car a more muscular appearance. Newly designed alloy wheels in sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches and fresh paint finishes – including Rosso Brera, Verde Monza and Giallo Ocra – underline the refreshed look.Interior: new colours, more comfortThe interior also benefits from ‘a little cosmetic surgery’. Alfa Romeo is expanding its range with new colours and materials. In addition to the familiar black fabric and leather upholstery, bright red leather seats or a two-tone combination of white imitation leather and black Alcantara are available for the first time. A new ‘Cannelloni’ seat design with pronounced cross-beading is reminiscent of the sports seats from the 1960s. Perforated Alcantara upholstery with white or ‘Ice’ contrast stitching is available for the Sport Speciale variant; the dashboard is also trimmed in Alcantara. LED ambient lighting in various colours, including a serpentine pattern paying homage to the coat of arms of Milan, further enhances the cockpit. In Europe, a flat rotary knob replaces the previous gear lever, while the US version retains a classic gear selector – both variants feature large aluminium paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The infotainment system includes a 10.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital speedometer; a 360-degree camera, wireless charging and a Harman Kardon sound system are available as options.

BMW 7 Series and i7: facelift in 2026

The seventh generation of the BMW 7 Series will be presented in a comprehensively revised form from 2026. We have created a graphic preview in the form of a photo, but whether this corresponds to reality is still questionable, to say the least. Around four years after the series made its debut, the Munich-based manufacturer's flagship model will undergo a so-called life cycle impulse, which offers much more than just cosmetic changes. The first prototypes, which were spotted on test drives around the Nürburgring, reveal that BMW is becoming bolder in its design: the striking double kidney grille remains divided into two parts, but appears lower and less bulky thanks to horizontal bars. In addition, the narrow daytime running lights have been redesigned into more delicate daytime running light clips. The rear end will feature a clearer, horizontal light signature based on the design of the 5 Series. Four trapezoidal tailpipes reveal that powerful combustion engines will continue to be used, while an extended body variant is unnecessary as the current G70 model already comes with a long wheelbase as standard.In the interior, BMW is focusing on a technological revolution. The new Panoramic iDrive – a further development of the classic head-up display – projects driving-related information across the entire width of the windscreen, largely replacing the conventional instrument cluster. The driver operates the system via a central touch display with Quick Select logic and a new multifunction unit on the steering wheel, whose buttons provide haptic feedback. Together with the optional 3D projection in the driver's field of vision, the system enables intuitive, distraction-free operation. Another highlight is the integration of innovations from the ‘New Class’, which BMW will gradually roll out in all model series from 2025 onwards. These include more connected on-board electronics and more powerful computers, which are a prerequisite for new Level 3 assistance systems. Additional sensors in the front apron indicate the use of the Personal Pilot system, which is designed to enable temporary autonomous driving in defined situations.

Lucid Gravity 2026: Test report

The new electric SUV from a US manufacturer combines the range of a saloon car with the elite space of a van. An extensive winter test covering 8,000 kilometres in Europe, in which pre-production vehicles travelled from the Munich development centre to the Arctic Circle, confirms this high and fulfilled claim. The development team examined both performance on unlimited motorway sections and charging at three-phase European AC connections and state-of-the-art fast charging stations. In extreme cold and summer heat, the interaction of drive, charging performance and comfort was tested to meet the expectations of European customers.Design and spaceWith a length of around 5.03 metres, a wheelbase of over 3.3 metres and a drag coefficient of 0.24, the SUV is surprisingly aerodynamic despite its imposing dimensions. The flat silhouette and flush-mounted door handles emphasise its elegant appearance. The raised windscreen extends seamlessly over the passengers' heads and, together with the panoramic glass roof, creates an airy feeling of space. Depending on the configuration, the vehicle can seat five to seven adults. The second row of seats can be folded electrically into the floor; individual seats will also be available in future. An additional storage compartment under the front bonnet – known as the frunk – has a capacity of 227 litres and can be converted into a bench seat thanks to upholstery. When the rear seats are folded down, the load volume increases to up to 3,450 litres.

2026 S-Class starry facelift

When Mercedes‑Benz unveiled the 2026 S‑Class, it was clear that this was no ordinary facelift. Engineers replaced or refined more than 2,700 components, meaning over half of the vehicle is new. The changes begin on the outside: a 20 percent larger grille filled with hot‑stamped chrome stars projects a grander presence, while the traditional hood ornament now illuminates as part of the car’s striking light signature. Mercedes’ trademark three‑pointed star motif also appears in the headlights and taillights, underscoring the brand identity with refined opulence. Optional 20‑inch cross‑spoke wheels use high‑pressure casting to reduce weight and material consumption, and customers can choose from more than 150 paint colours.Digital light and starry illuminationLighting technology takes centre stage on the facelifted S‑Class. New micro‑LED Digital Light headlamps cut energy consumption in half while offering ultra‑range high beams that illuminate up to 600 metres ahead. The headlamps and taillamps embed miniature three‑pointed stars in their lenses, and the lights can project patterns such as welcome animations or warnings for oncoming drivers. These lamps are paired with a 20 percent larger grille outlined by a luminous frame and an illuminated bonnet star. At the rear, triple‑pod taillights with a star pattern and chrome accents contribute to a wider stance.An interior defined by screens and AIInside, the S‑Class adopts the MBUX Superscreen architecture. A 14.4‑inch central display is flanked by twin 12.3‑inch screens—one for the driver and another for the front passenger—forming a sweeping glass surface. Rear passengers enjoy two 13.1‑inch high‑definition displays with built‑in cameras. Mercedes’ latest software platform, MB.OS, underpins the cabin: it unifies navigation, vehicle systems and voice assistants. Generative AI powers the “Hey Mercedes” virtual assistant, enabling complex dialogue through voice assistants based on ChatGPT‑4o and Google Gemini. Navigation relies on Google Maps‑based data to provide real‑time traffic and 3‑D surroundings. Even the air vents are electronically controlled through Digital Vent Control, and an updated Energizing Air Control system filters cabin air for maximum purity.Comfort innovationsAlthough the cabin brims with screens, Mercedes preserved its luxurious ambience. Heated seatbelts can warm occupants to 44 °C (111 °F), while detachable remote controls allow rear passengers to adjust seat functions, climate and entertainment. The expanded Manufaktur programme offers nearly 50 bespoke paint finishes and 25 leather options, emphasising individuality. The interior retains high‑quality materials and adds Digital Vent Control for precise airflow. Mercedes has also equipped up to 10 external cameras, five radar sensors and twelve ultrasonic sensors, enabling advanced driver assistance and environment awareness.Handling and suspensionThe 2026 S‑Class comes standard with rear‑wheel steering that turns the rear wheels up to 4.5 degrees, reducing the turning circle by nearly two metres. Buyers can upgrade to an optional 10‑degree system for even tighter manoeuvrability. E‑Active Body Control, an active suspension that reads the road ahead, uses cloud‑sourced Car‑to‑X data to adjust damping at each wheel and can lift the car within milliseconds to mitigate side‑impact forces. This predictive suspension works alongside AIRMATIC air springs and electronically controlled dampers, delivering a blend of comfort and agility.