SPIED: Is Bentley's first EV based on a Porsche?

Bentley's first-ever EV spotted at the Nurburgring with a Porsche exterior

Bentley may have abandoned its plan to go full EV by 2030, but that doesn't mean the brand has dropped the idea of making an uber-luxurious electric vehicle (EV).

We already know that Porsche has been busy testing the upcoming Cayenne EV. Heck, our spy photographers were able to spot a lightly-disguised prototype being driven somewhere in Europe. Like the regular and plug-in hybrid versions of the Cayenne, the all-electric version will likely be offered in two body styles, a crossover SUV and a coupe.

Now, it looks like Bentley is also busy testing its own EV at the Nurburgring. Spotted recently by our spy photographers is the Crewe-based brand's prototype EV. However, the vehicle that was recently spotted at the Green Hell looked something else entirely.

Based on what our spies captured, the vehicle in question looks more like the Porsche Cayenne EV. Does this mean our spies took pictures of the wrong vehicle? In reality, Bentley's upcoming EV will use Volkswagen Group's Premium Performance Electric (PPE) platform, which is also being used by the Porsche Macan EV, the soon-to-be-revealed Porsche Cayenne EV, and the Audi Q6 e-tron.

For now, Bentley is testing some of Porsche's technologies like rear-axle steering and its unique suspension system with what the luxury automaker has. No exact details have been revealed yet, although based on what Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser mentioned before, their upcoming EV will be an urban SUV that is designed to cover up to 600 km on a single charge.

The EV's name also continues to be a mystery, although Bentley did trademark a couple of names earlier this year, Mayon and Barnato. We're not exactly sure if either of the previously mentioned names will be used, but we're curious if Bentley uses the name “Mayon” to christen the EV.

Bentley has already revealed the EXP 15 concept as its vision for its first-ever EV. It has a sedan-like body with a rear fastback and a raised ride height. This gives the EXP 15 concept one heck of a look, although we won't be surprised if Bentley changes its design once the production model is revealed.

Do you think Bentley's upcoming EV will look more like a Porsche once unveiled, or will it remain faithful to the EXP 15 concept's design?