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Bentley’s Luxury Urban SUV starts pre-series build ahead of 2026 reveal

Bentley Motors today announced a series of updates to its forward-thinking Beyond100+ strategy, reflecting current market and customer perspectives. In a press conference streamed live from Bentley’s home in Crewe, and the future assembly line of Bentley’s first fully-electric car, Chairman and CEO, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, outlined a revised product cadence plan that includes extending the offer of internal combustion-engined as well as plug-in hybridised models.


Creating an entirely new segment with the world’s first true Luxury Urban SUV, the all-new Bentley - designed, developed and produced in Crewe – is on track to be launched towards the end of 2026, with deliveries to markets during 2027. The as yet unnamed model will be incremental to Bentley’s current offering, less than five metres in length and promises a true Bentley driving experience and the craftsmanship expected of the marque, with industry-leading technology that includes the capability of charging from 0 – 100 miles in less than seven minutes.  Development of the car continues at pace with pre-series, or prototype, vehicles embarking on a global performance programme.


Previous target of exclusively electric by 2035 could extend in response to positive customer demand for PHEV models

Furthermore, hybridised Bentley models, today offered in both High and Ultra-Performance Engines in Continental GT coupe, Convertible and Flying Spur, would be available until at least 2035 meaning that Bentley’s previous target of being exclusively electric by that milestone could be extended. Another internal combustion engined model, the Bentayga Speed, was added to the range earlier in 2025 and in the same conference, Bentley revealed that a new non-hybridised and limited production performance model would be announced before the end of this year. It also didn’t rule out further similarly-engined cars to follow as it continues to maintain powertrain flexibility in line with customer demand across its global markets.


Commenting following the announcement, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, said:“Today’s updates to our Beyond100+ strategy reaffirm Bentley’s commitment to progress — responsibly and sustainably. We are evolving our product cadence to reflect the realities of a changing world and a dynamic marketplace. By extending introducing new internal combustion engined models, and offering hybrid powertrains until at least 2035, we are ensuring that every Bentley customer can continue to experience the full breadth of our performance and craftsmanship.              

“Our first fully electric Bentley, the world’s first true Luxury Urban SUV, represents a bold step forward, it embodies our vision for sustainable luxury and technological excellence. With industry-leading charging capability and unmistakable Bentley character and design, it marks the beginning of an exciting new era for our brand - a future defined by innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability.”          

Beyond100+ also endures a fundamental reinvention of the Crewe manufacturing infrastructure, and helps secure Bentley’s future at Crewe for the next generation of products and colleagues.  The company has already made enormous strides in reinventing the historic Crewe site, creating an industry-leading certified carbon neutral facility, and as the oldest building, named A1, prepares to assemble Bentley’s first electric car, the Dream Factory is closer to nearing completion.          


The all-new car will offer industry-leading charging speeds, from 0 – 100 miles in just seven minutes, and the craftmanship expected of the marque.

         

The largest self-funded site investment programme in Bentley’s history continues with a new state-of-the-art Paint Shop due to open in 2026. This follows a new Design Centre and Integrated Logistics Centre, both opened earlier this year, transforming an 87-year-old site for a new age of electrification, and a new benchmark in next generation, digital, flexible and high-value manufacturing operations.


ICE models to continue with announcement of a new limited production, performance model by the end of 2025

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LAVAZZA CELEBRATES 130 YEARS OF COFFEE EXCELLENCE


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International Coffee Day has been a perfect occasion to recount the coffee

mastery milestones and look towards the future


On the International Coffee Day, Lavazza, the iconic Italian coffee company, proudly celebrated its 130th anniversary, a remarkable milestone built on a foundation of unparalleled Mastery. For over a century, Lavazza has been at the forefront of the coffee industry, consistently delivering exceptional quality, masterful blends and an unwavering commitment to satisfying every palate.

Lavazza's journey from a small grocery store in Turin to a global coffee player is marked by a series of pivotal moments, each contributing to its undisputed reputation and global leadership. These "Coffee Milestones" highlight the company's dedication to understanding the unique origins of each bean, perfecting the art of blending and embracing technological advancements to enrich the ever-changing coffee experiences.


Key Milestones in Lavazza's 130-Year History:


Lavazza's 130-year journey is a testament to its unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and a profound understanding of coffee. As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to its heritage while continuing to push the boundaries of coffee excellence, ensuring that every cup tells a story of passion and perfection.


As part of its continued dedication to creating meaningful coffee experiences, Lavazza celebrates its growing presence in Saudi Arabia with two Coffee Design Stores - the flagship in Laysen Valley and the newly opened location at Solitaire Mall. Both embody the brand’s signature blend of Italian craftsmanship and contemporary design while honoring the Kingdom’s deep-rooted coffee traditions.


Coffee holds a profound cultural significance in Saudi Arabia, symbolizing hospitality, togetherness, and connection - values that deeply resonate with Lavazza’s own philosophy. With Saudi consumers’ growing appreciation for quality and innovation, Lavazza continues to expand its footprint in the Kingdom, introducing new experiences that celebrate the art and culture of coffee.


This commitment to excellence is further highlighted by the brand's latest global initiative, the "Coffee Maestro" campaign.


Following the resounding success of the 2024 Global campaign, "Pleasure Makes Us Human," Lavazza is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest global initiative, a new spot that profoundly celebrates the excellence and the unmistakable pleasure of authentic Italian coffee. This highly anticipated campaign was strategically timed to coincide with the festivities of the International Coffee Day, underscoring Lavazza's commitment to the global coffee community and its role in celebrating the daily coffee ritual. Once again, the spotlight shines brightly on the beloved trio: Hollywood stars John Krasinski and Steve Carell, alongside the charming Luigi, the now iconic little robot. The "Coffee Maestro" ad, set in a sleek and modern co-working space, features a humorous misunderstanding between a "coffee maestro" and a "musical maestro." This campaign, promising "Enjoy the pleasure of a masterful coffee and feel like an Italian barista at home," not only celebrates the rich heritage and intricate art of Italian coffee-making, but also maintains the brand's signature playful and witty storytelling, perfectly aligning with the spirit of the International

Coffee Day.


The Coffee Maestro campaign teaser has been launched globally across Lavazza's social media channels as of October 1st. The full-length version is available at the following link:


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The Years of Culture initiative, in collaboration with the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) and with the support of the Division of Cultural Affairs of the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DIRAC), has opened the Antarctica exhibition at Qatar National Library. The captivating photographic showcase, on view through the end of November, invites visitors to explore one of the most remote, fragile, and inspiring places on Earth.

 

Through more than 40 powerful photographs, the exhibition highlights the extraordinary beauty and scientific significance of Antarctica, celebrating the continent as a global symbol of cooperation and discovery. Organised around three core themes, climate change, life and biodiversity, and scientific collaboration, the exhibition captures the essence of humanity’s shared responsibility for this unique environment.

 

From receding glaciers and research missions to the resilience of penguins, whales, and seabirds, each image offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of life at the edge of the world. A special section is dedicated to Qatari explorers who have embarked on expeditions to Antarctica, reflecting Qatar’s growing engagement in global environmental dialogue and the spirit of exploration that connects Qatar to Argentina and Chile. 

 

Chile and Argentina have been working together since 2012 on a joint proposal to establish a Marine Protected Area in the Antarctic Peninsula and southern Scotia Arc, an initiative that underscores the importance of regional cooperation in preserving the continent’s delicate ecosystems.

 

The section features Hamida Al Kuwari, the first Qatari woman to reach Antarctica; Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani, who journeyed there in 2011; and Fahad Badar, who took part in an expedition in 2020.

 

“This exhibition reflects the deep friendship between Chile and Qatar and our shared commitment to the peaceful and scientific exploration of Antarctica,” said H.E. Patricio Díaz Broughton, Ambassador of Chile to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. “It also highlights Chile’s longstanding leadership in Antarctic research and our determination to promote international cooperation for the protection of this extraordinary continent.”

 

Representing the Division of Cultural Affairs (DIRAC) of the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DirectorMauricio Hurtado added: “The Antarctica exhibition embodies the values that unite our nations—science, culture, and dialogue. Through the Years of Culture partnership, we are able to build bridges between Chile and Qatar that extend to the very ends of the Earth.”

 

"We are honoured to host this exhibition on Antarctica in collaboration with Years of Culture,”  said Tan Huism, Executive Director of Qatar National Library. “Today, as we reflect on these images, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to document and share knowledge to protect our planet. By promoting global understanding and awareness of the delicate balance of our world, we contribute to a sustainable future; a commitment that lies at the heart of everything we do at Qatar National Library.”

 

Designed to evoke the majesty of glaciers and icebergs, the exhibition’s immersive environment combines lightbox displays, authentic Antarctic soundscapes, and visuals that transport visitors to the heart of the White Continent. Each of the eleven exhibition units presents a distinctive sound journey, allowing visitors to experience the serene atmosphere of Antarctica

 

The exhibition is located on the ground floor and is open to visitors during QNL’s regular opening hours.


 

For more information, visit yearsofculture.com.qa.


© 2025 DUNES


Dunes Magazine is the Middle East’s luxury lifestyle magazine, featuring the latest in fashion, lifestyle, health & fitness, watches & jewelry, beauty, travel & hospitality, and exclusive interviews. A proud supplement of Maqina, it delivers premium editorial content and insights for the region’s luxury enthusiasts.

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