Bentley is making a significant shift in its electrification plans by developing pure-petrol successors to three of its most popular luxury models — the Bentayga, Continental GT and Flying Spur.
This reversal from its earlier EV-only goal comes shortly after Porsche announced a similar extension of internal combustion engine (ICE) production. Under Bentley's Beyond100 strategy, the brand had aimed to phase out petrol engines altogether by 2035.
However, influenced by the recent strategic U-turn at Porsche, Bentley's plans now include continued investment in petrol models. Porsche confirmed last week that it will allocate €3.1 billion to prolonging the lifespan of its ICE models.
This funding includes new "top" versions of the next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman, along with shelving plans to launch the 'K1' flagship strictly as an electric vehicle (EV). Audi, also part of Volkswagen Group, previously cancelled its 2033 electric-only plan, highlighting the group's broader shift.
Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser revealed that since the three brands share platforms, drivetrains and engineering resources, strategic decisions at Porsche and Audi significantly influence developments at Bentley's Crewe headquarters. He also confirmed that, despite the pivot towards petrol engines for flagship models, Bentley remains committed to electrification. He outlined plans to launch a new plug-in hybrid or electric model every year starting from 2026, kicking off with the company's first all-electric vehicle — an "urban SUV".
So while the Bentayga, Continental GT, and Flying Spur were originally expected to be exclusively offered with plug-in hybrid or electric drivetrains, pure-petrol versions will now cater to customer preferences in key regions, including the Middle East and North America.
Mr Walliser said: "There is a dip in demand for luxury electric vehicles, and customer demand is not yet strong enough to support an all-electric strategy. The luxury market is a lot different today than when we announced Beyond100. Electrification is still our goal, but we need to take our customers with us."
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Despite the change in approach, Bentley is pressing ahead with its Crewe manufacturing facility. Construction is underway on a new EV assembly line, paint shop and a design centre.
Bentley had already previously delayed its target to become an all-electric brand from 2030 to 2035, citing the slower-than-expected growth in luxury electric vehicle demand. The Volkswagen Group's renewed focus and multi-billion-euro investments in ICE models reinforce Bentley's decision to continue offering petrol alternatives for its premium cars.
Bentley's new roadmap reflects a pragmatic approach to sustaining its heritage and appeal among traditional petrol heads, while also progressively expanding its electrified offerings over the coming decade.
While embracing both traditional ICE technology and electrification makes sense business-wise, can the planet and its inhabitants afford to wait? — particularly as the vast majority of those suffering the worst effects of climate change will most probably never be in the position to afford any of these cars.
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