Bentley has confirmed that it will continue to offer petrol engines for its current lineup – the Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga. Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser told Autocar UK that the company is also planning pure-petrol successors of these models.
- New Bentley SUV to launch in 2026 with electric power
- New PHEV or EV models to launch every year from 2026 onwards
- More traditional petrol powered options under evaluation
Intially, the brand planned to only launch PHEV or EV versions of the sucessors to the Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga. However, the CEO’s statement now indicates that the brand is rolling back on those plans by bringing pure petrol versions as well.
First Bentley EV to be revealed in 2026
While Bentley will maintain its current lineup, the CEO also confirmed that the company plans to bring new plug-in hybrid or electric models every year from 2026 onwards. The first will be an ‘urban SUV’ with an electric powertrain.
Bentley still committed to electrification
Bentley intended to phase out ICE entirely by 2030. But as part of its Beyond100 strategy, plans were delayed to 2035, due to slow luxury EV demand. In spite of these changes, the company is still investing in developing its Crewe facility, with an EV model assembly line, paint shop, and design studio. “Electrification is still our goal, but we need to take our customers with us,” said the Bentley CEO.
Bentley exploring more petrol engines
Walliser said that Bentley would also provide more petrol-oriented powertrain options in the next decade. “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,” said the CEO.
Volkswagen Group brands delay electrification plans
This move comes right after we earlier reported that Porsche, another company under the Volkswagen Group, also rolled back on its electrification plans. Audi too, delayed plans of electrifying its entire lineup by 2033.
According to the CEO of Bentley, the brand is directly affected because Volkswagen Group brands share platforms, drivetrains, essential parts. Moreover investments and decisions made in Stuttgart and Ingolstadt impact the Crewe-based brand as well.
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