Bentley may have delayed its full transition to electric vehicles, but the British luxury marque is still committed to its future as an all-electric brand.
Bentley recently announced that its first electric vehicle (EV) will make its debut in 2026, signaling a major step forward for the brand. However, this launch is accompanied by a delay in its carbon-neutrality goal, indicating that the company will continue to focus on hybrid vehicles until at least the middle of the next decade.
Bentley’s inaugural EV will be an SUV, as expected. But this won’t just be an electric version of the existing Bentayga; it will be billed as the world’s first “luxury urban SUV.” Although specific details have not been disclosed, Bloomberg reports that CEO Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser described the vehicle as “compact.” This term is somewhat ambiguous, especially given that Bentley’s smallest current model, the Continental GT, is nearly 16 feet long. The Bentayga, on the other hand, ranges from 16.8 feet to 17.4 feet in length.
The introduction of this electric SUV will mark the beginning of Bentley’s expansion into the EV market. The company plans to unveil a new plug-in hybrid or battery electric vehicle each year for the next decade, according to reports. This initiative aligns with Bentley’s strategy to gradually phase out its reliance on internal combustion engines and adapt to the evolving automotive landscape.
However, Bentley has also pushed back its original plan to become entirely electric by the end of the decade. Back in 2020, Bentley introduced “Beyond 100,” a roadmap outlining its strategy to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2030, meaning it would sell only electric cars and SUVs. Now, this target has been extended to 2035, and the plan’s name has been changed to “Beyond 100 Plus.” The reason behind this adjustment is straightforward: the demand for EVs has not materialized as expected.
“We all know the automotive market looks different,” Walliser was quoted as saying. “Legislation is certainly driving electrification, but there’s not much demand—customers are still cautious when it comes to adopting electric vehicles.” This reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry, where consumer hesitance and concerns about charging infrastructure and vehicle range are affecting the rate of transition to electric mobility.
Bentley’s decision to retain its famed W-12 internal combustion engine, despite introducing a more powerful hybrid V-8 earlier this year, underscores the company’s cautious approach to its transition. While Bentley has moved towards more sustainable technologies, it is not yet ready to abandon purely gas-powered vehicles altogether. In fact, a new pure-combustion Bentayga is expected to be launched next year. The future of internal combustion engines within the Bentley lineup remains uncertain, as the brand’s primary focus will shift increasingly towards hybrid and electric vehicles moving forward.
This shift aligns with global trends in the automotive industry, where luxury brands are increasingly under pressure to meet stringent emissions regulations and consumer expectations for sustainability. Bentley’s gradual approach allows it to adapt to these changes while continuing to offer vehicles that meet its high standards of performance and luxury.
In conclusion, Bentley’s move to delay its full transition to electric vehicles doesn’t mean it is abandoning its long-term goals. The luxury automaker is taking a measured approach to electrification, with a focus on hybrid vehicles in the near term and a strategic shift towards electric SUVs and other plug-in hybrids in the future. As Bentley navigates this period of change, it remains committed to delivering the luxury and performance that its customers expect, even as it prepares for an all-electric future.
