Introduction

In a significant shift for luxury car enthusiasts, Bentley has announced that it will push back its timeline for an all-electric vehicle lineup to 2035. This update comes as part of its updated strategy, dubbed "Beyond100+," which was revealed on Thursday.

Revised Timeline and Strategy

Originally set to transition entirely to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2030, Bentley has decided to continue manufacturing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) for an additional five years. This change reflects the automaker's adaptation to the current economic landscape, evolving market demands, and new legislative environments.

CEO's Statement

Bentley's CEO, Frank-Steffen Walliser, stated, "Four years almost to the day that Bentley initially outlined its Beyond100 strategy, we adapt to today's economic, market and legislative environment to initiate a major transformation phase for tomorrow." The company aims to release a new PHEV or BEV model annually over the next decade as part of its roadmap towards becoming a fully electric brand by 2035, reaffirming Bentley's commitment to a decarbonized future.

First Fully-Electric Model

As part of the transition, Bentley is set to unveil its first fully-electric model, the "Luxury Urban SUV," in 2026, which will be produced at its Crewe headquarters in the UK. This move marks an exciting chapter for the brand known for its opulent designs and engineering prowess.

Continuing Hybrid Options

In a related development, Bentley has exclusively decided to offer three of its model lines – the Continental GT coupe, the Continental GT convertible, and the Flying Spur – with an Ultra Performance plug-in V8 hybrid powertrain, following the discontinuation of its W12 engine production over the summer.

Demand for Luxury Vehicles

With its first hybrid offering, the Bentayga Hybrid, having debuted several years ago, Bentley has been gradually integrating more electrified options into its lineup. Despite these advancements, the firm still delivered nearly 5,500 vehicles in the first half of 2024 and reported a total of 13,560 deliveries for the entire year of 2023, indicating continued strong demand for its luxury offerings.

Conclusion

In a world increasingly leaning towards sustainability, Bentley’s strategic transformation highlights the balance between maintaining its prestigious legacy and meeting the evolving expectations of luxury car buyers. As we await further developments in their electric and hybrid vehicle offerings, many enthusiasts are left pondering the implications for the future of luxury automotive engineering. Will Bentley manage to keep its prestigious reputation while fully embracing electrification? Only time will tell!