Bentley has made a major U-turn on its electrification strategy, with confirmation that the next-generation Bentayga SUV, the Continental GT and Flying Spur will all continue with pure-petrol engines. This comes after Porsche, its Volkswagen Group sibling, recently announced fresh investments of €3.1 billion to extend the life of its combustion models, prompting a ripple effect across the Group.
The British luxury carmaker had originally planned to go all-electric by 2030 under its Beyond100 strategy, before later pushing the deadline to 2035. However, slowing demand for luxury EVs has forced a rethink. Speaking to our sister publication Autocar UK, Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser admitted that customer appetite for EVs isn’t strong enough yet, especially in key markets like North America and the Middle East. “Electrification is still our goal, but we need to take our customers with us,” he said.
That doesn’t mean Bentley is abandoning EVs altogether. From 2026, the company still plans to launch a new plug-in hybrid or EV every year, starting with its first all-electric model – an “urban SUV.” What’s changing is that the brand now has scope to balance its line-up more evenly between EVs, hybrids and petrol cars, instead of going all-in on electrification.
The decision has been heavily influenced by the Volkswagen Group’s revised direction. Porsche has scrapped its plans for an all-electric ‘K1’ flagship, while Audi had already dropped its 2033 all-EV target last year. Since the three brands share platforms and drivetrains, Bentley has been able to pivot its strategy accordingly.
Meanwhile, work at Bentley’s Crewe facility is moving full steam ahead, with new investments in an EV assembly line, paint shop and design centre. So while petrol power will live on in the Bentayga, Continental GT and Flying Spur, the groundwork for Bentley’s electric future is still being laid.
In India, Bentley currently sells the Bentley Bentayga EWB 4.0 V8, the Continental GT and the Flying Spur.