The first electric Bentley in history was planned for 2025. We are using the past tense, because the company itself, through its CEO Adrian Hallmark, interviewed by Automotive News, announced the postponement of the launch of its model to battery to 2026.
The decision is surprising and was made following software development issues and “concerns about the platform“. Platform which will be the EPP inaugurated by the electric Porsche Macan and also used by the Audi Q6 e-tron.
Better plugins
If the development of Bentley's first electric car is therefore not stopped, but delayed, the British firm does not intend to block the launch of new models.plugin“. More precisely, those powered by plug-in powertrains, already present on certain models and which, according to Hallmark, will be available across the entire range from 2026.
Indeed, while Bentley initially predicted a decline in demand for plug-in cars from 2028, the prospect is now that of an increase in demand over the coming years. This is why Crewe”invests hundreds of millions” in this technology, which should continue after 2030.
Bentley EXP 100 GT Concept
And here's some other news. “If we invest significantly in a hybrid car in 2026-27, we will have to operate it until 2031 or 2032 to make the investment we have made profitable“, said the company's number one, pushing back the goal of making Bentley a purely electric brand in 2033, three years later than initially planned.
Coming back to the new plug-in powertrain, we know that it will take the place of the monumental V12, retired with the 740 horsepower Batur, will be based on a gasoline V8 and will be used by the GT, GTC and Flying Spur from 2024. The current V6 PHEV will remain in the range, representing the entry-level powertrain, while in 2026 the Bentayga will become 100% electric. But it shouldn't be the first car in Crewe to be powered solely by batteries.