The Volkswagen Group ultra-luxury model Bentley seems to have cooled much more on EVs.
As its CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser not too long ago advised Automotive and Driver “what we see within the luxurious market proper now (is that) individuals reject electrical vehicles.” Rich shoppers “think about luxurious vehicles solely with a combustion engine,” the manager claimed.
In 2020, Bentley laid out plans to make its complete lineup plug-in hybrids by 2026 and all-electric by 2030. The posh automaker’s first EV was going to roll off the meeting line in 2025, in line with Bentley in 2022.
After a change of plans, Bentley’s within the means of turning over its lineup and transferring to plug-in hybrid V-8s changing the previous W-12 engine. The W-12 engine will not be revived and is lifeless for good, in line with Walliser. The automaker’s first EV is now set to debut in 2026 with a market arrival in 2027.
Walliser famous that Bentley is simply too small an automaker to afford simultaneous ICE and EV variations of the identical automobile as Mercedes and BMW have been doing. Plug-in hybrids make sense and are greater than a novel bridging know-how within the government’s eyes.
Whereas the manager will not decide to a Bentley providing solely plug-in hybrids, he is bullish on e-fuels. Walliser was an government at Bentley’s sister firm Porsche earlier than being named CEO of the luxurious automaker in July.
Bentley might proceed producing non-hybrid gasoline vehicles, although these is likely to be limited-production fashions solely, in line with Walliser.
Bentley’s predominant competitor Rolls-Royce is doubling down on EVs. The posh rival already launched its first EV often known as the Spectre, and an electrical SUV and sedan are set to reach in 2027 and 2028 respectively. Rolls-Royce dedicated to go all-electric by 2030 and stays steadfast with that plan.
