Bentley, the ultra-luxury brand under the Volkswagen Group, is showing signs of hesitance towards electric vehicles (EVs). Frank-Steffen Walliser, the CEO of Bentley, recently expressed that wealthy consumers don’t want electric cars. According to him, “what we see in the luxury market right now is that people reject electric cars.” He believes that affluent buyers still want luxury vehicles with traditional combustion engines.
Shifting Plans for Electric Vehicles
Back in 2020, Bentley announced ambitious plans to transition its entire lineup to plug-in hybrids by 2026 and to go fully electric by 2030. The company aimed to release its first electric model in 2025. However, plans have changed. Bentley is now focusing on replacing its former W-12 engine with plug-in hybrid V-8s. The W-12 engine is currently on pause.
Walliser stated that Bentley is too small to offer both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric versions of the same vehicle, unlike competitors such as Mercedes and BMW. Instead, he believes that plug-in hybrids are a practical solution and not just a temporary measure.
Bentley E-Fuels and Future Models
While Walliser hasn’t ruled out Bentley producing only plug-in hybrids in the future, he is optimistic about the potential of e-fuels. Before becoming Bentley’s CEO in July, Walliser worked at Porsche, where he gained experience in innovative fuel technologies.
Additionally, Bentley may continue to manufacture non-hybrid gasoline cars, but these might be produced in limited numbers.
Rolls-Royce Takes a Different Path
In contrast, Bentley’s main competitor, Rolls-Royce, is firmly committed to electric vehicles. The brand has already launched its first EV, known as the Spectre, and plans to release an electric SUV and sedan in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Rolls-Royce is sticking to its goal of going all-electric by 2030, showcasing a stark difference in strategy compared to Bentley’s current approach.
Bentley’s shift away from a full electric lineup reflects the changing dynamics of the luxury car market. As consumers weigh their preferences, Bentley is adapting its strategy to align with demand, while competitors like Rolls-Royce continue to invest in electric vehicles. The future of luxury cars remains uncertain, but the conversation around electric and hybrid models is becoming increasingly relevant.
