Bentley has become the latest Volkswagen Group brand to slow its transition to a fully electric lineup, confirming it will keep internal combustion engines (ICE) alive well into the next decade. The decision mirrors recent moves by Porsche and Audi and marks another recalibration in the luxury segment as demand for high-end EVs shows signs of stalling.
A Shift in the “Beyond100” Strategy
Under its ambitious “Beyond100” roadmap, Bentley had originally pledged to sell only electric cars by 2030. That deadline was first pushed to 2035 last year, and now CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser has confirmed that there is no longer a firm cut-off date for combustion engines.
“Electrification is still our goal, but we need to take our customers with us,” Walliser told Autocar. He cited a “dip in demand for luxury electric vehicles” as the primary reason for the adjustment, adding that markets such as North America and the Middle East continue to show strong appetite for traditional engines.
Bentley’s iconic models—the Bentayga SUV, Continental GT coupe, and Flying Spur sedan—were all supposed to transition to battery power in their next generation. Instead, gas-powered versions will remain part of the lineup, supported by plug-in hybrid variants.
Porsche Set the Tone
This strategic shift comes just days after Porsche announced its own U-turn on electrification. In an article I wrote last week about Porsche’s EV plans, the Stuttgart-based automaker revealed it would extend the lifecycle of its combustion-powered sports cars and flagship SUV, committing €3.1 billion to ICE development. Its new seven-seater “K1” SUV, once envisioned as a full EV, will now launch with gas and hybrid drivetrains before an electric version arrives later.
Because Porsche, Audi, and Bentley share platforms, drivetrains, and other key technologies within the VW Group, decisions directly affect all brands. Audi also softened its electrification timeline earlier this year, abandoning its plan to sell only EVs after 2033.
EV Development Continues
Despite the retreat from an EV-only vision, Bentley isn’t abandoning electrification altogether. The company still plans to introduce its first all-electric model in 2026—an “urban SUV”—and will roll out at least one new plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle each year thereafter. Bentley also showcased an electric concept in July, previewing design cues and technology that will shape its future models.
Construction is ongoing at the brand’s new headquarters, where new facilities are being built to support EV production, including an advanced assembly line and design center.
