Bentley’s first EV is coming—but so are more gas engines

Bentley’s electric future is arriving more slowly than planned. The British luxury automaker has confirmed that while its first all-electric model will debut next year, new gasoline and hybrid engines will continue well beyond 2035—reversing an earlier pledge to go fully electric by that date.

Plans in reverse

Bentley’s upcoming electric SUV, built on the same platform as Porsche’s future Cayenne EV, remains on schedule for launch in 2027. However, the company announced a “revised product cadence plan” that will keep internal combustion and plug-in hybrid models in production for at least another decade.

Earlier roadmaps called for the brand to phase out all combustion engines by 2030, a deadline later extended to 2035. Now, Bentley says models such as the Continental GT and Flying Spur will remain available “until at least 2035,” depending on customer demand. Executives say strong interest in plug-in hybrids played a major role in the decision.

The first electric Bentley

Alongside the announcement, Bentley released a teaser of its first EV—a low-slung luxury SUV described as “the world’s first true luxury urban SUV.” The image shows the vehicle draped under a semi-transparent cover, hinting at sleek, horizontal lighting elements and a silhouette lower than that of the Bentayga, which will continue as Bentley’s flagship SUV.

The design reportedly draws on the EXP 15 concept but with distinct proportions and a coupe-like profile. Its charging capabilities are expected to mirror the Cayenne EV’s, with up to 400 kW charging power and a 108 kWh battery. Bentley claims the new model can gain 100 miles of range in just seven minutes of charging—potentially offering around 370 miles per full charge under European testing standards.

Preparing for production

Production of the electric SUV will take place at Bentley’s historic Crewe factory in England. The site is currently being expanded and retooled for EV manufacturing, with full operations expected by mid-2026. The facility will serve as the hub for Bentley’s gradual shift toward electrification.

Even as rivals like Rolls-Royce move aggressively into full-electric luxury, Bentley is choosing a slower transition. For now, the company seems intent on balancing tradition and innovation—offering engines that burn fuel alongside those that run on electrons.

This article is made and published by Asger Risom, who may have used AI in the preparation