In a recent announcement, Bentley Motors Ltd. has decided to postpone its plan of offering only fully electric vehicles by 2030. The ambitious "Beyond100" business strategy has been extended and rebranded as "Beyond100+" with a new target year of 2035, as confirmed by Chairman and CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser during a virtual press conference.
Acknowledging the shift in the automotive landscape, Walliser highlighted the current cautiousness among customers towards electric vehicles despite legislative pressures. He emphasized that although there is a push towards electrification, the market demand for electric vehicles is not as substantial as initially anticipated.
Despite the delay in the full transition to EVs, Bentley remains focused on introducing its first fully electric vehicle in 2026—a compact SUV that will cater to a new customer segment alongside the existing lineup. The company plans to unveil a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or battery electric vehicle (BEV) each year over the next decade to bolster its electric offerings.
While emphasizing the importance of sustainability, Matthias Rabe, Bentley's board member for research and development, highlighted the company’s commitment to incorporating sustainable fuels developed by Porsche AG. Walliser reiterated Bentley's commitment to producing hybrid or combustion engine vehicles as long as there is customer demand, with plans to introduce a new pure combustion variant of the Bentayga next year.
Despite discontinuing its W-12 combustion engine, Bentley will continue its legacy of luxury vehicles, such as the iconic Bentley Continental GT Speed, which appeals to a specific segment of clientele. The company's decision to delay the complete transition to EVs falls in line with the shifting landscape within the automotive industry, with several major automakers reevaluating their electric vehicle strategies.
In addition to the focus on electrification, Bentley is set to expand its headquarters in Crewe, England, with new design, assembly, and paint shops to enhance its customization programs—a move aimed at capitalizing on profitable opportunities in the market. The multi-phased project, the largest investment in Bentley's history, is scheduled to open its first phase in spring 2025, signaling the brand's commitment to growth and innovation.
As Bentley joins a wave of automakers adjusting their EV plans, the decision to delay the full transition to electric vehicles underscores the complex interplay of factors shaping the industry, including infrastructure limitations, development challenges, and evolving consumer preferences. Despite global sales being down for the first half of the year, Bentley remains focused on navigating these challenges while staying true to its vision for sustainable, luxury mobility solutions.