Bentley delays full electric shift to 2035 citing low demand for luxury

Bentley is postponing its transition to an all-electric lineup by five years to 2035 due to limited demand from its well-heeled client base.

CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser acknowledged the lukewarm interest among current Bentley owners, though he anticipates increased enthusiasm from newer, tech-focused customers.

Bentley said it will continue offering petrol/electric hybrid models until at least 2035, with a new model slated for production at its Crewe factory from 2025 to 2036.

Its first fully electric model, an urban SUV, is scheduled for a 2026 release. This model, designed, developed and to be produced at its headquarters in Crewe, will be the first of a new PHEV or BEV model to be launched every year over the next decade.

This shift aligns with Bentley’s parent company Volkswagen which has also scaled back its EV ambitions amid low demand and competition from cheaper Chinese imports.

The German car maker is planning to implement significant cost reductions, including potential factory closures and layoffs, to boost competitiveness and maintain sustainability.

Bentley reported a 23% decline in sales in the first half of 2024, with its popular Bentayga SUV representing over 40% of its sales.