Luxury automaker Bentley has become the latest premium brand to slow down its shift toward full electrification, joining several European manufacturers that are rethinking their all-electric strategies.
According to reports from the UK, Bentley is now preparing next-generation petrol-powered versions of its Bentayga, Continental GT, and Flying Spur models. This marks a change from its earlier Beyond100 strategy, which originally committed the company to producing only electric vehicles by 2030.
Why Bentley Is Backing Away from an All-Electric Lineup
Bentley’s decision reflects a broader industry pattern: a growing recognition that global demand for luxury EVs has not matched earlier expectations. CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser told British media that the company plans to maintain a balance between combustion, hybrid, and electric options to meet varied customer preferences across regions such as the Middle East and North America.
“The luxury market is evolving differently from what we predicted a few years ago,” he said. “Electrification remains our direction, but we need to take our customers with us.”
Bentley still intends to introduce at least one plug-in hybrid or electric model every year from 2026, but the exclusive EV timeline has been lifted.
A Broader Shift Among Premium Car Brands
Bentley’s change of direction follows similar moves from Porsche, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, brands that have each dialed back their electric-only timelines. Porsche recently paused development on a planned EV battery facility, while Mercedes confirmed it will continue production of its V8 and V12 engines due to slower-than-expected EQ model sales.
Other major manufacturers, including BMW, Volvo, and Jaguar Land Rover, have also extended their EV transitions to maintain balance between internal combustion and battery-powered vehicles.
The Future of Luxury Mobility
As more automakers shift toward mixed powertrains rather than full electrification, consumers are likely to see a wider range of options across the next decade. For Bentley, this means focusing on customer-driven choices while gradually introducing cleaner technology.
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