Bentley Shifts EV Plans, Adds Gas-Powered Variants
Bentley, the luxury automaker, has revised its electric vehicle plans. The company is now developing a high-performance plug-in hybrid Continental GT Speed and will introduce gas-powered variants in future cars. This shift comes after strategic changes at Porsche and Audi, Bentley's parent company under the Volkswagen Group.
Bentley's first electric car is scheduled to arrive in 2026, followed by annual plug-in models. The company has committed to launching a new plug-in hybrid or electric car every year starting from 2026. This move is a departure from Bentley's previous goal of selling only electric cars by 2035.
The next-generation Bentayga, Continental, and Flying Spur will all have gas-powered versions. Bentley has cited strategic shifts at Porsche and Audi, which share platforms and powertrains with Bentley, as influencing this decision. Porsche's reinvestment in combustion engine models and extended model cycles has led Bentley to abandon a fixed date for fully switching to electric cars.
Bentley's new direction includes a hardcore plug-in hybrid Continental GT Speed and gas-powered variants in future cars. The first electric car is expected in 2026, with annual plug-in cars to follow. This change reflects the strategic realignments within the Volkswagen Group, with Bentley now focusing on a mix of powertrain options.
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