Bentley slows down electric drives and boosts internal combustion engines

Image: Bentley

Bentley is placing greater emphasis on internal combustion engines as part of its future strategy, according to Elektroauto-News.Net citing press releases. Under the leadership of CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser, the German automaker’s British luxury car subsidiary is focusing less on complete electrification. Instead, it emphasizes tradition, sportiness, and financial independence going forward.

While the six-cylinder engine is being removed from the lineup due to lack of demand, the eight-cylinder remains as the core of the brand’s tradition. For all future models, Bentley plans to continue offering a version with a pure internal combustion engine despite the introduction of plug-in hybrid technology. No one should come to Bentley and ask, “Do you have a hybrid?” Walliser said in an interview with Press-Inform.

In the field of electric mobility, the upcoming Torcal will remain the only fully battery-electric model by 2030 according to the CEO. Another electric car is expected only in the next decade. While Bentley considers SUVs suitable for electric powertrains by default, electrification of sports cars and GT models is anticipated later due to requirements regarding range and comfort on long trips.

According to Walliser, the brand’s strategy follows the principle of “Value over Volume.” Instead of fixed production targets, focus is placed on the value per vehicle. The reorientation is based on the pillars of product, image, and company. The all-electric Torcal is intended to appeal to younger customers, while vehicles like the limited-edition two-seater coupe Supersports aim to reach a new target group. Similar projects are planned in response to the high demand.

The brand aims to distinguish itself from competitors, including those in China, through craftsmanship, history, and materials such as leather, wood, or merino wool in the future. Walliser sees its technical ties to the Volkswagen Group as an advantage, as they provide access to group-wide technologies. The brand identity is intended to be further strengthened by a clear focus on sportiness, as well as prestige and presence. The CEO emphasizes the importance of an emotional driving experience over purely performance-related metrics such as acceleration figures or horsepower.

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Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with professional experience in the automotive and financial industries. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.

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