Bentley Motors is pulling back from its previous plan to produce only electric vehicles by 2035, extending the timeline set under its Beyond100+ strategy as consumer appetite for EVs cools. The British luxury performance brand, owned by Volkswagen Group, confirmed it will continue offering plug-in hybrid models beyond 2035 and will introduce a limited-production internal combustion performance car later this year.
“By extending introducing new internal combustion-engined models, and offering hybrid powertrains until at least 2035, we are ensuring that every Bentley customer can continue to experience the full breadth of our performance and craftsmanship,” said Chairman and CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser.
Speaking at the company’s historic Crewe headquarters, Walliser outlined updates to Bentley’s industrial strategy, including a commitment to maintain hybrid versions of the Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur until at least 2035. Earlier this year, the company added another combustion-powered model, the Bentayga Speed, and has not ruled out further ICE launches if market demand persists.
Industry analysts say the shift reflects broader headwinds in the premium EV sector. Adam Ragozzino, principal analyst for batteries and electric powertrains at Omdia, described Bentley as caught between the ultra-luxury positioning of Rolls-Royce and its own heritage in high-performance motoring. “High-end-performance segment car buyers still want engines that roar,” he said, adding that the brand is “going for the middle of the road.”
Ragozzino also pointed to software delays stemming from Volkswagen’s Cariad division as contributing to the slower transition towards battery-electric platforms. Despite criticism of plug-in hybrids, he noted that the technology continues to deliver some of the longest driving ranges available.
