Bentley Rejects Hybrid Approach for Debut EV, Sticking Firmly to Electric

Daily Car

18/03/2026

Bentley has announced it will not follow Lotus's lead in re-engineering its upcoming debut electric vehicle (EV) to accommodate a combustion engine. The luxury automaker is committed to its first all-electric model, slated for reveal in the latter half of this year, as a pure EV offering.

Key Takeaways

Bentley's first EV will be exclusively electric, with no plans for a combustion engine or plug-in hybrid variant.
The decision comes despite a noted dip in interest for premium EVs, a factor that prompted Lotus's hybrid strategy.
Bentley aims to attract new customers with its EV, rather than forcing existing owners to switch from combustion or hybrid models.

Bentley's Electric Vision

Despite a recent slowdown in buyer interest for premium electric vehicles, a trend that led rival Lotus to consider retrofitting its Eletre X with a combustion engine, Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser confirmed that such a move is not on the table for Crewe's first EV. The model, internally referred to as the Luxury Urban EV, will be positioned solely as an electric vehicle.

Walliser stated that re-engineering the platform to include a range-extender powertrain is not being considered. He acknowledged the challenge of gauging the true market size and interest for premium EVs but emphasized Bentley's firm commitment to an all-electric future for this specific model. "We have no intention to put an ICE engine in or to put a plug-in hybrid drivetrain in," he asserted.

Technical Feasibility and Strategy

While Walliser admitted that adapting the car's PPE platform to accommodate a combustion engine might also be "technically not feasible," he stressed that it is fundamentally "not part of our strategy." Bentley's approach is to offer its existing PHEV Bentayga as the alternative for customers who are not yet ready to transition to full electric. The company's strategy is not to replace existing models but to introduce new ones that appeal to different customer segments.

"Part of the Bentley strategy is not to replace a car," Walliser explained. "So Bentayga will continue, so we don't have to, let me call it, force people to change from a combustion engine or plug-in hybrid car to an electric car. So we are targeting and looking for new customers [with the EV]."

A Distinctive Electric Offering

Details about the new EV remain scarce, but Walliser described it as "a different proposition" from what competitors are offering, expressing confidence in Bentley's unique offering. The vehicle will share technical underpinnings with the upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric. This shared platform suggests the Bentley EV could feature powerful dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrains, potentially exceeding 1140bhp, and a battery capacity of around 113kWh, enabling a range of up to 398 miles.

Bentley R&D boss Matthias Rabe previously hinted at the EV's performance and comfort, describing it as "very comfortable like a Flying Spur and agile like a Continental GT." He also indicated impressive acceleration figures and proclaimed it would be "the best Bentley on the road."

2026-03-12

The Next Range Rover Velar: A Shift from SUV to Electric Fastback

The next-gen Range Rover Velar is transforming into an EV-only fastback. Discover its new sedan-like design, EMA electric platform, and shifting market position.