Bentley Limits EV Plans to One Model Before 2030

Bentley Motors has scaled back its ambitious electrification strategy, committing to just one fully electric vehicle before 2030 while prioritizing plug-in hybrids and traditional gasoline powertrains for the rest of its lineup. The British luxury automaker announced the shift amid a 42 percent drop in annual profits and weakening global demand, particularly in China.

The company's first electric model, an SUV-like vehicle described as a "Luxury Urban EV," remains on track for a full reveal in the second half of this year and sales starting in early 2027. Built on the Volkswagen Group's Premium Platform Electric architecture, which also supports upcoming models from Porsche and Audi, the SUV promises exceptional performance. Bentley officials have highlighted its ability to add about 100 miles of range in seven minutes during charging, along with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup capable of delivering over 1,100 horsepower and a range of up to 398 miles on a 113-kilowatt-hour battery. Research and development chief Matthias Rabe described it as "very comfortable like a Flying Spur and agile like a Continental GT," with rapid acceleration from zero to 100 miles per hour and beyond.