Bentley Forges Ahead with Electric Luxury Urban SUV Plans for 2027
Despite a growing industry trend towards plug-in hybrid vehicles, British luxury automaker Bentley is steadfastly progressing with its strategy to introduce its inaugural all-electric model. The company has confirmed that its first electric car, a smaller sibling to the best-selling Bentayga SUV, remains on schedule for a 2027 launch.
CEO Confirms Electric Commitment Amid Rival Caution
Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser has publicly affirmed the brand's dedication to electrification, even as competitors like Lotus modify their electric SUV plans to incorporate hybrid powertrains. In an exclusive interview with The Independent, Walliser expressed confidence that the new electric Bentley will attract buyers, with no intentions to develop a hybrid variant of the Luxury Urban SUV.
"I think that's one of the tricky tasks that we are heading for – where's really the interest and how big is the market in reality," Walliser remarked when questioned about market readiness for the electric SUV. He elaborated that Bentley's approach diverges from some premium competitors by not forcing existing customers to transition from combustion engine or plug-in hybrid vehicles. Instead, the brand aims to cultivate new clientele, thereby expanding its business without cannibalising current offerings.
Technical Feasibility and Strategic Focus
Walliser emphasised the technical and strategic rationale behind eschewing internal combustion engine (ICE) or plug-in hybrid options for the new model. "I strongly believe we have a very interesting offer, and we have no intention to put an ICE engine in and to put a plug-in hybrid drivetrain in," he stated. "Number one, technically it’s not feasible. And number two, if that's not part of our strategy – we split the strategy."
The CEO highlighted ambitious charging capabilities, targeting approximately seven minutes for a hundred-mile charge, positioning the vehicle as a segment-defining creation unique to Bentley. However, Walliser acknowledged a "renewed interest in ICE cars" globally, prompting Bentley to maintain a balanced portfolio. The company is tailoring its offerings across electric cars, plug-in hybrids, and Supersports models based on regional market demands and customer preferences.
Continued Hybrid Development and Financial Performance
While advancing its electric agenda, Bentley continues to invest in plug-in hybrid technology. Walliser outlined desires for updated engines, new gearboxes, electric motors, chassis modifications, and batteries to enhance impact. The Bentayga, Bentley's top-selling model featuring plug-in hybrid tech, will not see a new iteration until late in the decade, underscoring its ongoing significance.
These announcements coincided with Bentley's latest financial results, revealing a seventh consecutive profitable year. For 2025, revenue reached €2.6 billion, a mere one per cent decline despite challenging global market conditions and a five per cent drop in customer deliveries. This minor dip reflects Bentley's strategic emphasis on higher-value, personalised models over sheer sales volume.
Demand for Bentley's most exclusive and customised vehicles, particularly those from the Mulliner bespoke division, has surged, bolstering profitability amid reduced overall volumes. The Bentayga maintained its status as the global best-seller, with the new Bentayga Speed variant sustaining strong performance in key markets.
"2025 was a pivotal year for Bentley as we continue our preparation of the next generation of Bentleys including our upcoming all-electric model," Walliser commented, reinforcing the brand's forward-looking electrification trajectory amidst evolving automotive landscapes.
