September 23, 2025 – Bentley is set to reverse its “electric-only” strategy by introducing new pure gasoline-powered successors to the Bentayga, Continental GT, and Flying Spur, according to a report by Autocar tonight. This significant shift follows a major realignment within the Volkswagen Group, particularly influenced by Porsche’s recent decision to double down on internal combustion engine (ICE) technology.
Under its Beyond100 plan, Bentley had initially aimed to phase out gasoline engines entirely by 2035. However, following Porsche’s announcement last Friday of a €3.1 billion investment to extend the lifecycle of its ICE models—and the cancellation of its planned all-electric “K1” flagship—Bentley has opted to reassess its roadmap. The move echoes Audi’s decision last year to abandon its 2033 electric-only target.
Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser explained that shared platforms, powertrains, and components across the Volkswagen Group’s luxury brands mean Porsche and Audi’s strategic pivots directly impact Bentley. While Bentley still intends to launch one plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or electric vehicle (EV) annually starting in 2026—with its first EV being a “city SUV”—the company now has greater flexibility to incorporate traditional gasoline engines into its lineup through the 2030s. This marks a departure from earlier plans to offer only electrified versions of the Bentayga, Continental GT, and Flying Spur.
Walliser emphasized that shifting market dynamics played a crucial role in the decision. “Demand for luxury EVs has softened, and customer preferences aren’t yet aligned with an all-electric future,” he said. “The luxury market today looks very different than when we launched Beyond100. Electrification remains our goal, but we must evolve alongside our customers.”
The revised strategy will retain gasoline variants of Bentley’s core models to cater to key markets like the Middle East and North America, where ICE vehicles remain popular. This follows Bentley’s earlier delay of its full electrification timeline from 2030 to 2035, citing slower-than-expected growth in the luxury EV segment. With Volkswagen Group’s renewed focus on ICE investments, Bentley’s latest adjustment is expected to solidify its position as a brand that balances tradition with innovation.
