Bentley is pressing forward with its electric vehicle (EV) transition despite admitting that some of its most loyal customers may never give up internal combustion engines.
Chief Executive Frank-Steffen Walliser acknowledged that while many high-net-worth buyers are eager to adopt cutting-edge technology, others remain unwilling to embrace electric powertrains.
“There are, for sure, customers who say, fine, if it’s the latest and greatest technology I will take it, whatever it is,” Walliser said.
However, he noted that some buyers insist: “If it’s not a combustion engine, I will not drive it.”
The comments come as Bentley begins work on its first EV production line at its historic Pyms Lane plant in Crewe, which has been building luxury vehicles for 85 years. The facility is set to manufacture the brand’s first all-electric battery-powered SUV in 2026, with deliveries expected to start in 2027.
Bentley originally planned to go fully electric by 2030 but has now pushed back its target to 2035, after reassessing market trends and consumer sentiment.
Walliser admitted that the company was “maybe a little bit too bullish in the beginning” and that global EV adoption had slowed.
“Our judgment is that, at the moment, we are at the very deep point on the acceptance of electric cars. We assume it will come back,” he said.
Despite some customer reluctance, Bentley remains committed to introducing a new electric or hybrid model every year for the next decade as part of its long-term EV strategy.
Bentley has already ended production of petrol-only models, retiring its W12 engine last year. All current models now come with hybrid powertrains as the brand prepares for its eventual shift to full electrification.
However, the company is facing financial headwinds. Operating profit fell nearly 40% last year to €373 million (£313 million), despite achieving record revenue per car as it focuses on a “value over volume” strategy.
The drop was attributed to a challenging global economic environment, with a notable slowdown in Chinese demand.
Nevertheless, Bentley continues to generate significant income through Mulliner, its bespoke personalisation division, with nearly three-quarters of buyers opting for custom features that typically triple the base price of a vehicle.
While some traditional customers remain resistant to EVs, Walliser emphasised that Bentley’s long-term strategy is about anticipating future trends rather than focusing on short-term buyer hesitation.
With its revised 2035 electrification target, Bentley aims to balance heritage with innovation—ensuring its luxury vehicles continue to excite buyers while preparing for a changing automotive landscape.
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Bentley pushes ahead with EV shift despite resistance from traditional customers