Bentley: Petrol Engines NOT Going Anywhere But Will Also Build EVs

Petrol Power Stays in Play

Bentley has confirmed that petrol engines will remain part of its main lineup for years to come. CEO Frank Steffen Walliser announced that the Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga will continue to be sold with pure petrol options alongside plug-in hybrids and future electric cars. This is a shift from the brand’s earlier Beyond100 plan, which had committed to going fully electric by 2035.

Walliser explained that many buyers in North America and the Middle East are not ready to give up petrol cars. Their preferences make it commercially sensible for Bentley to keep offering traditional powertrains.

Porsche and Audi’s Moves Open the Door

The decision follows a broader change within the Volkswagen Group. Porsche has invested €3.1 billion to extend the life of its combustion engines, and Audi has abandoned its 2033 electric-only goal. Since Bentley shares platforms and drivetrains with both, their decisions provide the framework for Bentley to also hold back from going all-electric.

Luxury Market Slows Down

The global luxury car segment is small - just over one percent of total sales - but conditions have been unstable. In the first half of 2025, luxury car sales rose only 1.8 percent. Global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions have slowed big-ticket spending.

Mercedes-Benz, still the leader in the space, reported its first half-year decline since 2020. Other premium brands are also working with modest single-digit growth forecasts. Against this backdrop, Bentley’s choice to keep multiple powertrain options is partly a hedge against a shaky market.

Why Customers Still Want Petrol

Bentley has already poured money into its Crewe facility to prepare for electric models, adding new EV assembly lines and paint shops. But customer readiness has lagged. Buyers continue to value the sound and performance of petrol engines, especially in high-end cars.

From 2026, Bentley will still push ahead with electrification, launching one new hybrid or electric model each year. The first will be a pure electric SUV built at Crewe. The brand is choosing a dual path - serving customers who want the old experience while opening the door to those leaning electric.

V8 Engines Keep the Flag Flying

Bentley’s current backbone is the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. It offers strong performance and better efficiency than the discontinued W12. Shared with Porsche, it benefits from continuous development within the Volkswagen Group.

The Continental GT Speed highlights this approach. With a plug-in hybrid setup, it combines the V8 with electric assistance to produce 771 horsepower. It preserves the performance Bentley owners expect, while adding efficiency gains. This template is likely to shape the next generation of Bentleys.

A Slower Road to Electric Luxury

Bentley’s rethink mirrors a wider luxury industry trend. Carmakers are discovering that regulations and customer behaviour don’t always move at the same pace. Many wealthy buyers own several cars, choosing electric for city use but petrol for long-distance or performance needs.

By offering both, Bentley keeps its options open. The brand is still committed to electric, but it is realistic about how quickly the transition can happen. Keeping petrol in the mix helps Bentley stay connected to its traditional base while it develops a future in electric luxury.