Bentley is planning the biggest product offensive in its 100-year history as it transitions to becoming an electric-only car brand in 2030 – with five electric cars due to arrive in five years from 2025 onwards.
The British firm has already confirmed that it will launch its first battery EV in 2025, and earlier today announced that model would be built at its long-established Crewe factory. Bentley will then launch four further electric vehicles, which will arrive each ear in the run-up to 2030.
Matthias Rabe, Bentley’s technical chief, called it “the biggest product offensive Bentley ever had.”
He added: “It's an unprecedented product launch plan and all cars will be fully designed and developed in Crewe, and will feature the most modern technology developed by the Volkswagen Group.
“We will have a complete new car or a new model and that means an absolutely transformation for that brand. That means we will really set the pace for electric cars in the luxury sector – and every car will be a game changer.
“Every car will translate the concept of 'Bentleyness' to electrification, with outstanding power and new user interface concepts that will please our existing customers and address new customers as well. Expressive design language will be really true to Bentley: they will be nice to drive, with effortless luxury, fantastic craftsmanship and refinement, and power and performance.”
Bentley has yet to confirm specifics of the five EVs it is working on. The first machine, due in 2025, is due to take the form of a large saloon and will be closely based on a forthcoming machine from sister form Audi that will use an advanced new electric platform.
Bentley currently offers four series production model lines: the Continental GT in grand tourer and convertible form, the Flying Spur luxury saloon and the Bentayga SUV, along with a number of limited-run cars from its Mulliner bespoke division.
Company boss Adrian Hallmark hinted that existing model lines would be replaced with electric equivalents "as their life cycles" run out.
Rabe added that future models would not be smaller than existing machines, and that there would be performance-themed models in the line-up.
Bentley has also push a major focus on sustainability. It has already made its Crewe factory carbon neutral, and has committed to a carbon neutral dealer network by 2025. It is also aiming to increase the use of sustainable products in its cars, due to growing demand from customers in the premium sector.
Bentley isn't the only premium British brand branching out into EVs: Rolls-Royce has already teased details of its first EV, the Spectre, which is also due to launch around 2025.
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