The Electric Bentley: A Near Future

Unlike many other luxury car manufacturers, Bentley has had a great year with a 50 percent increase in global sales over the past year. The main reasons being: reliability, service, and performance. But Bentley is not going to be sitting on its laurels of gas-powered cars; it is joining the fun in going electric.

Like all automobile manufacturers, Bentley is fully aware that the future of its cars will be electric. One prime reason for initiating the electric revolution is because, in many European cities like Amsterdam, Rome, and Milan where Bentleys are common, the local governments are also considering barring gas-powered vehicles on public roads in the not-so-distant future.

LUXURY EVs

Bentley is hoping to release its first luxury electric Bentley car in 2025.  While this may be later than most other luxury car manufacturers, the electric Bentley will remain a very special car where every detail is handcrafted and personalized. Make no mistake: Bentley does not want to rush to put out just any Bentley electric car, because there is a lot at stake; mainly its reputation as a global leader in luxury cars. 

While exact details about the first Bentley electric car are not known, most experts believe that it will be an SUV.  So far, it is not known if the new 2025 Bentley electric car will be an entirely new model from scratch or if it will be a modified electric version of the widely popular Bentayga. Some are even suggesting that the first EV may be a hybrid that was introduced to the media three years ago. What is known is that the Bentley EV will be constructed on the Volkswagen Group’s new proprietary Artemis platform, which has been advanced by Audi. It is also rumored that this same 900-volt electric structure will also provide the base for the new all-electric Porsche Macan. 

The one major obstacle with Bentley’s first EV is the weight of the car. Because Bentley’s weight varies anywhere from 2,300 to 2,450 kg (or roughly 5,300 pounds), it is also going to need a massive lithium battery unit to maintain its functionality on the road. This is also going to add to the weight of the car and take up enormous space, which may compromise some luxury features. However, there is rapid innovation taking place in the world of batteries and it is hoped that lighter, compact, and more powerful batteries will be available within a few years. An additional concern for Bentley is that the battery will also have to be quiet, offer established power, and have refined performance. 

Word from the manufacturer is that a hybrid Flying Spur and the sporty Continental GT may be released soon and join the plug-in Bentayga in early 2022. 

ECO-FRIENDLY VEHICLES

Despite the late start with green luxury cars, Bentley is no stranger to eco-friendliness. Its entire plant in Crewe, England is a state-of-the-art facility, where going green has been the motto for the past decade. The factory is partially operated by solar power and there have been dramatic reductions in C02 emissions. The company has installed hydro-treated vegetable oil fueling stations that emit ultra-low emissions compared to conventional fuels. All these features are going to help expedite the production of Bentley electric cars.

However, the manufacturer cautions that the Covid-19 pandemic is still a threat, and this may lead to some uncertainties in the near future, which may delay the release of the first electric Bentley. One thing is assured, however, no matter when Bentley releases its first EV, it is bound to be in demand because recent surveys indicate that customers want eco-friendly luxury cars with all the razzmatazz that Bentley is known for.

To learn more about what Bentley is up to in the latest models of its cars, visit Braman Motorcars today or call them at 1-561-926-9111.