Will Bentley be the next VW Group brand to build an electric car?

By Stephen Edelstein February 8, 2016

bentley considering electric car exp 10 speed 6 official 5 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Bentley could be the latest Volkswagen Group brand to get an electric car. While it is probably the most traditional of the VW Group brands, a new report claims Bentley is evaluating the possibility of a production electric car, taking it in the direction of other, trend-chasing luxury brands.

The British carmaker is studying the idea of an electric car, but is too early in the process to make any concrete plans, Bentley board member Rolf Frech told Australia’s Drive during the media launch of the Bentayga SUV last week. His comments indicated Bentley hasn’t made any firm decisions about the form of this potential electric car.

“I think there will be an answer within the next six months to a year to decide which direction we will go,” Frech said, “but of course electric will be a future strategy direction for Bentley.”

Frech hinted that Bentley could build an all-electric version of the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept that debuted to widespread acclaim at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show last year. However, Frech also said the electric model could be a “more traditional car.” In addition to choosing a platform, Bentley also has to allocate production capacity for another model; it’s currently ramping up production of the Bentayga, and reportedly has a new Continental GT and least one more other model queued up.

One thing that isn’t in doubt is where Bentley will get its electric powertrain components from. Frech said Bentley could borrow components from the Porsche Mission E sedan, although he noted it won’t use that car’s platform. Unveiled as a concept at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Mission E is set to go into production before the end of the decade. It will be joined by a production version of the Audi e-tron quattro SUV concept, an electric Volkswagen Phaeton, and potentially the electric Bentley, giving VW four luxury electric models.

It’s unclear how plans for an all-electric car will affect Bentley’s previously-discussed commitment to plug-in hybrids. In 2014, Bentley unveiled the Hybrid Concept, a plug-in hybrid version of the Mulsanne. At the time, it said most of its models would eventually be offered with plug-in hybrid powertrains, starting with the Bentayga.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Chrysler Halcyon concept is a return to glory for the minivan brand

Chrysler plans to launch its first EV in 2025, but the foundational brand of automotive conglomerate Stellantis may be taking a detour on the road toward that goal. In 2022, Chrysler showed the Airflow, a concept car reportedly previewing that first production EV. But now the brand has a new EV concept dubbed the Halcyon.

Where the Airflow was a handsome but sensible crossover SUV, the Halcyon is a bit more fanciful. The low-slung four-door looks like Chrysler's attempt to clone the Porsche Taycan. It's even got front-fender air outlets like the Porsche, part of an aerodynamic package that includes a sliding rear diffuser and a rear spoiler. It's all meant to minimize aerodynamic drag and improve range. An air suspension system can also adjust to further enhance efficiency, or improve driving dynamics, according to Chrysler.

Cars

Mercedes’ electric eSprinter isn’t just greener, it’s better

Front three quarter view of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter electric van.

While best known for luxury cars, Mercedes-Benz is also a prolific maker of commercial vans. Since it first arrived in the U.S. in 2001, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has become a favorite of both delivery fleets and camping enthusiasts. And with Mercedes kicking its electrification plans into high gear, we’re finally getting an all-electric Sprinter van.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is an updated version of a model Mercedes was already selling in Europe but was considered unsuitable for the U.S. because of its limited driving range. The updated eSprinter addresses that with a bigger battery pack and features a reengineered electric motor and other components that allow it to be built more easily alongside conventional vans. That’s happening at Mercedes’ factory in North Charleston, South Carolina, which will begin supplying electric vans to customers in the U.S. later this year.

Cars

VinFast is bringing a mini electric SUV to the U.S., and maybe a pickup, too

Front three quarter view of the VinFast VF 3 electric SUV.

VinFast has had a rocky start with its VF 8 electric SUV, but the Vietnamese automaker is pushing ahead with plans for more models. At CES 2024, it unveiled an electric pickup truck concept, and confirmed that the smaller VF 3 will be available globally.

The VF 3 was unveiled in June 2023, but VinFast said at the time that it would initially be sold only in Vietnam. The two-door, four-seat VF 3 measures 122.5 inches long — shorter than a Mini Cooper — features a 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and targets more than 125 miles of range based on the Environmental protection Agency's testing cycle. That may not sound impressive, but VinFast aims to make up for it with a low base price. That price, as well as specific timing for a U.S. launch, will be revealed at a later date. VinFast would only say that it will begin accepting early reservations later this year.