Bentley pivots the next Bentayga from fully electric to high-performance PHEV for 2028. Explore the strategic shift in luxury mobility here!
Bentley is preparing for a significant strategic shift. The marque has confirmed that the next generation of its flagship SUV, the Bentayga, arriving in 2028, will feature a high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain rather than going fully electric as previously planned.
A Strategic Course Correction
Originally, Bentley had set an ambitious goal to launch five new electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, with a fully electric Bentayga successor acting as the cornerstone of this transition. However, the luxury automaker has decided to pivot, placing its immediate focus on a sophisticated PHEV evolution instead.
This decision stems largely from delays in Porsche’s new electric platform, coupled with a global trend where demand for ultra-luxury EVs has grown more slowly than anticipated. CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser noted that a PHEV strategy is the most logical path forward leading up to 2035—the year when current regulations mandate that all new cars sold in the UK and 90% in the EU must be zero-emission.
The Technical Shift: From SSP to PPC
The second-generation Bentayga was initially slated to use the Volkswagen Group’s SSP platform (developed by Porsche). Due to the aforementioned delays, Bentley is shifting the SUV to the PPC platform. This platform is shared with the new Porsche Cayenne and the upcoming Audi Q9, providing the versatility to support 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder internal combustion engines (ICE) alongside the next-generation PHEV systems.
What to Expect from the 2028 Bentayga PHEV
- Powertrain: The flagship version will center around a 3.0L V6 PHEV system.
- Performance: It is expected to deliver approximately 462 horsepower, maintaining the prestige of the current lineup.
- Electric Range: While the current PHEV offers roughly 48 km of electric range, the 2028 model will see a significant increase, allowing for longer emission-free commutes.
Preserving the Soul of Internal Combustion
Despite the hybrid push, Bentley isn’t abandoning the roar of the engine just yet. CEO Walliser confirmed that pure gasoline versions will remain available in specific markets and for select models. The company is even keeping the door open for limited-edition, non-electrified special versions for collectors.
This caution is driven by market reality: the Bentayga is currently Bentley’s best-selling model, accounting for nearly half of its global sales over the past year. Bentley is unwilling to alienate its loyal customer base by forcing a transition to full electric before the infrastructure and demand are fully ready.
The Broader Bentley Roadmap
While the Bentayga takes a hybrid route, Bentley’s electric dreams aren’t dead. The brand will still launch its first dedicated EV, the Barnato, late this year, with deliveries starting in early 2027. Based on the PPE platform (similar to the electric Cayenne), the Barnato is expected to be a powerhouse with dual motors, AWD, and a staggering output of up to 1,140 horsepower.
Furthermore, other iconic models including the Bentley Continental GT, Continental GTC, and Flying Spur are expected to receive PHEV upgrades by the end of the decade as they transition to the PPC platform.
Conclusion: Flexibility in a Changing Market
Bentley’s shift demonstrates a pragmatic approach to the luxury market. By prioritizing flexibility over a rigid electrification timeline, the brand can maintain its current profitability while carefully preparing for a zero-emission future. The next Bentayga will be a blend of traditional luxury and modern efficiency, ensuring it remains the gold standard for luxury SUVs through 2028 and beyond.