In a recent interview with AutoCar, Bentley CEO Adrian Hallmark revealed exciting details about the luxury automaker’s inaugural all-electric vehicle (EV). The highly anticipated EV will boast partial hands-off driving capabilities on motorways right from the start, with full autonomous driving potentially being added later through convenient over-the-air software updates.
Hallmark also confirmed that Bentley will be utilizing Mobileye’s cutting-edge SuperVision technology for their EV. This advanced system incorporates an impressive array of 11 cameras and will also be employed in the upcoming Porsche Macan EV, showcasing the strong partnership between the two esteemed brands.
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While initial assumptions suggested Bentley’s electric offering would take the form of a high-riding sedan or crossover, it remains plausible that the British manufacturer might opt for a sportier two-door coupe design. Hallmark previously hinted that the first Bentley EV would boast an astounding 1,400 horsepower, enabling it to achieve an awe-inspiring 0-60 miles per hour acceleration in just 1.5 seconds.
Nonetheless, such mind-boggling performance figures are typically not associated with crossovers, even in the era of electrification. Considering this, Hallmark alluded to the possibility of a “slower version” of the EV, catering to customers who might find the immense power of the 1,400 hp variant somewhat overwhelming.
Setting their sights on an electrified future, Bentley has ambitious plans to introduce a new electric vehicle each year between 2025 and 2030. Moreover, the esteemed luxury automaker is investing over $3 billion into revamping its Crewe facility, ensuring it is fully equipped to embrace the demands of the electric era.
See also: Bentley delays launch of electric vehicle until 2026
In parallel to Bentley’s foray into the electric domain, another illustrious British manufacturer, Rolls-Royce, is poised to unveil its inaugural EV this autumn. Named the Spectre, this opulent luxury coupe shares its platform with the esteemed combustion-engined models Phantom and Cullinan. Equipped with a dual-motor configuration and propelled by a potent 120-kilowatt-hour battery pack, the Spectre boasts an impressive claimed range of 310 miles. With a brisk 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph, the Spectre certainly delivers ample performance; however, it is reasonable to assume that Bentley’s EV will ultimately surpass it in a straight-line sprint.
As the automotive industry steadily transitions toward electrification, Bentley and Rolls-Royce, two of Britain’s most renowned luxury marques, are seizing the opportunity to captivate consumers with their respective electric offerings. With Bentley’s commitment to regular EV releases and the imminent launch of Rolls-Royce’s Spectre, the future of automotive luxury is undoubtedly electrifying.
