Bentley has officially begun construction of its new electric vehicle assembly line at its headquarters in Crewe, UK, as part of a £2.5 billion investment in electrification.
However, the launch of the luxury brand’s first battery-electric vehicle has been postponed to 2027. The model, expected to be a high-end SUV, was initially slated for release in 2026.
See also: Bentley Begins Construction on Logistics Centre to Support EV Transition
The Volkswagen Group-owned marque reaffirmed its strategy to transition into an all-electric brand by 2035, revising its previous target of 2030. Despite the delay, preparations for the brand’s EV lineup remain in full swing, with the historic Pyms Lane facility being transformed to accommodate electric vehicle production.
“We are making unprecedented levels of investment at Bentley – not only to fundamentally renew our product cycle but also to transform an 85-year-old site for the new age of electrification,” said Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser.
See also: Bentley Motors Opens Excellence Centre for Quality & Launch as Part of Electrification Plans
Bentley aims to introduce a new hybrid or electric model annually until 2035. The upcoming SUV will be built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, developed jointly by Audi and Porsche.
Meanwhile, the company faces financial challenges, with 2024 sales dropping 10% to €2.65 billion and operating profit declining by 37% to €373 million.
Although Bentley’s return on sales stood at 14.1%, it marked a sharp decline from 20.1% in 2023. The company now looks to its electrification strategy as a key driver for future growth.