Bentley, the British luxury automaker, has made it clear that its debut electric vehicle will not be re-engineered to offer combustion-powered variants, despite growing concerns about declining demand in the luxury EV segment. The Luxury Urban EV, set to debut in the second half of 2026, is being developed on an offshoot of Volkswagen Group’s PPE (Premium Platform Electric) skateboard, a platform also used by other brands under the Volkswagen umbrella.

Commitment to Electric Powertrain

Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser confirmed in an interview with Autocar UK that the company has ‘no intention to put an ICE engine in or to put a plug-in hybrid drivetrain’ in the Luxury Urban EV. This decision sets Bentley apart from its competitor Lotus, which recently introduced a plug-in hybrid version of its Eletre SUV in response to slowing EV demand.

Walliser emphasized that the Luxury Urban EV will not have PHEV or ICE variants, stating that such options are ‘not part of [Bentley’s] strategy.’ He suggested that the Bentayga PHEV, which is not sold in India, could serve as an alternative for customers who prefer combustion-powered luxury vehicles.

The Bentayga PHEV features a 3.0-litre turbo V6 hybrid powertrain that produces up to 462 horsepower and 900Nm of torque, along with an 18kWh battery offering a claimed all-electric range of 45km. However, Walliser noted that retrofitting a combustion engine onto the Luxury Urban EV’s platform is ‘technically not feasible.’

Targeting New Customers

Bentley’s strategy for the Luxury Urban EV is to attract new customers rather than replace existing buyers of combustion or plug-in hybrid vehicles. Walliser stated that the company is focused on understanding the size of the luxury EV market and identifying ‘who is really interested.’

‘Part of the Bentley strategy is not to replace a car. So Bentayga will continue, so we don’t have to, let me call it, force people to change from a combustion engine or plug-in hybrid car to an electric car. So we are targeting and looking for new customers [with the EV],’ Walliser explained.

He also described the Luxury Urban EV as ‘a different proposition’ compared to other luxury EVs in the market, claiming that Bentley has ‘a very interesting offer’ with its electric vehicle.

Competition and Future Plans

The Luxury Urban EV will face stiff competition from vehicles such as the Porsche Cayenne Electric, the upcoming Range Rover Electric, and an electric SUV from Rolls-Royce. Unlike Lotus, which has introduced a PHEV version of the Eletre in response to waning EV interest, Bentley has not indicated any such plans for its electric SUV.

Walliser noted that the Luxury Urban EV could be equipped with a 113kWh, dual-motor AWD powertrain, producing close to or even exceeding 1,000 horsepower. This power output would place the vehicle in the same performance bracket as its platform sibling, the Cayenne Electric.

The global launch of the Luxury Urban EV is planned for the second half of 2026, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. This timeline aligns with the broader industry trend of electric vehicle development, despite some manufacturers scaling back their EV initiatives.

While the luxury EV market is facing challenges, Bentley’s decision to stick with an all-electric powertrain highlights its confidence in the future of electric vehicles. The company’s approach highlights the growing divide between automakers who are doubling down on EVs and those who are hedging their bets with hybrid and combustion options.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Bentley’s commitment to the Luxury Urban EV signals a strategic move to position itself as a leader in the luxury EV segment. The company’s focus on innovation and performance aligns with its brand identity, setting the stage for a new era of electric luxury vehicles.