Bentley Mulls EV Options

Volkswagen AG’s Bentley arm plans to launch its first fully electric vehicle early next decade.

The ultra-luxury marque is considering several EV models, Autocar reports. The British enthusiast magazine, which doesn’t cite its sources, says the list of electric contenders includes the successor to Bentley’s flagship Mulsanne sedan and an all-new car based on Porsche’s upcoming Mission E electric platform.

The Mission E variant would be a sleek sedan with the driving dynamics of a Porsche Panamera, Autocar says. The vehicle would be smaller than the Panamera but larger than a 911 or the two-seat EXP12 Speed 6e EV concept Bentley unveiled at the 2017 Geneva auto show.

Bentley is in the process of launching its first hybrid vehicle, a gasoline-electric variant of its Bentayga crossover/SUV. But an all-electric version of that vehicle is unlikely anytime soon, according to the report.

Bentley CEO Adrian Hallmark, who replaced the retiring Wolfgang Durheimer last autumn, is said to be reviewing all options. Autocar says the only model he has approved is the next-generation Flying Spur sedan due next year.

The new Flying Spur will feature further styling differentiation from Bentley’s Continental lineup, but both will continue to share their base underpinnings and powertrains, according to the report. An all-new design language is expected thereafter, possibly starting with the first EV.