by Bentley’s New Strategy
The British luxury car manufacturer Bentley is revising its plans for a full transition to electric vehicles. Instead of the initial target for 2030, the company now plans to introduce a fully electric lineup by 2035. This decision is related to changes in market demand and regulatory requirements.
Renewed Flying Spur
The next generation of the Flying Spur sedan will reflect this strategic shift, offering hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions. Although information about the model remains limited, one can already imagine its appearance based on visualizations and concepts.
Impressive Design
The EXP 15 concept, presented earlier this year, showcases the future design language of Bentley’s electric models. Some of its elements are expected to carry over to the new Flying Spur.
The front end will receive a rectangular radiator grille with illumination and a body-colored grille. Instead of oval headlights, thin vertical LED headlights will appear, emphasizing the geometric and strict appearance.
The long hood and sloping roofline of the concept may be carried over to the production model, as well as the sharp character lines flowing into the rear fenders. Frameless windows will add aerodynamics, but door handles will likely remain conventional due to safety regulations.
The rear will feature thin OLED taillights, a minimalist diffuser, and active aerodynamic elements. A contoured trunk lid and a small spoiler will complete the sporty look.
Luxurious Interior
The interior of the new Flying Spur is likely to be inspired by the EXP 15 concept’s cabin, combining analog luxury with modern technology.
The interior of the EXP 15 concept is expected to be a source of inspiration for all future Bentley models.
Potential features include a curved windshield that flows into a transparent roof with adjustable opacity and a retractable digital panel for augmented reality.
The dashboard may have a flexible wing-like shape with illuminated wood veneer, dual OLED displays, tactile controls, and haptic surfaces.
Other possibilities include an 87-inch augmented reality head-up display and an AI-based voice assistant. Rear passengers are provided with luxurious massaging seats, lighting, intricate tables, and modular displays.
Engines and Technologies
The new Flying Spur will offer various powertrain options, including internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric versions.
The internal combustion engine version will receive an updated bi-turbo V8 with power ranging from 600 to 700 horsepower and torque exceeding 900 Nm.
The plug-in hybrid variant will likely combine a V8 with an electric motor on the rear axle and a 25.9 kWh battery. Total power could exceed 771 hp, and torque could reach 1000 Nm, with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed transmission.
The fully electric version, co-developed with Porsche for the future electric Cayenne, could develop up to 1000 hp and use a 113 kWh battery with wireless charging. The estimated range is nearly 600 km.
Competitors and Release Timeline
The Flying Spur will remain in the upper segment of luxury sedans, competing with models such as the Rolls-Royce Ghost, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, and Huawei Maextro S800 in the Chinese market.
More details about the new Flying Spur are expected to emerge in the coming months, with a full presentation scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027.
These changes in Bentley’s strategy reflect a broader trend in the automotive industry, where manufacturers are adapting to real market conditions rather than just regulatory pressures. Extending electrification timelines allows companies to ensure a smoother transition, maintaining appeal for customers not yet ready to fully abandon traditional engines. Technological innovations such as augmented reality and powerful electric powertrains demonstrate that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand, even if the path to full electrification proves longer than initially expected.
