Bentley News: Bentley's Second SUV Could Go Electric Only

[William Maley]

Bentley has been hinting for awhile about adding a second SUV to its lineup, something smaller than the current Bentayga. This new SUV could go all-electric according to a report from Automotive News.

"I can assure you that Bentley -- on the long term view -- will not stay with one model only in the SUV lineup. We have clear indications that a smaller Bentayga as a Bentley SUV would find great acceptance," said Wolfgang Duerheimer, Bentley CEO.

But there is the concern that the smaller SUV could eat into the sales of the Bentayga. Hence the idea of making it an EV.

"If you are looking for such a car [small SUV] then we are looking to that in combination with the possibilities to go full electric. It only makes sense if you get really new customers into the brand," said Rolf Frech, Bentley's board member for engineering.

Frech said that if this idea was to go forward, it would likely come in 2020 or beyond when Bentley reaches stage two of their electrification plans. Part one is the introduction of the Bentayga PHEV this year, followed by the Flying Spur and Mulsanne.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

View full article

[smk4565]

Audi E-tron SUV will turn into a Bentley to spread out the cost.   It's how they roll over there at VW.

[G. David Felt]

Hopefully the EV version will actually look better.