Huge power and torque outputs on the cards for Bentley’s upcoming electric vehicles
Bentley boss Adrian Hallmark has decreed that all of the British luxury car-maker’s future electric models will pack up to double the power output of the brand’s current internal combustion models.
Speaking to Autocar, Hallmark said Bentley’s upcoming EV “powertrains will have between 50 per cent and 100 per cent more power” than the current six-, eight- and 12-cylinder petrol engines lurking under the bonnets of the Continental GT, Bentayga and Flying Spur.
That means Bentley’s upcoming EVs should pack at least of 727kW of power, based on the 485kW output of the Continental GT Speed, which would set a new record for a production car, while peak torque is almost certain to top 1000Nm, as with the 484kW/950Nm Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 electric limousine (560kW/1020Nm with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package).
But those who dare to dream could double the flagship Bentley coupe’s kiloWatt count to project a hypothetical power ceiling of 970kW. Yes, almost 1000kW.
It’s highly unlikely Bentley will bless a street-legal model with that much shove – especially in its preliminary EV days – given the Rolls-Royce Spectre ‘only’ develops 430kW/1000Nm.
It’s been a while since Rolls and Bentley were classed as direct rivals, but comparisons will inevitably be drawn as the two iconic British (founded) premium brands go all-EV by 2030.
Hallmark went on to reveal the upcoming luxury EVs would also offer driving ranges of between 560 and 725km depending on the model and drive configuration – and impressive fast-charging capability.
“I can’t name our partner [battery] manufacturer or the type but our cars will have… a rapid-charging time from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in less than 20 minutes,” he said.
The immense firepower and generous driving ranges will reportedly be offered in conjunction with instantly recognisable exterior designs that are set, in Bentley’s eyes at least, to define the segment.
“The latest-generation Bentley Continental GT is an excellent example of how things will go,” Hallmark said.
“The Conti’s design, proportions, interior and dynamics all set new standards – and the next-generation cars will do it again.”
Indeed, Bentley’s global chief says design is being given such priority that the company is happily conceding “a little” aerodynamic efficiency in the name of style and grandeur.
“Our job is to build Bentleys, not BEVs with Bentley badges attached,” Hallmark said.
The first of five battery-electric Bentleys is due to be revealed in 2025 and released the following year. It is one of three flagship Volkswagen Group EVs (the other two will come from Porsche and Audi) being co-developed as part of the Audi Artemis project.
Underpinned by the new-age SSP architecture, previous reports have suggested the inaugural Bentley EV will be a flagship coupe of some description, however, Hallmark repeatedly referenced the rapidly expanding SUV market in his recent interview with Autocar.
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Keyword: Bentley EVs to deliver double the power of W12