Prominent in Walliser’s Agenda: Electrification and Bentley’s Future
One of the main topics on Bentley CEO Matthias Walliser’s agenda is the electrification of the luxury car brand. Recently, Bentley announced the postponement of its first electric car to 2026, citing a slowdown in electric vehicle demand as the reason for the delay.
The upcoming electric car, which is expected to be a crossover-esque saloon similar in size to the Porsche Taycan, will not replace any existing models in Bentley’s lineup. Walliser hinted at the design direction of the new electric car, emphasizing the importance of aerodynamics in its development.
Walliser confirmed that Bentley will begin testing prototypes of the electric car in the coming weeks. While he acknowledged that his expertise from leading the development of Porsche’s 918 Spyder supercar will influence the new Bentley, he highlighted that the focus will be on refining the driving experience.
Despite Bentley’s rich racing heritage, Walliser expressed that the current priorities for the brand are electrification and business growth. He emphasized the need for financial stability before considering a return to motorsport, noting that being a CEO requires a different perspective than being a head of motorsport.
Upon joining Bentley, Walliser was impressed by the quality of the cars and the recent investments made by the VW Group in Bentley’s facilities in Crewe. He noted the mutual respect between Bentley and Porsche, with Porsche admiring Bentley’s interior craftsmanship and passion for excellence.
Overall, Walliser’s vision for Bentley’s future involves a strategic focus on electrification, quality craftsmanship, and sustainable growth, all while maintaining the brand’s reputation for luxury and performance.
