Bentley has pushed back the launch of its first electric car as it anticipates greater demand for hybrid models from consumers.
The luxury car maker said it would introduce its first battery-electric vehicle towards the end of 2026 rather than next year, as previously planned.
The company also delayed by another year the launch of its full range of fully electric models, which originally was expected to roll out by 2030.
Instead, Bentley will refresh its Continental GT and Flying Spur ranges in the second half of this year, launching four plug-in hybrid models.
Bentley chairman and chief executive Adrian Hallmark said: “There’s no question that BEVs are the way that we’ll all head in the midterm.
“But also, what we’re seeing is an uptick in the acceptance and the demand for hybrids.”
It comes as Bentley delivered 13,560 cars in 2023, its third highest retail figure in history.
Revenues hit €2.9bn (£2.5bn) as operating profits reached €589m (£504m) with return on sales of 20.1pc.
