Bentley Revives Its Sporty Heritage While Embracing Electrification

Bentley Motors, historically founded to build race-cars, is re-emphasizing performance after years of focusing on luxury comfort. The company’s recent rollout includes the Supersports two-seater, the new-generation Flying Spur S, and the all-electric Torcal SUV, all positioned as proof that “sportiness, performance, [and] better driving” remain central to the brand’s future.

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The Supersports, unveiled nearly a year ago under the secret codename “Mildred,” draws its name from early-20th-century racer Mildred Mary Petre, whose records were once linked to Bentley cars. The model weighs less than two tons and is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 delivering 657 bhp. Following that, Bentley introduced a Flying Spur S that is 20 % more powerful than any prior Flying Spur S, and the Torcal SUV, shown this autumn, can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds. The Bentayga Speed, launched in June 2025, represents the most dynamic version of the brand’s flagship SUV to date.

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Chairman and CEO Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser told Newsweek that the 1990s rebirth of Bentley centered on sportiness and that the company is extending that ethos today. He described the Supersports project as a “big risk” that paid off, noting that the model sold out within eight weeks. Walliser also explained that Bentley will offer plug-in hybrids as a core option, place electric models at the top of the lineup, and keep Supersports as the flagship of its performance image. The automaker added that a new global retail concept will upgrade more than 220 showrooms across over 60 markets with personalized spaces, bars, and dedicated handover areas.

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• Supersports: 4.0 L V8, 657 bhp, <2 tonnes, sold out in eight weeks.

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• Flying Spur S: 20 % increase in power over previous S versions.

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• Torcal SUV: 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, all-electric drivetrain.

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• Bentayga Speed: launched June 2025 as the most dynamic Bentayga.

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• Retail overhaul: >220 retailers, >60 markets, new bar-style reception and handover zones.

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• “If you go back in the 90s, when the Bentley brand was reborn, it was all about sportiness, performance, better driving. That we take and we'll roll it out further,” — Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, chairman and CEO of Bentley

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• “It was a big risk to do such a car and to try something what we never did before, and to say, ‘This is this is our idea of how our cars could look like in the future,’” — Steffen Walliser, chairman and CEO of Bentley

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