When Bentley unveiled its recent Supersports model and announced it was postponing its first full EV launch, it was interesting to see how many were quick to paint the move as “anti-woke” – a two-fingers up salute to the EV revolution.
But from the perspective of an outsider looking in, the Supersports launch isn’t a rejection of EVs per se (Bentley has plans for the world’s first all-electric luxury urban SUV). Rather, it’s a loud and proud reminder of Bentley’s legacy, executed at a pivotal moment in automotive history. Think of it not as Bentley trying to reinvent itself but Bentley doubling down on what the brand’s all about: performance, luxury and the emotive thrill of driving.
It also talks to a much broader narrative around the future of supercars in an electric era – an era that threatens to reduce or eradicate everything that makes a luxury sports car so desirable.
Why EVs represent an existential threat to supercars
In the luxury space of high-performance supercars, people want a statement and an experience. Something outrageous and non-conformist. Typically, that was rooted in power – best brought to life by exhilarating acceleration and blistering speed.
