Because the new Bentleys are too heavy to comply with current regulations.
The modern luxury cars are becoming heavier and more expensive with each new generation due to the addition of new features, electrified powertrains and large dimensions. With a weight of 5,542 lbs (2,514 kg) and a total vehicle mass of 7,165 pounds (3,250kg), the new Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase, is a perfect example. These numbers are dangerously close to the European Union weight limit. The British automaker is making efforts to ensure that European customers can drive new Bentleys.
A representative of Bentayga EWB was present at a preview event. He spoke to CarSales Volkswagen Group. The company is lobbying the European Commission to increase weight limits for European drivers. According to Australian publication, Crewe-based manufacturer VAG is the heaviest brand, weighing in at 5,088 lbs (2.308 kg) for its four-model range.
“The rules regarding licenses… Chris Cole, Bentayga product director, stated that licensing needs to be changed. “With current technology, the vehicle’s gross weight will exceed the ceiling in all of Europe at the moment. As the situation changes, that’s an ongoing conversation with certification authorities.
Bentley’s position is clearly different than what BMW currently states. The Bavarian company, Christoph Fagschlunger (project manager for the new BMW 7 Series), stated that new cars will not get heavier. Fagschlunger says that the brand’s two most heavy cars are the i7 (at 5,820 lbs/2.640 kg) or the facelifted BMW X7 (7,467 lbs/2.480 kg). However, this is unlikely to be the limit when it comes vehicle weight.
But luxury electric cars will not be able to exceed Europe’s 3.5-tonne limit. Bentley questions that, as electrification essentially means more weight. Cole rhetorically asked, “The law was encouraging companies to go as lightweight as possible for fuel economy. But is it as relevant when vehicles are electric?” We expect that the current weight of Bentley’s electric vehicles will rise and be closer to Europe’s standards with the upcoming range.