Bentley posts £186M profit despite 5% delivery drop in 2025

Bentley has reported an operating profit of £186 million for 2025, despite a challenging year. The luxury carmaker faced a 5% decline in deliveries, driven by weak demand in China and broader market pressures. To maintain its position, the company is now focusing on cost efficiency, site upgrades, and a cautious shift toward electric vehicles.

The brand's financial performance took a hit as operating profit fell by 42% compared to 2024. Sales slowed in key markets, including China, Europe, and the US. However, Bentley managed to retain profitability by increasing revenue per vehicle through bespoke options and a refined model mix.

Job cuts were announced to improve efficiency and secure long-term competitiveness at the Crewe site. Around 275 roles, mainly in management, agency, and non-manufacturing areas, will be reduced. The company stressed that these measures are necessary to sustain its market position while continuing to invest in infrastructure.

Bentley is upgrading its Crewe facilities, including a new Design Centre, an A1 battery EV production building, and a modernised Paint Shop. These improvements aim to support future production needs as the brand transitions toward electrification.

The company has also adjusted its electric vehicle strategy. Originally planning a full EV lineup by 2030, Bentley now expects to complete the shift by 2035. Plug-in hybrids will remain on sale beyond that date. The delay reflects low consumer demand for EVs among its customers, as well as a strategy to protect margins and brand value.

While rivals like Porsche and Lamborghini have accelerated their EV rollouts, Bentley's approach remains gradual. Porsche launched the Taycan in 2023 and expanded it in 2025, followed by the electric Macan and 911 in 2026. Lamborghini introduced its first full-electric model, the Lanzador, in 2025. Bentley, however, postponed its first EV—a Batur-inspired SUV—from 2025 to 2026 and plans to release three electric models by 2030.

Bentley's 2025 results highlight both resilience and adaptation in a shifting market. The company is balancing profitability with strategic investments, while its gradual EV transition aims to safeguard margins and brand prestige. With site upgrades underway and a refined product plan, the focus remains on long-term stability rather than rapid electrification.