Frank-Steffen Walliser: Steering Bentley into a New Era with the Continental GT Speed
Frank-Steffen Walliser leads Bentley as the new CEO. He recently introduced the fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT Speed in the Swiss Alps. Walliser, 55, has a unique background with 29 years at Porsche AG, where he started as an intern. He specialized in motorsport and engineering.
When Walliser joined Bentley, the company faced challenges. Although it saw record sales during the pandemic, the “Beyond 100” electrification plan faced delays. Initially, Bentley aimed to be fully electric by 2030, but this goal has been moved to the mid-2030s. Currently, high-performance plug-in hybrids like the Continental GT Speed will bridge the gap. The first pure electric Bentley is set for 2026.
Walliser expressed surprise at the quality of Bentley cars. He did not realize how skilled the craftsmanship was until he witnessed it at the Crewe factory. He found it impressive to see 700 people working with leather and wood.
To understand the brand better, Walliser drove classic Bentley models, including the Turbo R and the first-gen Continental GT Supersports. He felt a strong connection to the Turbo R, describing it as a significant rebirth for Bentley. He appreciated the comfort and performance of these models and aims to enhance this character in future vehicles.
– What are Frank-Steffen Walliser’s key goals for Bentley’s electrification strategy?
Interview with Frank-Steffen Walliser: Steering Bentley into the Future
In an exclusive interview with Frank-Steffen Walliser, the newly appointed CEO of Bentley Motors, we delve into the brand’s exciting transition while maintaining its distinguished heritage. Walliser shares insights from his extensive career, the recent unveiling of the fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT Speed, and his vision for the company as it navigates the electrification journey.
Q: Congratulations on your new role as CEO of Bentley. What attracted you to this position, especially considering your long tenure at Porsche?
Frank-Steffen Walliser: Thank you! My background at Porsche allowed me to understand the depth of automotive engineering and motorsport excellence. When I joined Bentley, I saw an opportunity to shape a brand with a rich history and a promise of innovation. The challenge of balancing tradition with modern demands was a key factor for me.
Q: You recently introduced the fourth-generation Continental GT Speed in the Swiss Alps. What feedback did you receive from this launch?
Walliser: The launch was a remarkable experience. The GT Speed showcases the pinnacle of performance and luxury that Bentley stands for. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the vehicle’s driving dynamics and craftsmanship. Our team has worked diligently to ensure that every aspect reflects Bentley’s commitment to excellence.
Q: Bentley faced challenges with its sustainable plans, particularly with the “Beyond 100″ electrification initiative. Can you elaborate on how you plan to address these challenges?
Walliser: Indeed, while we witnessed record sales during the pandemic, our electrification timeline has encountered delays. Our new target for a fully electric lineup has shifted to the mid-2030s. In the meantime, we’re focusing on high-performance plug-in hybrids like the GT Speed to bridge the gap. We are excited about launching our first pure electric model in 2026, which will pave the way for our sustainable future.
Q: You mentioned being surprised by the quality of craftsmanship at the Crewe factory. Can you share what specifically stood out to you?
Walliser: Absolutely! Witnessing firsthand the dedication of our craftsmen was eye-opening. Over 700 skilled individuals work with materials like leather and wood, creating not just cars, but works of art. The levels of detail and quality truly exemplify Bentley’s heritage. It reinforced my understanding of why our brand commands such respect in the luxury segment.
Q: You have a personal connection to classic Bentley models, especially the Turbo R. How do these vehicles influence your vision for future models?
Walliser: Driving classic models like the Turbo R and the first-gen Continental GT Supersports was a transformative experience. The Turbo R, in particular, represents a significant rebirth for Bentley, emphasizing both comfort and performance. My goal is to encapsulate that essence—what I call “Bentleyness”—in our future vehicles, ensuring they remain driver-oriented even as we transition to electric powertrains.
Q: As Bentley evolves, how do you plan to differentiate the brand from competitors like Rolls-Royce?
Walliser: Differentiation is key. While we respect the competition, Bentley will focus heavily on the driving experience. We aim to create vehicles that are not only luxurious but also thrilling to drive, reinforcing our identity as a performance-oriented luxury brand. This focus will set us apart as we move forward in an evolving market.
Q: In closing, what excites you most about the future of Bentley?
Walliser: The future is bright for Bentley. We are at the cusp of tremendous change—transitioning to electric power while honoring our legacy. I’m excited about our upcoming models, the integration of innovative technologies, and the opportunity to capture the hearts of a new generation of enthusiasts. We will continue to embody what it means to be a Bentley owner in every facet of our evolution.
With his deep understanding of automotive excellence and unwavering focus on driving dynamics, Walliser is poised to steer Bentley into an exciting new era while preserving its illustrious legacy.
Walliser’s current company car is a previous-generation W12-powered Continental GT Speed. He believes Bentley’s future vehicles should focus on being driver-oriented, even as they move towards electric powertrains. He referred to this quality as “Bentleyness.” This term highlights the importance of the car’s look and feel, along with user-friendly technology.
As Bentley transitions, Walliser aims to differentiate the brand through a focus on driving experience, setting it apart from competitors like Rolls-Royce. His vision positions Bentley to thrive amidst the challenges of electrification and market changes.