---
title: "Bentley Is Killing Its Only 12-Cylinder Engine Because of Electrification"
description: "Bentley is the first ultra-luxury automaker to divest completely of 12 cylinder engines. If Rolls Royce follows suit, it wont be the last."
date: "2023-02-21"
modified: "2023-02-21"
authors:
  - name: "Peter Holderith"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/peter-holderith"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/bentley-is-killing-its-only-12-cylinder-engine-because-of-electrification"
categories:
  - "Bentley News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
---

# Bentley Is Killing Its Only 12-Cylinder Engine Because of Electrification

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21/bentley-w12-is-gone.jpg>)
*\<em\>Bentley\</em\>*

The 6.0-liter W12 that powers [Bentley's](<https://www.thedrive.com/category/bentley-news>) [most prestigious vehicles](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/42326/2022-bentley-continental-gt-speed-first-drive-review-a-w12-hoon-missile-in-a-grand-touring-suit>) has officially been discontinued. By April next year, the luxury automaker will no longer produce a 12-cylinder engine. Very few build slots of the W12 remain and the motor's production line will be replaced with capacity for [V6](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/41417/2022-bentley-flying-spur-hybrid-536-hp-combined-from-an-electrified-v6>) and [V8](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/40516/2021-bentley-bentayga-review-opulent-doesnt-have-to-mean-impractical>) assembly.

The unusual engine is being killed due to the brand's electrification efforts. In the automaker's own words: "The decision comes as a part of Bentley's acceleration towards a sustainable future." It continues to state that when the W12 dies, every Bentley will be available with hybrid propulsion. Bentley's parent company, VW, is even beginning to [phase out its VR6](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-vw-vr6-engine-is-officially-dead-in-america>), from which the W12 is based.

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21/bentley-w12-is-gone-inline-A.jpg>)
**Bentley**

Over 100,000 examples of the engine have been produced at Bentley's Crewe plant since it was first launched in 2003. The final version, bound for the [ultra-luxurious Batur](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/this-730-hp-bentley-batur-is-very-purple-and-very-good>), produces 740 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque.

Outside of the Batur, the 649 hp version of the engine is still available in a limited number of Continental GTs, Bentaygas, and Flying Spurs. The 30 Bentley employees who currently build the W12 will be reassigned to other areas of the company.

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21/bentley-w12-is-gone-inline-B.jpg>)
**Bentley**

With the loss of its W12, Bentley is the first ultra-luxury automaker to divest completely of its 12-cylinder engines. Rolls Royce, Bentley's closest competitor, still uses a [BMW-sourced V12](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/36962/2021-rolls-royce-ghost-this-is-the-car-you-really-want-when-you-strike-it-rich>). That being said, Rolls has just unveiled its first EV, [the Spectre](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/2024-rolls-royce-spectre-the-first-electric-rolls-is-here>). There's no telling if the brand's 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12, also known as the N74, has much longer to live.

If Bentley's actions are any indication, though, BMW's ultra-luxury brand could follow suit within a few years. EVs are just as powerful, whisper quiet, and smooth as butter. They're well-suited to luxury cars, and some brands [can't resist the appeal](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-300k-cadillac-celestiq-is-already-booked-for-almost-two-years>).

*Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach them here: peter@thedrive.com*

## Author
Peter Holderith is a former staff writer for The Drive. He enjoys covering the regular news cycle, writing reviews, and hunting down long features on obscure pieces of automotive history.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-h-5ba447192/>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/_baldtires>)