Luxury Car Buyers Reconsider Electric as Fuel Costs Rise
A recent test by the British automotive publication What Car? revealed a surprising twist in the luxury car market: in the current climate of fluctuating fuel prices, it can actually be cheaper to drive a Bentley Bentayga with a V8 engine than a Rolls-Royce Spectre, the marque’s all-electric offering. The finding comes as a growing number of affluent buyers are reportedly hesitant about embracing electric vehicles, despite their high price tags and performance capabilities. This shift in sentiment, according to industry observers, stems from a perception that EVs lack the timeless quality and mechanical character of traditional combustion engine cars.
The skepticism isn’t latest. Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, recently likened the perceived ephemerality of electric cars to the difference between a mechanical and an electronic watch, suggesting that the former holds a certain enduring value. Similarly, Porsche’s leadership has acknowledged a downturn in demand for high-end electric models, leading to a reevaluation of the company’s strategy and a reported €5 billion loss for the Volkswagen Group. Porsche’s announcement in September 2025 signaled a broader industry concern.
The Cost of Luxury: V8 vs. Electric
What Car?’s test involved a 196-mile (315 km) drive on British motorways, comparing the running costs of the Bentayga and the Spectre. The Rolls-Royce Spectre consumed 95.6 kWh during the journey, equating to a relatively high average consumption of 30.3 kWh per 100 km. At a charging rate of £0.89 per kWh at a roadside charging station, the total cost to “fuel” the Spectre came to £85.05. While home charging would be cheaper, the test aimed to simulate a longer journey where that wasn’t an option.
Surprisingly, the Bentley Bentayga, powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, proved more economical. The SUV consumed 36.61 liters of gasoline, averaging 11.6 liters per 100 km. At the start of the fuel crisis, when gasoline prices were around £1.57 per liter, the Bentayga’s fuel cost totaled £57.44. Even with rising fuel prices linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the Bentayga remained the more cost-effective option. As of March 26, 2026, the average price of 98-octane gasoline in the UK is £1.65 per liter, bringing the Bentayga’s cost to £60.41. Even at the highest prices at motorway service stations (£1.80 per liter), the Bentayga’s cost remained under £66.
Beyond Cost: The Driving Experience
The comparison wasn’t solely about finances. What Car? also assessed the driving experience. The Rolls-Royce Spectre lived up to its reputation for grace and comfort, delivering the expected Rolls-Royce standards of refinement. Its near-silent operation and exceptionally smooth suspension provided a luxurious ride, with ample power readily available. However, its 2.9-ton weight was noticeable, and occasional faint whines from the electric motors were audible in the otherwise quiet cabin.
The Bentley Bentayga, in contrast, offered a more visceral experience. While quiet at low speeds, the V8 engine’s distinctive sound became apparent under acceleration, providing a connection to the car’s mechanical heart. This auditory feedback, the testers noted, contributed to a sense of occasion often missing in the silent world of electric vehicles.
The Inconvenience Factor: Range and Charging
The test also highlighted the practical challenges of long-distance electric travel. The publication calculated that a journey to Saint-Tropez in the Spectre would require frequent charging stops – approximately every 210 km (130 miles) – to maintain a comfortable battery level. This would necessitate six stops on such a trip, adding significant time and potentially disrupting the seamless luxury experience expected of a vehicle in this class.
These charging stops, the testers pointed out, wouldn’t necessarily offer the level of exclusivity and comfort befitting a Rolls-Royce owner. The prospect of waiting alongside other drivers at a standard charging station, rather than enjoying dedicated, high-end facilities, appeared to be a significant drawback for some potential buyers.
A Shifting Landscape for Luxury EVs
The findings from What Car? underscore a growing tension in the luxury automotive market. While the initial appeal of electric vehicles was often tied to their image and environmental credentials, practical considerations – particularly cost and convenience – are increasingly coming into play. The preference for the tactile experience and the reassurance of a traditional combustion engine, coupled with the current infrastructure limitations for electric vehicle charging, are leading some affluent buyers to reconsider their options.
The situation is further complicated by geopolitical factors impacting fuel prices. While the long-term trend is likely towards electrification, the short-term economic realities and the evolving preferences of luxury car buyers suggest that the internal combustion engine, at least in high-end vehicles, may have a longer lifespan than previously anticipated.
Looking ahead, the development of faster charging infrastructure and advancements in battery technology will be crucial in addressing the concerns raised by this test. Rolls-Royce and other luxury EV manufacturers will need to focus not only on performance and luxury but also on providing a seamless and convenient ownership experience to maintain their appeal in a changing market.
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