Is Bentley Building A Tesla-Killer?

Bentley, the ultra-luxury automaker, is eyeing an entry into the fully electric auto space. According to Drive, Bentley's board member in charge of engineering, Rolf French, confirmed the British auto maker is "studying" an electric car. Speaking to Drive, French said the company is "currently in the stage where we are evaluating all the possibilities." However, he added "there are so many question marks" and there will be a definitive answer "within the next six months to a year to decide which direction we will go." French did however note that electric vehicles will be a "future strategy direction" for Bentley. Bentley has committed to offering a plug-in hybrid version of all future vehicles, starting with the Bentayaga in 2017, Drive noted. Next-generation Continental GT vehicles, and Bentley's flagship Mulsanne limousine will also be offered with "some form of electric assistance". Mashabale commented on Bentley's ambitions, noting that Tesla Motors Inc TSLA's Model S sedan sells for roughly $100,000 per unit. At a $200,00 price tag, any future Bentley electric vehicle would "be like a Tesla competitor ... times two." Shares of Tesla were trading lower by more than 4 percent after Tuesday's opening bell.