Bentley has unveiled its first fully electric vehicle, the Torcal, during its global debut in London. Designed, engineered, and constructed at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, this luxury SUV expands the British marque’s range to four distinct vehicles. Bentley customers could already choose between petrol or hybrid powertrains, but the Torcal finally adds the option of electric propulsion. Given the ongoing success of the Bentley Bentayga SUV, first launched in 2015, along with a growing demand for electric crossovers, the Torcal seems an obvious route for the company to take.
A Bentley Through and Through
Speaking at its debut, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, chairman and CEO of Bentley, said: “The Torcal is a Bentley first and foremost, created by hand by people who care, using the best available materials and technology to blend heritage with cutting-edge innovation. I believe this is one of the best Bentleys ever.” The Torcal’s bold design is said to pay tribute to classic Bentley models, including the Continental T with its prominent rectangular front grille.
Design director Robin Page, who led the in-house team that shaped the Torcal, said: “When we design a Bentley, we consider how people naturally perceive an object. You don’t experience a car all at once.” This began with the Torcal’s proportions, which consist of a long wheelbase with short overhangs, plus an elongated bonnet and illuminated front grille with diamond elements.
The car’s haunches are equally distinctive, with hints of Continental GT and Bentayga, creating what the design team calls a ‘resting beast stance,’ symbolising the strength and power beneath.
Performance and Technology
The Torcal stands as Bentley’s most powerful model to date. The Torcal S variant delivers 888hp and an unprecedented 995lb ft of torque, the highest figure ever for a Bentley, propelling it from 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds. The standard model offers 821hp, 881lb ft, and a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds. Despite its electric nature, the Torcal retains the exhilarating performance Bentley is renowned for, with the Torcal S reaching a top speed of 162mph compared to 155mph for the standard model.
An 800-volt 113kWh battery provides a range of up to 375 miles, ensuring practicality alongside performance. Charging with a suitable 400kW DC device can see the cells replenished from 10 to 80 percent in just 16 minutes. The SUV also incorporates fully active suspension and all-wheel steering, enhancing both comfort and agility. Standard iron brake discs measure 420mm at the front, with an optional upgrade to carbon silicon carbide brakes featuring 440mm front rotors for those seeking even greater stopping power.
Luxury and Innovation
The Torcal’s interior is a masterclass in luxury and innovation, featuring a curved OLED touchscreen, reimagined ‘bullseye’ air vents, and knurled aluminium accents. Bentley’s collaboration with Fox Brothers has resulted in the world’s first automotive-grade Merino wool upholstery, adding a new level of sophistication and sustainability to the cabin.
The Mulliner division offers bespoke options, including Ombre Walnut trim and Sunburst Aluminium, inspired by classic Bentley dashboards. A 620W 16-speaker sound system is standard, with an optional 28-speaker Naim setup that delivers 1,780W of power, front headrest speakers, and Dolby Atmos 7.1 technology. This audio system is not just about volume but also about creating an immersive experience, with a unique EV soundtrack inspired by Bentley’s iconic 6.75-litre engine.
The Torcal’s attention to detail extends to its auditory elements, with the indicator sound created by recording a hammer striking leather in Bentley’s upholstery workshop, and the touchscreen emitting a crystal glass note. Even the boot capacity is impressive, offering 460 litres of space, complemented by an additional 90 litres in the under-bonnet ‘frunk.’
As the first Bentley to feature the modernized logo introduced in 2025, the Torcal marks a new era for the brand. Martin Page, product line director for the Torcal, noted: “The Torcal represents something new, and I think unique. It has been engineered with great care to ensure it remains a Bentley to its core.”
