Bentley’s newly revealed fourth model line blends classic British handcraftsmanship with an all-electric 888 PS powertrain, setting a new benchmark for luxury performance.
The Electric Bentley Has Arrived — And It Haven’t Lost Its Soul
When a brand built on grand touring and rumbling engines decides to go fully electric, there is always an underlying sense of trepidation. Will it still feel like the real thing? Bentley addressed that question head-on in London with the global debut of the all-new Torcal — the marque’s fourth distinct model line and its very first fully electric offering.
Designed, engineered, and built at Bentley’s historic Crewe headquarters, although the Torcal represents a major investment in British manufacturing. Yet rather than ditching its roots in pursuit of silent EV speed, Bentley has created a five-metre-long, low-slung luxury SUV that retains every bit of the brand’s signature character.
As Chairman and CEO Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser put it: “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.”
A Striking New Look with Familiar DNA
Led by Design Director Robin Page, the design team approached the Torcal through what they term four “reads” — beginning with proportion. The vehicle features a long wheelbase, short overhangs, an “endless bonnet”, and a proud frontal stance that embodies Bentley’s guiding principle of upright elegance.
Looking closer, you’ll spot design nods to icons like the Continental T. The face is defined by advanced lighting technology set against a distinctive illuminated diamond grille, whilst the rear borrows its clean “prestigious shield” graphics from the EXP 15 Concept Car. Tapering towards the back, the sculpture builds up over the rear haunches, giving the car a muscular, resting-beast stance.
It is also the very first production model to bear Bentley’s newly modernised emblem.
Astonishing Performance without the G-Force Gimmicks
The latest Bentley does share an EV platform with Porsche’s new Cayenne
Underneath the sculpted bodywork lies a pair of oil-filled, permanent magnet synchronous motors paired with a 113 kWh (net) 800V lithium-ion battery.
Bentley isn’t chasing uncomfortable, stomach-churning acceleration figures for the sake of headline numbers. Instead, the engineering team focused on progressive, usable power.
The Torcal is offered in two flavours at launch:
- Core Model: Generates 821 PS and 1,194 Nm of torque, sprinting from 0–60 mph in 3.3 seconds (0–100 km/h in 3.4 seconds) with a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
- Torcal S: Pushes output to a staggering 888 PS and 1,350 Nm of torque under Launch Control. That drops the 0–60 mph time to just 2.8 seconds (0–100 km/h in 2.9 seconds), topping out at 162 mph (260 km/h).
Despite being the shortest four-door car in Bentley’s current line-up, it matches the ride comfort of a Flying Spur while offering the dynamic handling of a Continental GT Speed. It introduces active suspension to a Bentley for the first time, using adaptive two-valve dampers that eliminate the need for traditional anti-roll bars. Combined with standard electronic all-wheel steering, the five-metre SUV boasts an impressively tight turning circle of just 11.1 metres.
Real-World Range and Super-Fast Charging
Range anxiety shouldn’t be an issue for long-distance touring. The Torcal offers up to 375 miles (600 km WLTP) on a single charge.
When it is time to plug in, its 400 kW charging capability allows the battery to go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in under 20 minutes — adding roughly 100 miles (161 km) of range in a mere seven minutes.
For added practicality, the cabin is complemented by a 460-litre boot and a 90-litre front storage compartment (frunk).
A Soundscape Created by Musicians, Not Synthesisers
One of the main worries with electric grand tourers is the lack of acoustic engagement. Rather than playing fake, computer-generated engine noises through the speakers, Bentley took a completely different approach.
Recognising that the heart of a classic Bentley lies in the cadence of its 6¾-litre V8, developers brought real musicians into the mix. Using real drums, violas, and bass guitars, they recorded the Bentley Dynamic Symphony. This soundtrack responds directly to driver torque and vehicle speed, offering sensory feedback that aids control. If you prefer absolute silence, you can simply turn it off.
The human touch extends throughout the rest of the car’s sound design. The indicator click was recorded in Bentley’s Crewe upholstery workshop by tapping a hammer against leather, while digital notifications use the gentle chime of a crystal glass.
Craftsmanship Meets Sustainable Innovation
Step inside, and the symmetrical “Bentley wings” dashboard architecture immediately welcomes you, flanked by curved OLED screens designed for improved clarity and contrast.
Tactile knurled controls and physical buttons remain on the steering wheel and centre console, preserving that mechanical feel drivers love.
However, the materials themselves mark a bold new chapter in automotive sustainability:
- 100% Merino Wool Fabric: In collaboration with Somerset mill Fox Brothers (weaving since the 18th century), Bentley has created the world’s first 100% Merino wool automotive fabric to achieve Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certification.
- Ombré Walnut by Mulliner: Crafted using up to 1,000 layers of responsibly sourced walnut off-cuts and recycled craft paper, sliced wafer-thin to create a seamless gradient across four shades.
- Sunburst Aluminium: A modern interpretation of historic engine-turned dashboards, finished with a precise three-way brush pattern.
- Eco-Leathers & Textiles: 15 shades of olive tan leather (including new Teal, Terra, and Glaze tones) sit alongside matching Dinamica options.
Seating comfort is equally refined. Standard seats feature 16-way adjustment, while options include Postural Adjust and Smart Seat Climate systems. Opting for the Wellness Seat Specification extends the massage function all the way into the seat cushions to relieve leg fatigue on long journeys.
Smart Tech for the Modern Driver
The Torcal is packed with clever driver assistance features, backed by 25 external sensors, radars, and cameras.
Among the highlights:
- Narrow-Road Reverse Assist: If you encounter an obstacle on a narrow lane, the car automatically scans its surroundings and can reverse itself back to a safe passing point it previously spotted.
- Powered Radar Doors: Four doors can self-open and close. The driver can close their door simply by pressing the brake pedal.
- Augmented Reality Head-Up Display: Projects navigation and hazard markers directly into your line of sight.
- Frosted Diamond Glass Sunroof: Switchable glass that lets you adjust cabin light levels at the touch of a button.
- Naim Audio Upgrade: Music lovers can opt for an optional 1,780W, 28-speaker Naim audio system featuring Dolby Atmos 7.1 and built-in seat shakers.
Core vs. Torcal S
While the core Torcal comes with satin silver exterior trim, Open Pore Crown Cut Walnut, and 21-inch alloy wheels, the sportier Torcal S dials up the aggression.
The S variant gets blacked-out exterior brightware and mirror caps, dark rear lights, a rear diffuser, sports sills, red brake calipers, 22-inch wheels, Piano Black veneers, and dynamic ‘waterfall’ ambient lighting as standard.
Images: Bentley Motors
