Bentley Unveils First EV, 'Torcal,' as Luxury SUV Electrification Gets Underway

[Financial News] Bentley Motors is embarking on electrification in the luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) market with the 'Torcal,' its first all-electric vehicle. By adding an EV to its internal-combustion and hybrid models, the company is expanding customer choice while extending its expertise in premium materials and bespoke production to electric vehicles. The Torcal offers a range of up to 600 km and fast-charging capability, while retaining the brand's distinctive characteristics in areas such as ride comfort and interior materials.
Bentley Motors announced on the 24th that it had unveiled the Torcal, an urban luxury electric SUV, for the first time worldwide in London, England. The model is the fourth in the lineup after the Continental GT, Bentley Flying Spur and Bentley Bentayga. Every stage, from design and development to production, takes place in Crewe, England.
Frank-Steffen Walliser, chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, said, "For the past 107 years, Bentley has created highly accomplished automobiles featuring effortless yet powerful performance, exceptional comfort, sophisticated British craftsmanship expressed through the finest natural materials, and soulful sound." He added, "The new Torcal carries forward the essence of Bentley while setting extraordinary standards in every area that has defined the brand."
The Torcal comes in a standard version and the higher-performance 'Torcal S.' The standard model produces a maximum output of 821 horsepower (PS) and maximum torque of 121.7 kg·m. It accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h.
With launch control activated, the Torcal S delivers a maximum output of 888 horsepower and maximum torque of 137.7 kg·m. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 260 km/h. Black exterior accents, exclusive bumpers and a dedicated rear diffuser distinguish it visually from the standard model.
The vehicle is equipped with two permanent-magnet synchronous motors and a 113 kWh net-capacity battery. It has a rated voltage of 800V, while its driving range on a single charge reaches up to 600 km under the European WLTP standard. With 400 kW fast charging, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 16 minutes. A seven-minute charge provides approximately 160 km of range.
At approximately 5 meters long, the vehicle is the shortest model in Bentley's four-door lineup. It has 460 liters of trunk space and an additional 90-liter storage compartment at the front. Bentley's first fully active suspension independently controls the body according to road conditions and driver inputs. Electronically controlled four-wheel steering, which turns the rear wheels by up to 5 degrees, is also standard.
The design centers on a long wheelbase, short overhangs and an upright front end. Unnecessary lines on the body have been reduced, while the volume of the rear fenders has been emphasized. It is also the first production model to feature the new Bentley wing emblem unveiled last year.
Robin Page, Bentley Motors' head of design, explained, "When designing a Bentley, we consider how people naturally perceive objects." He added, "A car's design is not perceived all at once, with every element registering simultaneously. Instead, it is taken in progressively according to a visual hierarchy, which we have defined through four 'Reads.'" In other words, the vehicle was designed so that its proportions, graphic elements, surface language and details are recognized in sequence.
The cabin features a curved organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, while physical buttons remain for key functions on the center console and steering wheel. Facial recognition identifies the driver and loads the driver's seat and steering wheel positions, along with driver-assistance settings. The vehicle also offers an augmented-reality head-up display and a remote-parking function operated via smartphone.
The range of material choices has also been expanded. The 100% merino-wool automotive fabric developed in collaboration with British textile maker Fox Brothers has received Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certification. Another decorative material is made by compressing walnut offcuts and recycled kraft paper into as many as 1,000 layers before slicing it into thin pieces.
The company also paid close attention to sound to compensate for the driving experience of an EV without an engine. Inspired by the rhythm of a V8 engine, it created the 'Bentley Dynamic Symphony' using performances by actual instruments, including drums, viola and bass guitar. The sound changes according to the torque requested by the driver and the vehicle's speed, and it can be turned off when desired.
Martin Page, head of the Torcal product line, said, "The new and original Torcal was carefully developed so that technology would not dominate the essence of Bentley, but instead reinforce its values." He added, "From luxury and sophistication to effortless performance, it elevates every element that has defined Bentley to an even higher level."
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