Bentley's First EV Is the 'Up to 888-HP' Luxury SUV Torcal, Unveiled in London

[Financial News] Bentley Motors has introduced its first all-electric vehicle.
On the 28th, Bentley Motors announced that it had unveiled the urban luxury SUV 'Torcal' for the first time worldwide in London, U.K., on the 24th local time. It is the brand's fourth model after the Continental GT, Bentley Flying Spur and Bentley Bentayga, as well as its first vehicle ushering in the era of electrification. The entire process, from design and development to production, takes place at Bentley's Crewe factory in the U.K.
Frank-Steffen Walliser, chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, said at the event, "For 107 years, Bentley has built cars featuring effortless performance, exceptional comfort, British craftsmanship expressed through the finest materials, and soulful sound." He added, "Above all, Torcal is Bentley itself."
The lineup consists of the base Torcal and the sportier Bentley Torcal S. The base model produces 821 horsepower and 121.7 kg·m of torque, accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and reaching a top speed of 250 km/h. With launch control activated, the Bentley Torcal S delivers 888 horsepower and 137.7 kg·m (1,350 Nm), the highest torque figure in Bentley history. It accelerates in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 260 km/h. Two permanent-magnet synchronous motors are mounted on the front and rear axles.
The battery uses an 800-volt system and has a total net capacity of 113 kWh. Under the international WLTP standard, the vehicle can travel up to 600 km on a single charge. With 400-kW ultra-fast charging, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 16 minutes. A seven-minute charge provides about 160 km of range. The battery is covered by a warranty of 100,000 miles or 10 years.
The chassis features Bentley's first fully active suspension and adaptive two-valve dampers. The dampers directly control body roll, eliminating the need for separate anti-roll bars. Electronically controlled all-wheel steering, which turns the rear wheels by up to 5 degrees, comes standard across the lineup. As a result, the vehicle has a turning circle of just 11.1 meters despite its nearly 5-meter-long body. The trunk offers 460 liters of space, while the front storage compartment provides 90 liters.
The design was handled by the Crewe team led by design chief Robin Page. The vehicle was designed to be perceived in four stages: proportions, graphic elements, surface language and details. Its long wheelbase, short overhangs and commanding front end create a sense of 'vertical elegance,' while the bold rear fender line evokes a 'resting predator.' It is also the first production car to feature the new Bentley Wings emblem unveiled last year.
One distinctive feature is its sound. The development team created the 'Bentley Dynamic Symphony' using live performances on instruments including drums, viola and bass guitar. The turn-signal sound was recorded by tapping leather with a hammer in a leather workshop, while the notification sound uses the tone of crystal glass. A 620-watt, 16-speaker audio system comes standard, with an optional 1,780-watt, 28-speaker system jointly developed with Naim.
The cabin offers four Experience Modes—Bentley, Comfort, Sport and Refresh—that coordinate the lighting, sound and climate control. Other features include a curved OLED display, facial recognition, an augmented-reality head-up display, driver-assistance and remote-parking functions based on 25 radars, sensors and cameras. The doors can open and close automatically using radar-based detection.
Notable materials include the world's first 100% merino wool automotive fabric, developed with Fox Brothers and certified under the Responsible Wool Standard, and 'Ombre Walnut by Bentley Mulliner,' made by compressing up to 1,000 layers of walnut offcuts and recycled kraft paper. Customers can also choose from 15 types of leather, 15 Dinamica options and five wool options.
The Bentley Torcal S emphasizes its sporty character with standard black exterior details, dark rear lamps, an exclusive bumper body kit, red calipers and 22-inch 10-twin-spoke wheels. The base model comes with 21-inch wheels and satin-silver details.
Martin Page, head of the Torcal product line, said, "The technology was carefully developed not to dominate the essence of Bentley, but to further reinforce its values."
[email protected] Kim Dong-chan Reporter