Bentley Torcal Launches as First EV, Defying Industry Pullback
Bentley has launched the Torcal, its first fully electric SUV, priced at £173,300 (approx. $229,500). The vehicle offers up to 876 horsepower and a 375-mile range, aiming to attract younger buyers while maintaining luxury standards. Production begins in 2027 at the Crewe plant, securing 4,000 jobs.
Key points
- The Torcal is Bentley's first fully electric vehicle, priced at £173,300, making it the brand's most affordable model.
- It features up to 876 horsepower, a 113 kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 375 miles.
- Production starts in Q2 2027 at the Crewe plant, securing 4,000 jobs with a £350 million investment.
- The car includes synthetic V8 sounds and an illuminated diamond grille to appeal to traditional luxury buyers.
- Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser states that acceptance of EVs among wealthy buyers is growing, despite industry pullbacks.
Background
Bentley's Torcal launch follows a period of scaling back electric ambitions across the luxury sector. The vehicle is positioned as an entry-level model, cheaper than the Bentayga, and is built on the Volkswagen Group's 800-volt Premium Platform Electric architecture, shared with the Porsche Cayenne Electric. The launch includes a £350 million investment in the Crewe plant, securing 4,000 jobs, and aims to attract younger buyers while maintaining luxury standards.
How outlets are covering it
AutoNotion criticizes the Torcal's design and price, suggesting alternatives like the Lucid Air Sapphire or Waymo rides. CNBC highlights the Torcal's competitive pricing and performance, noting CEO Walliser's confidence in EV acceptance. The Financial Times emphasizes the Torcal's role in attracting younger buyers and its impact on UK jobs, while noting the challenging market environment. Car and Driver focuses on the exterior design and platform details.
Why it matters
The Torcal launch signals Bentley's commitment to electrification despite industry pullbacks, aiming to attract younger buyers and maintain competitiveness in a changing market. The £350 million investment in Crewe secures 4,000 jobs, highlighting the economic impact of the EV transition on the UK automotive sector.
What to watch
Production of the Torcal will begin in Q2 2027, with deliveries expected to start in early 2027. Bentley aims to broaden its appeal to younger buyers and maintain luxury standards while navigating a challenging market environment.
- Here’s Some Crazy Stuff You Can Buy Instead of Spending $230,000 On the Bentley Torcal Autonocion.com
- View Exterior Photos of the 2028 Bentley Torcal Car and Driver
- Bentley tests wealthy buyers' interest in going electric with first EV reuters.com
- Bentley takes on Ferrari with its first EV priced at $230,000 CNBC
- Bentley’s first electric car set to be half the price of Ferrari’s Luce ft.com
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