Bentley Torcal Launches as First EV, Priced Below Bentayga

Key points

• The 2028 Bentley Torcal is the brand's first electric vehicle, debuting as a mid-size SUV with a starting price of £165,000 (approx. $225,000), which is lower than the current Bentayga.
• Performance specs include 810 horsepower for the base model and 876 for the S variant, with 0-60 mph times of 3.4 and 2.9 seconds respectively, according to Motor1 and Car and Driver.
• The vehicle features a 108-kWh battery providing 375 miles of WLTP range and supports 10-80% charging in 16 minutes via a 400-kW DC fast charger.
• Bentley has introduced a synthetic sound system using drum recordings to mimic a V8 engine, aiming to bridge the gap for traditional luxury buyers, as noted by The Guardian.
• The Torcal will be manufactured at the Crewe, England factory, securing 4,000 jobs, as part of a £350 million investment in the UK business, according to The Guardian.
• Bentley has abandoned its previous plan to launch a new EV annually from 2025 to 2030 due to poor demand, with no immediate plans for a second EV model, per The Guardian.

Background

This launch follows a period of strategic adjustment for Bentley, which previously faced sales declines and workforce reductions. The move aligns with broader industry trends where luxury brands are cautious about EV adoption, with competitors like Porsche and Lamborghini also facing challenges in the electric transition. The Torcal represents a new entry point for the brand, distinct from the 1:1 replacement strategy used by other Volkswagen Group brands.

How outlets are covering it

Motor1 emphasizes the Torcal's design and brand identity, arguing it offers the best chance for a Volkswagen Group luxury brand to succeed in the EV market by avoiding a direct spec-sheet arms race. Car and Driver focuses on technical specifications and pricing, highlighting that the Torcal will cost less than the Bentayga in the US market. The Guardian highlights the economic and social impact, noting the £350 million investment in Crewe and the uncertainty surrounding demand, while also pointing out the broader industry pressures from tariffs and Chinese competition.

Why it matters

The Torcal's success could determine the viability of luxury EVs in a market where traditional buyers are hesitant. Its pricing strategy and synthetic sound features may help attract younger customers, while the investment in Crewe supports UK automotive jobs. However, the scaled-back EV roadmap indicates ongoing uncertainty in the luxury EV segment.

What to watch

Bentley expects the Torcal to go on sale in the US early next year. The company will monitor demand in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, with no immediate plans for additional EV models. The Crewe factory will continue to produce the Torcal alongside other models, with the £350 million investment supporting a new assembly line.