Bentley Torcal: The Brand's First EV Debuts with 876 HP and Synthetic V8 Sounds
Bentley has unveiled the Torcal, its first all-electric SUV, at a global launch in London. The vehicle features a 113 kWh battery, up to 876 horsepower, and a WLTP range of 375 miles. It is designed, engineered, and built in Crewe, England, and will be the brand's fourth model line. The Torcal is available in two trims, with the top-spec S version achieving 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds. It includes synthetic engine sounds, active suspension, and a new Merino wool interior. Pricing starts at £173,000, making it cheaper than the Bentayga.
Key points
- The Torcal is Bentley's first fully electric vehicle, an SUV with up to 888 PS (876 hp) and 375 miles of WLTP range.
- It is built in Crewe, England, securing jobs for 4,000 workers, and is the brand's fourth model line.
- The vehicle features a 113 kWh 800V battery, 400 kW charging capability, and a 10-80% charge time of 16 minutes.
- It includes synthetic engine sounds based on a 6.75-liter V8, active suspension, and a new 100% Merino wool fabric.
- Pricing starts at £173,000, positioning it below the Bentayga, with US sales expected early next year as a 2028 model.
Background
Bentley had discussed an electric vehicle for nearly a decade, initially planning a smaller SUV in 2017 and confirming a 2026 launch in 2024. However, the brand scaled back its broader EV roadmap in 2024 due to weak demand, abandoning plans for annual EV launches from 2025 to 2030. The Torcal launch is part of a £350m investment in Bentley's UK business, following similar announcements from Nissan and McLaren. The vehicle shares a platform with the Porsche Cayenne Electric but features a distinct design and unique features.
How outlets are covering it
Electrek emphasizes the Torcal's performance specs, noting the 888 PS output and 375-mile range, while highlighting the synthetic engine sounds and active suspension. Car and Driver focuses on the vehicle's dimensions, pricing relative to the Bentayga, and the shared platform with the Porsche Cayenne Electric. Ars Technica provides a detailed look at the driving experience, noting the car's comfort and dynamic handling, and mentions the lack of a passenger infotainment screen. The Guardian highlights the UK manufacturing aspect, the £173,000 starting price, and the broader context of Bentley's scaled-back EV plans and the competitive landscape, including Rolls-Royce and Range Rover.
Why it matters
The Torcal represents a significant shift for Bentley, a brand known for combustion engines, into the electric vehicle market. It aims to attract younger buyers and first-time customers with a lower price point and modern features. The launch also secures jobs at the Crewe factory and positions Bentley in a competitive luxury EV market, despite broader industry challenges and scaled-back EV plans.
What to watch
Bentley has not announced a specific delivery date for the Torcal, but US sales are expected early next year as a 2028 model. The company has no plans for a second EV launch at this time, citing the need to be cautious with long-term plans. An official US EPA range estimate is expected closer to the US launch.
- Bentley unveils Torcal, its first EV: 888 PS, 375 miles of range Electrek
- View Exterior Photos of the 2028 Bentley Torcal Car and Driver
- Here’s the Torcal, the first fully electric Bentley Ars Technica
- Bentley launches first fully electric car – with fake engine sounds to replace classic growl The Guardian
- The all-new Bentley Torcal makes global debut BENTLEY NEWSROOM
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