Bentley Unveils Torcal EV: A Cheaper, Faster Alternative to Ferrari's Luce
Bentley has launched the Torcal, its first electric vehicle, priced at £173,300. This is significantly cheaper than Ferrari's Luce, which starts at €550,000. The Torcal offers up to 600km of range and 876 horsepower in its top trim. Production begins in 2027 at Bentley's Crewe plant, supporting 4,000 jobs. The launch aims to attract younger buyers and first-time customers amid a challenging market for luxury EVs.
Key points
- Bentley's Torcal EV starts at £173,300, roughly half the price of Ferrari's Luce (€550,000).
- The Torcal offers up to 600km range and 876 horsepower in the S trim, making it Bentley's most powerful and quickest car (0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds).
- Production starts in Q2 2027 at the Crewe plant, supporting 4,000 jobs with a £350 million investment.
- The car features a synthetic sound profile created from percussion, glass, and bird sounds to replace engine noise.
- Bentley is targeting younger buyers and first-time customers, with half of early interest from new clients.
Background
Bentley had previously planned to launch a new EV annually from 2025 to 2030 but scaled back due to weak demand. Ferrari's Luce, designed by Jony Ive, launched in May 2026 and set a record at auction for $40 million, though its standard price is €550,000. The luxury EV market remains cautious, with Lamborghini abandoning its 2030 EV plan and McLaren pivoting to hybrids.
How outlets are covering it
The Financial Times emphasizes the Torcal's affordability and strategic timing, noting it benefits from not being first. The Guardian highlights the synthetic sound design and the £350 million UK investment, while questioning demand. Car and Driver focuses on technical specs, noting the shared platform with the Porsche Cayenne Electric. The Drive praises the design but questions whether the Torcal solves a real market need, given dwindling EV sales and the existing Bentayga's popularity. All sources agree on the price and range but differ on the car's market viability and design impact.
Why it matters
The Torcal signals a shift in luxury EV strategy, prioritizing accessibility and performance over extreme exclusivity. It tests whether younger buyers will accept EVs without traditional engine sounds. The launch also reflects broader industry struggles with EV demand and competition from Chinese rivals, while highlighting the importance of UK manufacturing investments.
What to watch
Production begins in Q2 2027. Bentley expects Torcal sales to match its Continental and Bentayga models, with SUVs likely comprising over half of total sales. No second EV is planned immediately. The company will monitor demand in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, while navigating challenges from US tariffs and Chinese competition.
- Bentley’s first electric car set to be half the price of Ferrari’s Luce Financial Times
- View Exterior Photos of the 2028 Bentley Torcal Car and Driver
- Bentley launches first fully electric car – with fake engine sounds to replace classic growl The Guardian
- Bentley Unveils First Electric Car, a Merino-Lined Luxury SUV Bloomberg
- 2028 Bentley Torcal: Crewe's First EV Looks Meaner Than a Bentayga and Makes 235 More HP The Drive
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