Bentley Unveils Torcal: Its First EV, Priced at £173k, Built in Crewe

Key points

• The Torcal is Bentley's first electric vehicle, launching in Summer 2027 with prices starting at £173,300 for the base model and £199,300 for the Torcal S.
• It produces 875 horsepower and 996 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds, making it the most powerful and quickest Bentley ever.
• The vehicle shares a platform with the Porsche Cayenne Electric, featuring an 113 kWh battery (per Top Gear) or 108 kWh (per Car and Driver) and a range of 360-375 miles.
• Bentley has introduced synthetic engine sounds, including drum recordings and a fake V8 rumble, to provide auditory feedback and reduce motion sickness for passengers.
• The Torcal will be manufactured at Bentley's Crewe factory, securing 4,000 jobs as part of a £350 million investment in the UK business.
• The car features a new design language with vertical LED headlights, a 3D illuminated grille, and a curved infotainment screen, while retaining traditional luxury materials like merino wool and new wood trims.

Background

Bentley had previously abandoned plans to launch new electric cars annually from 2025 to 2030 due to poor demand, as reported by The Guardian. The Torcal represents a more cautious entry into the EV market, with no immediate plans for a second electric model. The launch occurs amid broader challenges in the automotive sector, including US tariffs, competition from Chinese rivals, and high energy costs, with Volkswagen Group cutting 100,000 jobs by 2030.

How outlets are covering it

Top Gear emphasizes the Torcal's 'Anti-Luce' design approach, aiming to make the EV blend seamlessly with Bentley's existing lineup to ease customer transition. Car and Driver highlights the technical specs, noting the 2.8-second 0-60 mph time and the platform sharing with the Porsche Cayenne Electric. The Guardian focuses on the UK economic impact, detailing the £350 million investment and job security in Crewe, while also noting the synthetic engine sounds as a strategy to attract younger and traditional buyers. There is a discrepancy in battery capacity, with Top Gear citing 113 kWh and Car and Driver citing 108 kWh, and a slight difference in range figures (360 miles vs. 375 miles).

Why it matters

The Torcal marks Bentley's first foray into electric vehicles, signaling a shift in the luxury car market. Its pricing and design strategy aim to bridge the gap between traditional combustion engine buyers and EV adopters. The UK manufacturing commitment is significant for the local economy, especially amid industry-wide job cuts and competitive pressures.

What to watch

First deliveries of the Torcal are expected in Summer 2027. Bentley will monitor demand in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East before considering a second EV launch. The company will also continue to navigate challenges from US tariffs, Chinese competition, and high energy costs.