Bentley unveils the Torcal – its first production EV

Although car-buyers in the topmost segment of the market are likely to have only a passing interest in zero-emissions electric vehicles, and are even less likely to choose one, the companies making cars for them have added EVs to their range for those who want to look ‘sensitive to environmental concerns’.

When Rolls-Royce launched the Spectre, it demonstrated how ultra-luxury motoring could transition into the electric age without compromising the brand’s core identity. Likewise with the Cullinan, which brought the brand into the SUV segment.

First Bentley EV
Now, Bentley has answered with a defining moment of its own. Unveiled in London recently, the all-new Torcal makes its global debut as the brand’s fourth model line and the first fully electric vehicle in the company’s 107-year history.

It represents a shift as monumental for Bentley as the Spectre was for Rolls-Royce, serving as both a flagship EV and a technical blueprint for the future of the brand.

Designed, engineered, and built at Bentley’s factory in England, the Torcal is supported by a network of UK suppliers, signaling substantial investment in British manufacturing.

About the name
Maintaining Bentley’s tradition of naming models after notable geographical features, Torcal has been taken from El Torcal de Antequera in Andalusia, Spain. This is a region with towering, wind-sculpted limestone rock formations that have continually evolved over millions of years. Bentley references this to symbolize timeless design and evolution into the electric era.

Additionally, the name is also related to ‘torquere’, a Latin word from which torque was derived. The focus on torque highlights the massive amount generated by the electric powertrain.

Traditional Bentley looks
The design language balances modern EV proportions with established Bentley hallmarks. Its appearance maintains a more traditional Bentley look, instead of being a fluid form as many EVs are to achieve the best aerodynamic efficiency.

The stance uses a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and an upright frontal aspect to retain the brand’s traditional proportions, anchored by an illuminated diamond grille and modern lighting architecture.

Surface treatment has been deliberately streamlined, allowing sculpted rear haunches to convey strength without unnecessary character lines.

Shortest Bentley – at 5 metres
Measuring 5 metres in length, it is currently the shortest 4-door model in Bentley’s portfolio, but it maximizes interior packaging to offer a 460-litre boot complemented by a 90-litre front storage compartment.

Underneath the bodywork lies Bentley’s most advanced chassis technology to date. For the first time on a Bentley, fully active suspension is paired with adaptive dual-valve dampers, eliminating the need for traditional anti-roll bars. Each damper reacts instantaneously to road surface and steering inputs, providing active anti-roll torque to maintain body control and ride comfort.

Standard electronic All-Wheel Steering provides up to 5 degrees of rear-wheel angle, bringing the turning circle down to 11.1 metres for improved urban manoeuvrability.

Dual-motor powertrain
Power originates from a dual-motor powertrain with an open differential on the front axle, while the rear motor incorporates a locking differential with a multi-plate clutch on each output shaft.

Electricity is drawn from an 113 kWh net capacity lithium-ion pouch-cell battery pack. Cruising range is rated up to 600 kms and with 800V architecture, DC fast-charging at 400 kW can be completed in less than 20 minutes (10% to 80%), or roughly 161 kms of range in 7 minutes.

The Torcal will have two powertrain choices. One produces 604 kW (821 ps)/1,194 Nm and can do 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h.

The performance-oriented Torcal S increases output to 653 kW (888 ps)/1,350 Nm — the highest torque output of any Bentley in history. With Launch Control engaged, the Torcal S can reach 100 km/h in a claimed 2.9 seconds and on to a maximum of 260 km/h.

Standard braking is handled by iron discs but customers can choose an optional Carbon Silicon Carbide ceramic system with 440 mm front rotors — matching the largest production car brakes in the world — and 410 mm rear rotors.

Interior theme
Inside, the cabin continues Bentley’s wing-inspired dashboard architecture, incorporating knurled tactile switchgear alongside modern curved OLED screens designed for higher contrast. New sustainable luxury materials are used around the cabin.

To retain an acoustic feedback loop without relying on artificial synthetic engine noises, Bentley worked with real musicians playing instruments such as drums, viola, and bass guitar to record the ‘Bentley Dynamic Symphony’. The sound profile is modeled on the beat of Bentley’s 6.75-litre V8, scaling in frequency and volume based on torque demand and speed.

Technological highlights include an augmented reality head-up display, facial recognition driver identification, mobile device digital key functionality, and a switchable Frosted Diamond glass sunroof.

No less than 25 sensors, radars and cameras support driver assistance systems, with automated reversing along narrow roads, trained parking manoeuvres, and radar-controlled power-closing doors.

The Torcal is expected to have a starting price from £160,000 (about RM863,000) in the UK, with first customers getting their EVs during the second quarter of 2027.

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