Bentley has unveiled its first fully electric production vehicle, the Torcal, introducing a fourth model line alongside the Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga.
The new luxury SUV is also one of the most powerful production Bentleys ever, with the flagship Torcal S developing 888PS (653kW) and 1350Nm from its dual-motor electric setup. Bentley claims 0-100km/h in just 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 260km/h.
A regular Torcal will sit below the S, producing 821PS (604kW) and 1194Nm. It isn’t exactly slow either, with 0-100km/h taking a claimed 3.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250km/h.
Both use an 800V electrical architecture and a sizeable 113kWh battery, comprising 192 pouch cells. Maximum driving range is quoted at up to 600km on the WLTP cycle.
Perhaps more impressive is the charging performance. Bentley says the Torcal can accept up to 400kW DC charging, with around 161km of range available from a seven-minute charge. A 10-80 per cent charge takes less than 20 minutes, in ideal conditions.
At 5.0 metres long, the Torcal is a substantial SUV, although it is actually Bentley’s shortest current four-door model. Boot capacity is rated at 460 litres, with another 90 litres available under the bonnet.
Bentley has thrown plenty of chassis technology at the Torcal as well. It becomes the brand’s first model with fully active suspension, combining independently controlled active dampers with rear-wheel steering capable of turning the back wheels by up to five degrees. Interestingly, the active suspension eliminates the need for conventional anti-roll bars.
Styling introduces a new design direction for Bentley, although familiar cues remain. There’s a long bonnet, short overhangs and prominent – and tradition – rear haunches, along with a new illuminated diamond-pattern front panel. The Torcal is also the first production model to wear Bentley’s redesigned badge.
Inside, Bentley hasn’t abandoned physical controls in favour of an entirely screen-based layout. Traditional switches remain on the centre console and steering wheel, while materials include leather, aluminium, timber and even a newly developed 100 per cent Merino wool fabric.
Another unusual feature is the Torcal’s artificial driving sound. Rather than simply synthesising the note of a combustion engine, Bentley recorded real musical instruments including drums, viola and bass guitar, with the rhythm inspired by its traditional 6.75-litre V8. The resulting soundtrack changes according to vehicle speed and accelerator input, and can be switched off completely.
The Torcal will initially be offered in regular and sportier S forms, with the latter receiving additional black exterior details, darker rear lights, a more aggressive body treatment and red brake calipers.
Designed, engineered and built in Crewe, England, the Torcal represents Bentley’s first step into series-production battery-electric vehicles. The question is, will the brand’s traditional buyers be willing to step over to EV power? Time will tell.
