Bentley Torcal: The Marque's First EV SUV

Having spent more than a century engineering cars around large combustion engines, Bentley faces a fascinating design question with its first fully electric model: what should a modern Bentley sound like? To answer this, the British marque brought musicians directly into the vehicle development process.

Drums, viola, and bass guitar recordings were layered around the rhythm of a V8 engine to craft a dynamic driving soundtrack that responds in real-time to vehicle speed and throttle input. While drivers retain the option to turn it off, this unique feature underscores Bentley's thoughtful approach toward electrification.

The Torcal arrives as Bentley's inaugural full EV and its fourth distinct model line, taking the shape of a five-meter SUV capable of achieving up to 375 miles of WLTP range. The high-performance S version pumps out 888 PS alongside 1,350 Nm of torque, rocketing from zero to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. Beyond these impressive performance figures, the vehicle's true charm lies in how Bentley has tailored this technology to its own heritage.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Although a dedicated electric platform removes the mechanical necessity for the long hood typical of traditional grand tourers, design director Robin Page and his team intentionally chose to keep it. The Torcal spans a long wheelbase with short overhangs while housing a massive 113 kWh battery pack safely underneath the cabin floor.

Inside, curved OLED displays and an augmented-reality head-up display bring the cabin into the contemporary EV fold, yet physical knurled switches and circular bullseye air vents proudly remain. Bentley also partnered with English mill Fox Brothers to create a 100 percent Merino wool textile, alongside Mulliner's recycled walnut veneer innovation.