Bentley Torcal Revealed – The 888 HP Electric Bentley

Bentley has officially opened a new chapter with the global debut of the all-new Torcal, a luxury electric sport utility vehicle that becomes the fourth model line in the Bentley family. Designed, engineered and built in Crewe, England, the Torcal is also Bentley’s first fully electric production model, combining the company’s traditional focus on craftsmanship and comfort with an entirely new electric performance platform.

The Torcal arrives with proportions that immediately separate it from the larger Bentayga. Bentley describes it as a low and sleek sport utility vehicle, measuring around 5 metres in length. A long wheelbase, short overhangs and an upright front end give it a substantial road presence without making the vehicle look oversized. Bentley has also introduced its latest design language, including an illuminated diamond grille and lighting inspired in part by past models such as the Continental T.

Rather than covering the body with complicated lines, Bentley has concentrated on shape and proportion. The cabin narrows toward the rear, allowing the bodywork to become wider around the rear wheels. This gives the Torcal muscular rear shoulders and a planted stance. It is also the first production Bentley to wear the company’s redesigned emblem.

Performance is a major part of the story. The Torcal uses 2 permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, giving it all-wheel drive and immediate electric torque. The standard Torcal produces 821 metric horsepower and 1,194 newton metres of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds and reach 155 miles per hour.

The Torcal S takes things considerably further. With Launch Control activated, output increases to 888 metric horsepower and 1,350 newton metres of torque, the highest torque figure Bentley has offered in a production vehicle. The Torcal S reaches 60 miles per hour in only 2.8 seconds, while 0 to 100 kilometres per hour takes 2.9 seconds. Top speed is 162 miles per hour.

Energy comes from a 113 kilowatt-hour net-capacity lithium-ion battery operating at a nominal 800 volts. Bentley says the Torcal can travel up to 375 miles, or approximately 600 kilometres, under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure. Charging performance is equally important. When connected to a compatible 400-kilowatt charger, the battery can charge from 10% to 80% in around 16 minutes, while roughly 100 miles of range can be added in just 7 minutes.

Bentley has not treated the Torcal simply as a powerful electric vehicle. The chassis includes some of the company’s most advanced technology yet. Fully active suspension appears on a Bentley for the first time, working with adaptive 2-valve dampers that can react independently to road conditions and driver inputs. The system also eliminates the need for conventional anti-roll bars.

Electronic all-wheel steering is standard and can turn the rear wheels by as much as 5 degrees. This helps reduce the turning circle to 11.1 metres, an impressive figure considering the Torcal’s size. Buyers can choose between conventional iron brakes and an optional Carbon Silicon Carbide ceramic braking system with massive 440-millimetre front discs and 410-millimetre rear discs.

Despite its performance, everyday usability remains an important part of the package. The rear luggage compartment provides 460 litres of space, while an additional 90-litre front storage compartment takes advantage of the absence of a combustion engine. Advanced driver assistance systems use 25 radars, sensors and cameras to monitor the surroundings and support driving and parking functions.

The Torcal can even remember certain parking manoeuvres, assist with parallel parking and be parked remotely through an application. Its 4 powered doors can automatically open and close using radar information. Bentley has also introduced a Frosted Diamond switchable-glass roof that allows occupants to adjust the amount of light entering the cabin.

Inside, Bentley has deliberately kept physical controls for functions people regularly want to operate by touch. The dashboard retains the wing-inspired layout associated with the brand, while curved organic light emitting diode displays bring the digital side of the cabin up to date. Facial recognition can identify the driver and automatically restore preferences for the seat, steering wheel and assistance systems.

The seats themselves feature 16-way adjustment as standard, together with heating, ventilation, adjustable bolsters and massage functions. Optional wellness technology can continually alter seat pressure and automatically manage heating and ventilation. In the most advanced configuration, the massage function extends beyond the back and shoulders to include the legs.

Bentley has also approached electric vehicle sound differently. Instead of simply creating a synthetic imitation of a combustion engine, musicians used real instruments including drums, viola and bass guitar to develop what Bentley calls the Dynamic Symphony. Its rhythm takes inspiration from the beat of Bentley’s traditional 6.75-litre V8 engine and changes according to vehicle speed and the driver’s torque demand. Drivers who prefer silence can switch it off completely.

The cabin continues Bentley’s focus on unusual materials. One of the biggest additions is a 100% Merino wool automotive fabric developed with British textile specialist Fox Brothers. Other choices include leather, Dinamica, multiple wood veneers and new Mulliner finishes. An available Naim audio system produces 1,780 watts through 28 speakers and includes Dolby Atmos 7.1, headrest speakers and seat-mounted tactile elements.

Bentley will launch the Torcal in 2 versions, the standard Torcal and the more performance-focused Torcal S. The S receives darker exterior details, a rear diffuser, sports side treatments, red brake calipers, dedicated S badges, sports pedals and Piano Black veneer.

The Torcal represents far more than Bentley simply replacing an engine with electric motors. It introduces a new platform for the company’s design, technology and materials while attempting to preserve the qualities Bentley owners expect: effortless power, long-distance comfort, craftsmanship and a sense of occasion. With as much as 888 metric horsepower, up to 375 miles of range and extremely rapid charging, Bentley’s first fully electric model arrives with specifications designed to make it much more than a quiet luxury sport utility vehicle.