Bentley’s First EV Is Officially Called Torcal

Bentley has officially revealed the name of its first fully electric production model, and it marks the beginning of a new chapter for the legendary British luxury brand. Called the Torcal, the new sport utility vehicle is scheduled to make its world debut on September 23 in London. While Bentley has delayed its original goal of becoming an all electric brand by 2030, the Torcal remains on schedule to become the company’s first vehicle designed exclusively as an electric model.

The name Torcal carries a deeper meaning than many might expect. Bentley says it was inspired by El Torcal de Antequera, a breathtaking natural park in southern Spain famous for its dramatic limestone rock formations. The name also traces its roots back to the Latin word torquere, meaning “to twist,” which is also where the word torque originates. It is a fitting choice for a luxury electric vehicle expected to deliver impressive performance.

Until now, Bentley simply referred to the project as its “Urban Sport Utility Vehicle.” Even though it will sit below the Bentayga in the lineup, the Torcal is still expected to be a large luxury sport utility vehicle with generous interior space and unmistakable Bentley craftsmanship. Recent prototype testing has confirmed that Bentley is taking a more modern design approach while staying true to its heritage.

The official teaser image offers the first real look at the rear of the Torcal. Slim horizontal light bars stretch across each side of the tailgate, featuring Bentley’s signature diamond inspired lighting pattern. A large roof spoiler, clean tailgate design, and simplified rear styling give the vehicle a much more contemporary appearance than today’s Bentayga.

Spy photographers have already captured several prototypes testing around the Nürburgring, giving enthusiasts a better idea of what to expect. Although heavy camouflage hides many of the details, the Torcal appears to feature a traditional sport utility vehicle shape rather than a coupe inspired design. Flush door handles, muscular rear fenders, a long wheelbase, and a relatively upright roofline suggest Bentley has prioritized luxury, comfort, and practicality alongside performance.

Most of the camouflage focuses on the front end, indicating Bentley is keeping its new face a secret until the official reveal. The prototypes hint at a smaller front grille than current Bentley models, slimmer headlights, and a cleaner overall design made possible by its electric platform. The production model is also expected to borrow some styling inspiration from the EXP 15 concept while introducing a fresh design language for Bentley’s electric future.

Although Bentley has not confirmed technical specifications, the Torcal is widely expected to share Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric architecture with the upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric. If that proves true, the luxury sport utility vehicle could offer more than 1,100 horsepower, rapid charging capability, and a driving range approaching 400 miles under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure cycle, all wrapped in one of the most luxurious cabins Bentley has ever produced.

With its official name now revealed and its debut only weeks away, anticipation continues to build. The Torcal is shaping up to be far more than simply an electric Bentley. It represents a complete redesign of the brand’s future while preserving the craftsmanship, prestige, and grand touring character that Bentley owners expect.