Bentley Torcal targets Rolls-Royce with first EV

Bentley has revealed its first electric car and fastest production model ever, the Torcal, with the ultra-luxury brand deliberately avoiding the futuristic styling and stripped-back interiors typically associated with EVs.

The Torcal represents a major redesign for Bentley, with the brand giving its first EV a new face and a significantly more modern interpretation of its familiar design language.

Most noticeable are the new headlights, which move away from Bentley's signature circular shape and give the Torcal a sharper, more contemporary look.

Despite the overhaul, Bentley has stopped short of making the Torcal look like a conventional futuristic EV.

The brand’s large front grille remains firmly in place, made up of individual handcrafted diamond-glass elements.

The new design also gives the Torcal a lower and more streamlined stance than the Bentayga. Measuring 4983mm long, 2016mm wide and 1674mm high, it is 161mm shorter than Bentley’s existing SUV.

Underneath that all-new body sits an equally significant change, with the Torcal becoming Bentley’s first electric model. The dual-motor system means one motor drives each axle, providing all-wheel drive and instant access to the car’s substantial torque.

Two variants will be available from launch: the Torcal and Torcal S First Edition.

The standard Torcal produces 604kW and 1194Nm, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250km/h.

Stepping up to the Torcal S First Edition brings 653kW and 1350Nm, cutting the 0-100km/h sprint to a lightning-quick 2.9 seconds and increasing top speed to 260km/h.

That makes the S the highest-output Bentley production model ever.

Despite the headline figures, Bentley says it has not simply chased maximum power, instead focusing on the smooth and effortless acceleration expected of its luxury grand tourers.

Range comes in at up to 600km, while Bentley says the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in around 16 minutes using a 400kW fast charger.

An all-new electrical architecture supports the Torcal’s new technology, including an updated suite of driver-assistance systems, health and wellbeing functions, OLED displays, facial recognition and an augmented-reality head-up display.

One new system maps the previous 50 metres of a road, allowing the car to automatically reverse along the same path if oncoming traffic blocks the way.

Behind the rear seats there are 460 litres of cargo space available and a further 90 litres in the front boot, while towing capacity is rated at 2.7 tonnes.

Bentley also says the Torcal has been engineered for off-road use and supports plug-and-charge functionality.

Active suspension with adaptive dampers and anti-roll control is fitted to manage the EV’s performance while maintaining the ride comfort expected of a Bentley.

Inside, the traditional Bentley approach continues with unique high-end materials and craftsmanship.

A 100 per cent Merino wool interior is available in an automotive first, developed with British textile company Fox Brothers, while opting for wood trim uses more than 1000 layers of paper-thin veneer for a single sheet.

Digital displays have also been given a Bentley-specific treatment, with graphics created from footage of hand-cut crystal to replicate the imperfections of the physical material.

Other technology includes individually operated self-opening and self-closing doors, massage seats, power-folding rear seats and Smart Seat Climate. A 28-speaker Naim audio system is also available.

The brand has even developed a new synthetic propulsion sound for the Torcal, based on the rhythm of its V8 engines. Rather than simply recording an existing engine, the sound was created in collaboration with musicians.

For Bentley, it’s the expertise of its craftspeople that makes a car truly Bentley.

Customers can specify their Torcal from September 23, 2026, ahead of production commencing in Q2 2027.

The £165,000 starting price converts to around $309,000 in Australia, although applying the pricing ratio between the UK and Australia for the entry-level Bentayga suggests the Torcal could cost closer to $370,000 locally.

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