Bentley Torcal: The First Electric Bentley with 888 HP
Bentley has unveiled its first electric vehicle with the Torcal: an SUV featuring up to 653 kW (888 horsepower), a usable battery capacity of 113 kWh, and a WLTP range of up to 600 kilometers. Thanks to 800-volt technology, it can charge from 10% to 80% in just 16 minutes at a rate of up to 400 kW.
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Bentley unveiled the Torcal in London. This SUV is the British manufacturer’s first fully electric model, adding a fourth series to its existing lineup of combustion engine and hybrid vehicles. The Torcal is developed and produced at the company’s main factory in Crewe, in collaboration with a network of British suppliers. At launch, it is available in two versions: a base model and the more powerful Torcal S. The announcement does not provide details on prices or the exact launch date.
According to Bentley, the Torcal is intended to serve as a blueprint for future models across all powertrain types, in terms of design, technology, materials, and sustainability. It is also the first model to feature the revised brand emblem introduced last year.
Powertrain: Two engines and up to 1,350 Nm
The Torcal uses two permanently excited synchronous motors, one at each of the front and rear axles. Both employ dry sump lubrication with an oil capacity designed for the entire service life. The front motor features an open differential, while the rear motor has a locked differential, each with a slotted clutch on its drive shaft.
The base model delivers 604 kW (821 hp) and offers a maximum torque of 1,194 Nm. This enables it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h. In the Torcal S, launch control activates to provide 653 kW (888 hp) and 1,350 Nm of torque — more than any other Bentley to date. The sprint to 100 km/h takes just 2.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 260 km/h. According to the manufacturer, even higher acceleration figures were intentionally avoided because many customers find them uncomfortable.
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Battery, range, and charging speed
The high-voltage battery consists of 192 lithium-ion pouch cells connected in series and operates at a system voltage of 800 volts. Bentley states that the usable capacity is 113 kWh. The manufacturer provides a ten-year or 100,000-mile warranty on the battery, which is equivalent to approximately 161,000 kilometers.
The range according to WLTP is up to 600 kilometers. No fuel consumption figure is given in the announcement, nor is the charging capacity on AC. The Torcal can charge at up to 400 kW using DC fast chargers. Bentley claims it takes 16 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%, while another source states more cautiously that it takes “less than 20 minutes.” It is said that approximately 161 kilometers of range can be added in seven minutes.
Suspension, Dimensions, and Assistance Systems
Bentley introduces a fully active suspension system with adaptive two-valve dampers for the first time. The dampers can be raised or lowered individually and respond to road conditions and driver inputs. Traditional stabilizers are eliminated, with roll movements instead being compensated by the dampers. Standard is a rear-wheel steering system with a steering angle of up to 5 degrees, giving a turning radius of 11.1 meters. The steel braking system features 420 mm discs at the front and 370 mm at the rear, with an optional ceramic brake offering 440 mm or 410 mm discs. Four pre-configured modes—Bentley, Comfort, Sport, and Refresh—allow for coordinated adjustment of the suspension, drive, lighting, sound, and climate.
At five meters in length, the Torcal is the shortest four-door model in the brand’s lineup. The trunk has a capacity of 460 liters, with an additional 90 liters available under the front hood. For the first time in Bentley vehicles, the three-seater rear seat can be folded electrically. The base model is equipped with 21-inch wheels, while the Torcal S comes with 22-inch wheels, along with other variants including one with aerodynamically optimized wheels.
A total of 25 radar and ultrasonic sensors along with several cameras monitor the surroundings. On narrow roads, the vehicle can automatically reverse to a previously identified avoidance point when encountering oncoming traffic. Additional features assist with towing and parking, while remote parking is possible via an app. The four doors open and close electrically; they close when the seat belt is fastened, via the touchscreen, or — in the case of the driver’s door — by pressing the brake.
Design, Interior, and Sound
The design team led by Robin Page has crafted the front end with a illuminated radiator grille in a diamond pattern, inspired by the Continental T. The rear incorporates elements from the EXP 15 concept car. Inside, Bentley uses curved OLED displays, a head-up display with augmented reality, face recognition for selecting driver profiles, and smartphones as keys. Frequently used functions remain accessible via physical buttons on the steering wheel and center console. The seats come standard with 16-way electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions.
The driving sound features a custom audio landscape created using instruments such as drums, viola, and bass guitar, designed to match the rhythm of earlier V8 models. It can be completely turned off. For materials, Bentley adds options including a fabric made of pure merino wool developed in collaboration with Fox Brothers Weaving, as well as new surfaces crafted from walnut scraps and brushed aluminum. The Torcal S stands out visually with black trim pieces, black rear lights, a rear diffuser, red brake calipers, and sport pedals.
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