Full Breakdown
Bentley Unveils Its First Fully Electric SUV, the Torcal
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 23, Bentley Motors Ltd. revealed the Torcal, the marque’s first production-ready battery-electric SUV. Built at the Crewe plant, the midsize model joins the Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga. Bentley prices the entry-level Torcal at £173,000 (? $230,000), the brand’s most affordable offering. It shares Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) with the Porsche Cayenne Electric, using a dual-motor all-wheel-drive layout, a 113 kWh (108 kWh usable) lithium-ion pack and an 800-volt architecture that supports 400 kW DC fast charging.
Background & Context
Bentley’s EV programme has faced delays, with a 2025 target to launch a new electric model each year abandoned in 2024 after weak demand. The £350 million Crewe investment is part of VW Group’s restructuring to fund software and electrification. Bentley hopes the Torcal will attract younger, first-time buyers and expand its share in a luxury EV segment where Rolls-Royce’s Spectre and Jaguar’s upcoming electric Range Rover have shown mixed sales.
Data & Statistics
- Powertrain: 810 hp (? 600 kW) and 881 lb-ft (? 1,194 Nm) on the standard model; 876 hp (? 650 kW) and 996 lb-ft (? 1,350 Nm) on the Torcal S.
- Performance: 0-60 mph in 3.4 s (base) and 2.8 s (S); top speed 155 mph (base) and 162 mph (S).
- Battery & Charging: 113 kWh pack, 800 V; 10-80 % charge in 16 min at 400 kW (? 100 mi added in 7 min).
- Range: WLTP-rated 375 mi; Bentley estimates >300 mi EPA.
- Unique Materials: 100 % Merino-wool automotive fabric (Fox Brothers) and Mulliner’s Ombré Walnut veneer.
Official Statements & Responses
Product line director Martin Page said the illuminated diamond grille, crystal-like accents and lower-riding silhouette keep the car unmistakably Bentley while exploiting EV packaging freedom. He noted the £350 million Crewe upgrade will support 4,000 high-value local jobs and a supply chain of over 700 partners.
Verbatim Quote
- “The Torcal is a Bentley first and foremost, created by hand by people who care, using the best available materials and technology to blend heritage with cutting-edge innovation,” — CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The lack of an official EPA certification leaves the exact U.S. figure uncertain.
- Charging Time: Bentley’s press release cites a 10-80 % charge in 16 minutes; Electrek reports a “just under 20 minutes” claim, indicating a minor inconsistency pending real-world testing.
Why It Matters / Impact
The Torcal marks Bentley’s entry into the ultra-luxury EV market, directly challenging Rolls-Royce’s Spectre and Jaguar’s upcoming electric Range Rover. By offering a lower entry price and familiar Bentley aesthetics, the model seeks to retain existing clientele while courting a younger, environmentally conscious segment. The Crewe investment also reinforces the UK’s high-value automotive manufacturing base at a time when rivals such as Jaguar Land Rover are cutting jobs. Success could provide critical cash flow for VW Group’s broader electrification push and demonstrate that legacy marques can transition to electric power without abandoning brand DNA.
What’s Next
Bentley plans to begin production in Q2 2027, with customer deliveries slated for spring 2027 in the United Kingdom and early 2028 in the United States. A launch campaign in China is scheduled for 2027, and the company will later release official EPA range figures and final pricing for the optional Torcal S variant.