Bentley Torcal (2028): Crewe Enters the Electric Era
Bentley's First Production EV
Bentley has entered a new chapter with the Torcal, its first fully electric production vehicle and a model intended to establish a new direction for the British luxury marque. Taking the form of a large five-seat SUV, the Torcal combines Bentley's traditional emphasis on handcrafted materials and effortless performance with an entirely electric powertrain, advanced chassis technology and a substantially more minimalist design language. Its name comes from El Torcal de Antequera in Andalusia, Spain, a dramatic landscape of limestone formations that Bentley says reflects the vehicle's combination of natural inspiration and continual evolution. Measuring just over 5 metres long, the Torcal sits below the larger Bentayga in Bentley's SUV hierarchy while introducing design themes that are expected to influence future models.
821 PS and 1,155 Nm From Dual Electric Motors
At the heart of the Torcal is an all-wheel-drive electric powertrain using two high-performance motors to produce 821 PS (604 kW) and a substantial 1,155 Nm of torque. Bentley quotes a 0–100 km/h time of just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h, making the luxury SUV considerably quicker than its imposing dimensions might suggest. Energy comes from a 113.2 kWh battery, giving the Torcal an official maximum range of up to 600 km. At a compatible 350 kW charging station, Bentley says more than 350 km of range can be added in approximately 10 minutes, while a 10–80 percent DC charge takes around 16 minutes.
A New Bentley Design Language
The Torcal introduces a much cleaner and more progressive interpretation of Bentley's design identity. Its upright front end is dominated by the illuminated Floating Diamond Grille, containing 76 individually applied diamonds that gradually illuminate when the vehicle is unlocked. Slim lighting elements, muscular rear haunches and a strong two-box silhouette give the SUV a distinctive appearance, while the rear design takes inspiration from the luggage carrier of Bentley's historic Blue Train cars. Bentley has also incorporated a sophisticated welcome sequence involving the grille, headlights, tail lamps and lamps mounted beneath the doors, which project the Bentley wings onto the ground.
A Bespoke Luxury Cabin
Inside, the Torcal combines traditional Bentley craftsmanship with a considerably more contemporary environment. The cabin features handcrafted Ombre Walnut veneers, leather and optional pure Merino wool supplied by British mill Fox Brothers, while a vertically curved 12.25-inch HD OLED touchscreen becomes the centrepiece of the dashboard. Bentley has also introduced Bullseye Vector Sphere air vents, using two converging air streams to create a more natural and quieter flow of air. Front seats offer 16-way electric adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage, while the rear bench can be electrically adjusted and heated, with ventilation available as an option. An advanced Dynamic Waterfall Lighting system uses more than 450 LEDs to create an ambient display that can react to the vehicle's acceleration.
Technology Designed Around Comfort
The Torcal's technology extends well beyond its electric drivetrain. Bentley's new active chassis incorporates Bentley Active Ride, using individually controlled electrically powered hydraulic pumps and two-valve dampers at each wheel to manage ride and body control. The SUV also combines all-wheel drive with all-wheel steering, helping improve both high-speed stability and low-speed manoeuvrability. Driver-assistance systems are designed to simplify everyday driving, while automated parking and remote functions can assist with entering and leaving tight spaces. Bentley has also developed a range of comfort technologies including Seat Auto Climate and Postural Adjust, which continuously modify seat temperature and pressure to reduce fatigue during longer journeys.
Personalisation Remains Central to the Bentley Experience
Although the Torcal represents a new technological direction, Bentley has retained its extensive personalisation philosophy. Customers can choose from seven standard exterior colours alongside additional finishes including the new Astral gloss and satin Electrum paints. Different wheel designs, hides, veneers and trim combinations allow the cabin and exterior to be tailored extensively, while the optional Bright Design Specification introduces 22-inch Turbine wheels and polished silver grille diamonds. For customers seeking an even more individual vehicle, Bentley's Mulliner personal commissioning service provides access to bespoke materials, colours and finishes. Audio options include a 16-speaker 620-watt Bentley Signature system or a 28-speaker, 1,780-watt Naim for Bentley system with Dolby Atmos.
Final Thoughts
The 2028 Bentley Torcal is far more significant than simply Bentley's first electric vehicle. It establishes a new design language, introduces a highly advanced electric powertrain and demonstrates how Crewe intends to translate its traditional ideas of luxury into an electric future. With 821 PS, 1,155 Nm, 600 km of maximum range, 3.4-second 0–100 km/h acceleration and sophisticated active suspension, the Torcal combines formidable performance with the comfort and craftsmanship expected from the Bentley name. At the same time, its extensive use of natural materials, Mulliner personalisation and carefully engineered cabin technologies ensure that electrification has not displaced Bentley's traditional focus on bespoke luxury. Instead, the Torcal presents a new interpretation of it.
SOURCE: BENTLEY MOTORS OFFICIAL WEBSITE
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