Bentley has taken the wraps off the Torcal, its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV), at a global premiere in London, and simultaneously opened orders in China with a starting guide price of 1.988 million yuan (about $280,000) before taxes and paid options, according to NetEase Auto. The model, which is not a replacement for the Bentayga, launches in three variants: the standard Torcal, the Torcal S Lumière and the Torcal S Midnight, all designed, engineered and hand-built at Bentley's Crewe factory in the UK.
Design and interior
The Torcal follows Bentley's four "sensory dimensions" design philosophy, with a low, flowing stance, long wheelbase and short front overhang that the company describes as a "resting beast." The front features an illuminated diamond-mesh closed grille that pays homage to the Continental T, while the rear echoes the EXP 15 concept's "supreme protection" language. It is also the first Bentley to carry the modernized two-wing badge. At five meters long, the body tapers toward the rear with flared rear wheel arches.
Inside, the cabin blends traditional craftsmanship with technology, retaining physical controls such as knurled rotary dials and bullseye vents alongside digital displays. Bentley introduces its first automotive fabric made from 100% merino wool certified under the Responsible Wool Standard. The MULLINER division offers gradient walnut veneer and sunlit aluminum trim, with 15 olive-tanned leather color options. Front seats have 16-way electric adjustment with heating, ventilation and massage, plus a new comfort posture function and automatic temperature and humidity regulation. The rear three-seat bench folds electrically, and the cabin includes a curved OLED display, augmented-reality head-up display, facial recognition and a digital key. Four radar-controlled electric doors can open automatically via multiple triggers.
Powertrain and range
The Torcal comes in standard and high-performance S versions. The standard model's dual motors produce 821 hp (612 kW) and 1,194 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The Torcal S, in launch control, delivers 888 hp (662 kW) and 1,350 Nm, hitting 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds. Both use front and rear permanent-magnet synchronous motors with dry-sump sealing that requires no oil changes, and the rear motor has a differential lock with multi-plate clutch.
The 113 kWh battery pack sits on an 800V architecture and offers a claimed CLTC range of up to 700 km (equivalent to roughly 595-630 km WLTP, est.). At a 310 kW fast-charging peak, the battery can go from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes. Bentley backs the battery with a 10-year or about 258,000 km warranty.
Chassis and technology
The Torcal rides on Bentley's most advanced suspension setup to date: a fully active system with adaptive dual-valve dampers that eliminates the traditional anti-roll bar, relying on damper-controlled anti-roll torque. Standard electronic all-wheel steering gives the rear wheels up to 5 degrees of steering angle, cutting the turning circle to 11 meters. The setup aims to combine Flying Spur-level comfort with Continental GT Speed dynamics, plus some off-road capability. Cargo space is 460 liters in the trunk plus a 90-liter frunk.
Bentley has developed a bespoke "Bentley Dynamic Symphony" sound system for the EV, recorded with real instruments including drums, viola and bass guitar by musicians, which varies with speed and torque output. Turn signals and interface sounds also use real recorded objects. An optional Naim audio system features 28 speakers, 1,780 watts, 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos and seat vibration units. The Torcal carries 25 radar, sensor and camera units, enabling automatic obstacle avoidance, trained memory parking and remote parking.
The 1.988 million yuan starting price positions the Torcal below the Bentayga's entry point, opening a new all-electric product line for Bentley. As the brand's first EV, it aims to transplant traditional luxury experience onto an electric platform, targeting buyers in the ultra-luxury EV segment who value brand heritage and bespoke craftsmanship over raw specifications.
