Bentley's First EV is More Than a Cayenne in a Savile Row Suit
Like every other automaker, Bentley's EV strategy has been upended. The new Torcal should have been on sale last year and would have been followed by a string of EVs leading to an all-EV portfolio by 2030. But the new plan means we won't see another EV until early next decade. That’s fine; they have a portfolio of PHEV and plain-old gasoline-powered vehicles. But if your tastes run to EVs, they’re off to a good start.
Rolls-Royce told us the Spectre was designed as a Rolls first and an EV second; Ferrari, in contrast, threw out much of what makes a Ferrari a Ferrari in developing the Luce. The Torcal splits the difference, with a healthy helping of Bentley character combined with technical innovations.
Beneath the skin is the dual-motor, 800-volt PPE platform underpinning the Cayenne Electric, with a 108 kWh battery, up to 876 hp, and up to 375 miles WLTP range (about 300 miles EPA). Bentley notes they could have achieved a longer range but would have sacrificed performance and the driving experience. The suspension features rear-wheel steering and fully active, dual-valve dampers (each wheel individually adjustable) to achieve a “magic carpet” ride.
The skin itself is the first to reflect the philosophy behind the EXP15 concept. Up front are twin four-element slim headlamps, and a "grille" composed of illuminated diamond-shaped elements behind a clear polycarbonate skin. The rear features slim, taillamps and the ‘prestigious shield’ seen on the EXP15. You’ll also spot the bulging rear wheelarches that tie into the EXP15’s "resting beast" profile. I find the Torcal to be a more handsome and better-proportioned execution than the Bentayga, and the EV platform allows a more wheels-in-the-corner setup.
The interior is recognizable as a Bentley thanks to its wing-shaped dashboard but adds a curved, portrait-style central display. It’s accompanied by physical switches and knobs featuring Bentley’s famous knurled finish. There’s no passenger-side display, leaving room for some spectacular new trim options like Sunburst Aluminium and Ombre Walnut.
Also noteworthy:
🔹 Heat sensors in the seat automatically adjust to maintain a constant temperature
🔹 First automotive application of Merino wool
🔹 Animated "waterfall" ambient interior lighting
🔹 Facial recognition allows easy loading of seating, steering wheel, and ADAS preferences
🔹 “Bentley Dynamic Symphony” developed from real orchestral instruments, while turn signal sounds are based on a recording of a hammer striking leather
The Torcal is just a bit smaller than the Bentayga and, despite the full EV powertrain, is also slightly less expensive at $218,000. It makes a compelling argument for those with sufficiently large bank accounts.
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