Bentley's first EV revealed: The Torcal is a mighty £180,000 electric SUV

The covers are off Bentley's first electric car – 'one of the most significant new' cars in the British brand's history.

Called the Torcal, the high-powered electric SUV will come with 876bhp and cover 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds but promises 'year-round usability' with 375 miles of range. 

The Crewe-based luxury carmaker has promised that its all-new EV will be 'Bentley first and foremost' in every way, 'regardless of powertrain'.

In keeping with this promise the luxury EV comes with 'handcrafted' replica engine sounds to mimic the noise of a Bentley 6¾ litre V8.

The Torcal is essentially a production-ready interpretation of the EXP 15 concept Bentley revealed in 2025.

Originally scheduled to arrive last year, the launch was pushed back due to weak luxury EV demand.

Bentley has pulled the covers off its first EV. The Torcal is a high-powered electric SUV with 876bhp. It can cover 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds but promises 'year-round usability'

How the new EV SUV looks

Like other sporty high-end SUVs, the Torcal is a low-slung, sleek car that very much fits in with Aston Martin DBX and Lotus Eletre luxury SUVs.

Introducing Bentley's new design language, lead designer Robin Page says it showcases the 'four reads' that describe how a person perceives a car: proportion, graphical elements, surface language and detail.

As such, the Torcal's long wheelbase, short overhangs, strong frontal aspect and endless bonnet create a 'powerful stance' and 'upright elegance' that's 'unmistakably Bentley' in character.

Car buyers will then appreciate reinterpreted graphical elements that echo iconic Bentleys such as the Continental T in the advanced lighting, illuminated diamond grille and rear graphics that create the 'prestigious shield' – a nod to the EXP 15 Concept Car.

The sculptural language of the Torcal hits third, as unnecessary lines are removed, so the EV tapers back to a powerful rear which Bentley is terming 'a resting beast'.

The final language is for those lucky enough to be up close to the luxury EV, where a diamond pattern becomes evident – a theme that continues inside the Torcal as well.

The Torcal introduces Bentley's new design language based on four 'reads': proportion, graphical elements, surface language, and detail

The Torcal's long wheelbase, short overhangs, strong frontal aspect and endless bonnet create a 'powerful stance' and 'upright elegance' that's 'unmistakably Bentley' in character

Bentley has committed to using sustainable materials throughout the Torcal's leather, wood, wool and aluminium cabin

The new seats offer high-end comfort with 16-way adjustment, heating, ventilation, adjustable bolsters and a new massage function

Torcal interior – luxury and practicality

The wing-inspired sheer dash – made out of leather, wood, veneer and aluminium – features knurled controls and reinterpreted bullseye air vents, and drivers will appreciate how Bentley's kept physical controls in the centre console and steering wheel and complement the curved OLED screens.

High-end comfort comes in the form of new seats – the design is a first for Bentley – which feature 16-way adjustment, heating, ventilation, adjustable bolsters and a new massage function.

You can opt to get postural adjust and smart seat climate features if you want, while the wellness seat specification even massages your legs.

And Bentley has committed to using sustainable materials throughout the Torcal's leather, wood, wool and aluminium cabin, with the world's first 100 per cent Merino wool automotive fabric, certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and sustainably sourced walnut off-cuts used throughout.

Practicality is as important as luxury, with Bentley introducing a rear seat power fold system for the first time, and there's a 460-litre boot as well as a 90-litre frunk (front trunk).

Drivers will appreciate how Bentley's kept physical controls in the centre console and steering wheel and complement the curved OLED screens

This capacity is possible because, although the Torcal is the shortest four-door model in the brand's lineup at five metres long, it's been designed to maximise interior space as well as be easy to manoeuvre in urban environments thanks to its 11.1-metre turning circle.

And Bentley has created four interior 'Experience' modes that change light, sound, climate, air flow and digital information: Comfort Mode prioritises a calm experience, prioritising a digital detox over screens while Sport ups the immersive soundtrack, and changes the lighting.

Hop in the Torcal and facial recognition will automatically change the seat, steering wheel positions and ADAS settings – there are 25 radars, sensors and cameras – to your preference.

The Torcal's 375-mile range can be topped up from 10 to 80 per cent in just under 20 minutes at 400kW. 100 miles can be added in just seven minutes

Range, charging, performance and drive modes

The Torcal's 375-mile range can be topped up from 10 to 80 per cent in just under 20 minutes at 400kW. One hundred miles can be added in just seven minutes, so Torcal drivers can get back on the road in the time it takes to get a coffee.

There are two models at launch: core and S, with the S, as expected, providing a sportier ownership experience.

The core model has 810bhp, 1,194 Nm of torque and can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 3.3 seconds. Its top speed is 155mph.

The S version has 876bhp, 1,350 Nm of torque (when Launch Control is active) and covers 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds. Its top speed is 162mph.

When you put your foot down in both models you'll hear the 'propulsive beat' of Bentley's historic engines, with the rhythm of a Bentley V8 and the use of drums, viola and bass guitar creating the Bentley Dynamic Symphony.

The low frequency sound is calibrated in response to driver torque demand and vehicle speed so there's feedback to the driver – and both volume and feedback are increased when in Sport mode.

Two audio systems are offered: the 620W, 16-speaker base option, or a 1,780W, 28-speaker package with Dolby Atmos, kinaesthetic seat shakers and front headrest speakers.

Elements echo iconic Bentleys such as the Continental T in the advanced lighting, illuminated diamond grille

There are two models at launch: core and S, with the S, as expected, providing a sportier ownership experience

The Sport trim also adds visual elements including black exterior brightware and mirror caps, dark rear lamps, rear diffusers, sport sills, front bumper strakes, red brake calipers, and an S colour split, quilt and stitch pattern – to name a few.

Martin Page, product line director of the Torcal, said: 'The Torcal represents something new, and unique. 

'It has been engineered with great care to ensure it remains a Bentley to its core, enhanced rather than dominated by technology – from luxury to refinement and effortless performance – the Torcal has taken the elements that define a Bentley to extraordinary new levels.'

What will it cost?

The Torcal is expected to go on sale by the end of the year. It's not clear how much it will cost but motoring experts believe it will start from £180,000.

This would make it comparable to the Bentayga. Bentley's ultra-luxury SUV – which comes as a pure petrol or a hybrid – has an on-the-road price from £181,365.

But this rises to around £274,000, depending on the version.