Bentley has just entered the era of electrification with the Torcal – the first battery-powered SUV in the brand's history. This is also a crucial product in the British automaker's electrification strategy after a long period of adjusting its development roadmap because many loyal customers are not yet ready to "abandon" their V8 and W12 internal combustion engines.
The Bentley Torcal is the first all-electric SUV from the British luxury car brand.
PHOTO: BENTLEY
Therefore, the Torcal is not simply a new electric car . Bentley faces a more difficult challenge: how to convince a customer base accustomed to the sound of V8 and W12 engines, handcrafted materials, and signature luxury styling to switch to a fully electric vehicle.
Electric car, but it still has to have the Bentley feel.
Although it doesn't require a large radiator grille to cool the engine like gasoline cars, Bentley still maintains its distinctive Torcal front end. The highlight is the Floating Diamond Grille structure with 76 hand-mounted diamond-shaped LED details, creating a striking lighting effect while preserving the brand's familiar look.
The Torcal's exterior still retains the look of an internal combustion engine SUV.
PHOTO: BENTLEY
The overall design of the Torcal doesn't stray too far into the futuristic style often seen in many electric vehicles. Bentley retains its imposing presence, elegant lines, and large body proportions, aiming to help customers recognize it as a Bentley before even considering its electric powertrain.
Inside, the brand continues to leverage its strengths in materials and craftsmanship. The cockpit features leather, Dinamica, Merino wool, and Ombré Walnut by Mulliner wood. Alongside this is a 12.25-inch curved OLED screen, and seats with adjustable temperature and pressure to reduce fatigue during long journeys.
These details show that Bentley isn't trying to turn the Torcal into a tech-heavy SUV, but rather maintaining its familiar approach to luxury cars: customers pay for the materials, finish, and personalization options.
Abandon the V8 and W12 engines, but still maintain the driving experience.
One of the biggest changes when switching to electric vehicles is the sound. The Torcal no longer has the sound of a V8 or W12 engine, so Bentley developed the Bentley Dynamic Symphony system to create a different driving experience.
Torcal uses a 113.2 kWh battery pack, providing a range of 600 km.
PHOTO: BENTLEY
The sounds are synthesized from real instruments such as drums, viola, and bass guitar, then remixed with inspiration from the Bentley V8's 6.75-liter engine. The company doesn't simply mimic the sound of the old engine, but uses the sound as part of the acceleration experience.
In terms of performance, the Torcal S is the most notable version, boasting 876 horsepower, 1,350 Nm of torque, and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 2.9 seconds. It is also the most powerful commercially available Bentley to date. To manage its nearly 2.8-ton weight, the car is equipped with the Bentley Active Ride suspension system, four-wheel drive, and rear-wheel steering.
The Torcal uses an 113.2 kWh battery pack, providing a maximum range of approximately 600 km according to WLTP standards. A 400 kW DC fast charging system allows the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in about 16 minutes.
Torcal's interior design maintains a luxurious feel with many expensive materials.
PHOTO: BENTLEY
In the UK, the Bentley Torcal has a starting price of around £173,300 (over 6 billion VND). This is still a very high price for most customers, but it is relatively "accessible" within the all-electric luxury car segment, especially when compared to names like the Rolls-Royce Spectre.
Notably, Bentley stated that approximately 50% of the initial interest in this all-electric SUV came from new customers or those who had previously left Bentley and then returned. This indicates that the first EV model is not only aimed at existing Bentley owners but also has the mission of expanding its customer base.