Bentley has revealed the Torcal, its first fully electric production car and a model the British luxury marque says will set the template for the next generation of Bentleys.
The new low-slung luxury SUV combines an 800V electrical architecture, 113kWh battery and twin electric motors, with two versions available from launch. The core Torcal produces 821PS and 1,194Nm, while the more performance-focused Torcal S increases output to 888PS and 1,350Nm with Launch Control active – the highest torque figure yet offered by a Bentley.
Performance is suitably dramatic. The Torcal S can accelerate from 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds and 0-100km/h in 2.9 seconds, although Bentley says outright acceleration was deliberately kept at a level it believes remains comfortable and usable for customers.
Bentley Chairman and CEO Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser said: “For 107 years, Bentleys have been the most incredibly complete cars – effortless performance, outstanding comfort, exquisite British hand-craftsmanship using the best natural materials, and a soundtrack with soul. Our new Torcal sets extraordinary benchmarks in every area that matters.”
More than simply Bentley’s first EV, the company describes Torcal as a blueprint for future models, with its design, technology, craftsmanship and materials influencing forthcoming Bentleys regardless of powertrain.
A new look for Bentley
Created under Design Director Robin Page, Torcal introduces a new design language while retaining some familiar Bentley themes.
Long wheelbase proportions, short overhangs and a prominent front end give the SUV a substantial stance, while Bentley’s so-called ‘endless bonnet’ treatment emphasises its length.
There are references to previous models too, including the Continental T, reinterpreted through modern lighting technology and an illuminated diamond grille. At the rear, a cleaner graphical treatment develops ideas first explored on the EXP 15 concept.
Rather than relying on heavy creases and character lines, Bentley has concentrated on sculpting the body through its surfaces and proportions. The effect is particularly noticeable around the rear haunches, where the narrowing cabin allows the bodywork to build over the rear wheels.
Bentley’s designers refer to the stance as the ‘resting beast’, intended to give the Torcal a sense of contained strength.
The diamond motif continues throughout the car and Torcal also becomes the first production Bentley to wear the company’s redesigned emblem.
Traditional craftsmanship meets new technology
Inside, Bentley has resisted moving every function onto a touchscreen.
The dashboard retains an architecture inspired by the Bentley wings, while leather, wool, veneer and aluminium feature throughout the cabin. Knurled controls and redesigned bullseye air vents provide familiar Bentley detailing, with physical controls retained on the centre console and steering wheel for frequently used functions.
The newly designed standard front seats offer 16-way adjustment, heating, ventilation, adjustable bolsters and massage.
Bentley’s Postural Adjust and Smart Seat Climate systems are available optionally. Postural Adjust continuously makes subtle changes to pressure distribution during longer journeys, while Smart Seat Climate automatically manages heating and ventilation around a chosen temperature.
Choosing the Wellness Seat Specification extends the massage system into the seat cushion, allowing the occupant’s legs as well as back and shoulders to be massaged.
The three-person rear seat also introduces power folding for the first time on a Bentley.
Two models at launch: Torcal and Torcal S
Bentley will offer two versions of its new electric SUV from launch, with the Torcal and Torcal S receiving different performance figures and visual treatments.
The core Torcal develops 821PS and 1,194Nm of peak torque, enough to accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds and 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds. Top speed is 155mph.
For those wanting considerably more, the Torcal S produces 888PS and 1,350Nm when Launch Control is activated. That cuts the 0-60mph time to 2.8 seconds and 0-100km/h to 2.9 seconds, while top speed rises to 162mph.
The distinction between the two models extends beyond their performance.
The standard Torcal comes with satin silver exterior brightwork, a single-tone colour split and Open Pore Crown Cut Walnut veneer.
Torcal S adopts a more sporting appearance, with black exterior brightwork and mirror caps, darkened rear lamps, a rear diffuser, sports side sills and front bumper strakes.
Red brake calipers are standard, together with S badging on the front wings and black Bentley wings badges.
Inside, the S receives its own colour split, quilting and stitching pattern, along with sports pedals, Piano Black veneer, illuminated treadplates and Bentley’s dynamic ‘waterfall’ mood lighting.
Up to 888PS and 1,350Nm
Both Torcal models use a pair of permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors, with an open differential at the front and a locking differential at the rear using multi-plate clutches on each output shaft.
Its 800V battery contains 192 lithium-ion pouch cells and provides a net usable capacity of 113kWh. Bentley will cover the battery with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Despite the move to electric power, Bentley says the objective was to retain the effortless performance traditionally associated with its combustion-engined grand tourers.
Even the 821PS core model reaches 60mph in little more than three seconds, while the Torcal S moves firmly into supercar territory with its 2.8-second sprint.
Fully active suspension
Torcal also introduces fully active suspension to a Bentley for the first time.
Adaptive two-valve dampers can independently raise or lower at each corner in response to road conditions and driver inputs. The system removes the need for conventional anti-roll bars, instead using the active dampers to generate continuously variable anti-roll control.
Bentley says this allows the chassis to combine its traditional ‘magic carpet’ ride with much tighter body control when required.
Electronic all-wheel steering is standard, with up to five degrees of rear-wheel steering helping reduce the turning circle to 11.1 metres while also improving agility at higher speeds.
Four selectable driving modes allow the character of the car to be altered depending on the road and driving conditions.
Serious stopping power
Standard braking comes from an iron system using 420mm front and 370mm rear discs.
Customers wanting greater braking performance can specify a Carbon Silicon Carbide ceramic system featuring huge 440mm front and 410mm rear discs.
Black, red and grey brake calipers are available, with another three colours offered through Bentley’s Mulliner personalisation division.
21- and 22-inch wheels
Five wheel designs will be available from launch.
The standard Torcal receives 21-inch wheels, while the Torcal S gets a ten-twin-spoke 22-inch design as standard. Three additional 22-inch designs will be offered, including an aerodynamically optimised version.
Summer and winter tyres will be available for both wheel sizes, with a 22-inch all-season option completing the range.
A very different Bentley – with familiar ambitions
The Torcal represents one of the biggest technical changes in Bentley’s 107-year history, but Crewe clearly doesn’t want its first EV to feel like a departure from what made its cars distinctive in the first place.
Instead, Bentley is attempting to translate the traditional qualities of effortless performance, long-distance comfort, craftsmanship and grand touring ability into an electric luxury SUV.
The company says Torcal has been engineered to be as comfortable as a Flying Spur while delivering the dynamic ability of a Continental GT Speed, with enough chassis flexibility to tackle everything from long motorway journeys to more demanding roads and off-road conditions.
With up to 888PS and 1,350Nm, fully active suspension, four-wheel steering and an entirely new design language, Torcal is therefore more than Bentley’s first electric car.
It is the clearest indication yet of what Bentley intends a Bentley to be in the electric era.
This reads better now because the 821PS Torcal / 888PS Torcal S distinction gives the performance section a proper structure and prevents us inadvertently presenting the S figures as standard across the range.
