Bentley Torcal set to become the brand’s electric performance flagship
With the Torcal, Bentley is preparing its first all-electric production car. The electric SUV is also set to become the most powerful model in the brand’s history and accelerate from a standstill faster than any previous production Bentley.
However, the British luxury brand is not focused solely on achieving the highest possible figures. Its enormous power is intended to be delivered in a controlled, quiet manner without abrupt responses. This effortless power delivery has been central to Bentley’s identity for decades.
The Torcal is intended to combine electric immediacy with the composed character of a classic Bentley grand tourer.
653 kW and 0 to 100 km/h in under three seconds
The electric all-wheel-drive system produces 653 kW. This is expected to propel the Torcal, which weighs around 2.7 metric tons, from 0 to 100 km/h in under three seconds. When overtaking, the full torque is available virtually instantaneously.
| Specification | Bentley Torcal |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | All-electric all-wheel drive |
| Power output | 653 kW |
| Acceleration | 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds |
| Battery capacity | 113 kWh |
| WLTP range | More than 600 km |
| Maximum DC charging power | 400 kW |
| Charging time | 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes |
| Weight | Around 2,700 kg |
PPE platform and extremely fast charging
Technically, the Torcal is based on the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric. This architecture is also used for electric Porsche models such as the Porsche Macan, but will be adapted for Bentley in terms of performance, comfort and chassis tuning.
The 113 kWh battery is expected to provide a WLTP range of more than 600 km. Charging power of up to 400 kW is planned when using a sufficiently powerful fast charger. Under optimal conditions, this should allow the state of charge to rise from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes.
For long-distance travel, however, peak charging power is not the only key factor; a stable charging curve also matters. In addition, chargers capable of delivering such high power are not yet widely available across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, known collectively as the DACH region. The benefits offered by the underlying high-voltage technology are explained in our comparison of 800-volt and 400-volt architectures.
Orchestral sound instead of artificial engine noise
Bentley does not want to mask the quietness of the electric powertrain with simulated combustion-engine sounds. Instead, it is creating an orchestral soundscape from recordings of real instruments that changes according to power demand and driving style.
Historical Bentley powertrains serve as inspiration, including the supercharged engines of the 1930s and the later W12. The result is intended to provide an acoustic accompaniment for the driver without detracting from the refined character of the electric powertrain.
What the figures mean in everyday use
With a WLTP range of more than 600 km, the Torcal is clearly positioned as an electric long-distance car. On highways, in low temperatures or when its high performance is used frequently, real-world range is likely to be lower, as with any electric car.
Nevertheless, the combination of a large battery and very high charging power could enable short travel stops. Battery preconditioned and a powerful charger available → the length of the break is likely to be determined more by the driver than by the vehicle.
Bentley has not yet commented on pricing. Given its performance, sophisticated technology and luxury positioning, however, the Torcal is likely to compete firmly at the upper end of the electric car market.
