Bentley reveals Torcal electric SUV with 653kW and 600km range
Words: Kyle Cassidy
Bentley has unveiled its first fully electric model, the Torcal, pairing the brand’s familiar focus on comfort and craftsmanship with up to 653kW and a claimed WLTP range of 600km.
Revealed in London, the five-seat SUV becomes Bentley’s fourth model line, joining the Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga. It will launch in standard and sportier S forms, with both designed, engineered and built at the company’s Crewe headquarters.
New Zealand pricing and arrival timing were not included in the announcement.
At five metres long, the Torcal is Bentley’s shortest four-door model, although it’s hardly compact. There’s a 460-litre boot, another 90 litres of storage under the bonnet and an electrically folding rear seat, a first for the brand.
Big battery, bigger performance
Both versions use two electric motors and an 800V battery with a usable capacity of 113kWh.
The standard Torcal produces 604kW and 1194Nm, enough for a claimed 0–100km/h time of 3.4 seconds and a 250km/h top speed.
The S lifts output to 653kW and 1350Nm with launch control active. That cuts the sprint to 2.9 seconds and raises maximum speed to 260km/h. Bentley says the torque figure is the highest of any production car it has made.
Interestingly, the company says it deliberately stopped short of chasing even harder acceleration, finding that many customers consider more extreme performance uncomfortable.
Read more – 2026 Bentley Continental GT S Review
Bentley claims up to 600km of WLTP range and DC charging at up to 400kW. Its headline figure is a 10–80 per cent charge in 16 minutes, although the release’s main text describes the same charge as taking just under 20 minutes. It also claims approximately 161km of range can be added in seven minutes.
Active suspension does away with anti-roll bars
The Torcal introduces fully active suspension to Bentley, with each damper able to raise or lower independently in response to the road and driver inputs.
The system also controls body roll, removing the need for conventional anti-roll bars. Bentley says the arrangement is intended to combine a supple ride with more precise body control.
Rear-wheel steering is standard, turning the back wheels by up to five degrees and helping reduce the turning circle to 11.1 metres.
Standard brakes use 420mm front discs and 370mm rears. An optional carbon-ceramic package increases those to 440mm and 410mm respectively.
The standard model rides on 21-inch wheels, while the S gets 22s, black exterior detailing, red brake calipers and additional aerodynamic trim.
A V8-inspired soundtrack, played by musicians
Bentley has taken an unusual approach to giving its electric SUV a voice.
Its Dynamic Symphony soundtrack uses recordings of instruments including drums, viola and bass guitar, with the rhythm of the brand’s 6¾-litre V8 providing inspiration.
It is said that the sound responds to speed and requested torque, becoming more prominent in Sport mode. Owners who prefer their electric Bentley silent can switch it off.
Even the indicator noise has a handcrafted connection: it comes from a recording of a hammer striking leather in Bentley’s upholstery workshop. Touchscreen and digital-assistant sounds draw on recordings of crystal glass.
Music playback comes through a standard 620W, 16-speaker system, with an optional Naim setup delivering 1780W through 28 speakers, including front headrest speakers and seat shakers.
Wool, walnut and physical controls
The cabin combines curved OLED displays with physical controls on the centre console and steering wheel. An augmented-reality head-up display puts navigation instructions and driver-assistance information into the driver’s field of view.
Standard front seats include 16-way adjustment, heating, ventilation, adjustable bolsters and massage. Optional systems can subtly alter seating pressure and automatically manage heating and ventilation, while the Wellness Seat Specification extends massage to the legs.
Material choices include a new 100 per cent merino wool automotive fabric developed with British textile company Fox Brothers. Bentley says it carries Responsible Wool Standard certification.
Another option combines walnut offcuts and recycled paper in a layered veneer, while leather, Dinamica and several wood, aluminium and painted finishes broaden the choice.
Four powered doors use radar to help manage opening and closing. Occupants can trigger closure by fastening their seatbelts, while the driver can close their door by pressing the brake pedal.
The Torcal also brings an array of parking assistance features, including app-controlled remote parking and the ability to learn parking manoeuvres.
For Bentley, the electric SUV expands the powertrain choice alongside its combustion and hybrid models. For buyers, it promises the familiar excess of a Bentley, delivered with a very different kind of propulsion.
