Bentley unveiled its first all-electric vehicle, the Torcal, a mid-size SUV that marks a significant shift in the brand's luxury offerings. The vehicle, set for a full reveal on September 23rd, differentiates itself with an interior crafted from 100% Merino wool, a first for the automotive industry, developed in partnership with Fox Brothers, an 18th-century Somerset weaver. This move comes as Bentley traditionally centered its cabins around leather, but the Torcal will offer six curated wool colorways, with leather still available as an option. Other sustainable materials include Ombre veneer made from up to 1,000 layers of sustainably sourced walnut off-cuts and recycled paper, and a new Mulliner technical aluminum finish called Sunburst, aiming to demonstrate that electric and greener options don't sacrifice tactile luxury.
The Torcal is built on the same PPE platform as the electric Porsche Macan and Audi's E-range, featuring two motors, all-wheel drive, and a claimed range of over 480 kilometers (300 miles). Preliminary specs indicate it will have over 838 horsepower (850 ps) and 738 lb-ft of torque, potentially making it the most powerful Bentley ever. The 113-kWh battery, shared with the Porsche Cayenne Electric, supports 800-volt architecture, allowing for a 10-80% charge in under 20 minutes at a 400-kW charger. The vehicle is slightly smaller than the Bentayga but retains Bentley's signature design cues, including a long hood and upright front.
The launch of the Torcal comes at a challenging time for the luxury EV market, with other premium brands like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce experiencing significant declines in EV demand and profitability. Bentley itself reported a 42% fall in operating profit to €216 million compared to the previous year, despite its seventh consecutive year of profitability. The company has also pushed back its target for going fully electric from 2030 to 2035, indicating a hedging of its EV strategy. However, Bentley views the Torcal's focus on authentic luxury and sustainable materials, rather than just technology or range, as a key differentiator in this evolving market. Customer deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.
