Bentley Reveals First Electric SUV Torcal Ahead Of September Debut

Luxury manufacturer Bentley has officially named its inaugural electric vehicle the Torcal. The upcoming electric SUV is scheduled for a formal market debut on September 23. This vehicle represents a strategic pivot for the brand, which recently recalibrated its long-term objective to become an all-electric carmaker by 2030 in response to shifting consumer demand. The model takes inspiration from the limestone landscape of El Torcal de Antequera in Spain and draws on the linguistic roots of torque.

The Torcal is underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s PPE platform, the same architecture supporting the Porsche Cayenne Electric. It will feature a 113kWh battery, enabling fast DC charging speeds up to 390kW. Bentley’s design director, Robin Page, confirmed a target range of over 300 miles. Pre-production for the vehicle began last November at the company’s manufacturing facility in Crewe. Development was previously hampered by lukewarm market sentiment, leading the company to adopt a more flexible electrification strategy involving a mix of hybrid and electric vehicle releases through 2035.

Measuring approximately 5 meters, the Torcal will offer a compact alternative to the larger Bentayga. Early design cues from the EXP 15 concept suggest a departure from the industry’s trend of hyper-digital cabins, with Bentley prioritizing physical mechanical controls to maintain its premium brand identity. The vehicle is expected to feature a dual-motor standard setup with high-performance capabilities. As the brand transitions toward electrification, the Torcal serves as a critical test for whether ultra-luxury buyers will accept EV technology without compromising the signature Bentley experience.