Key facts
- Bentley's first battery-electric vehicle, the Torcal, will be revealed next month.
- The Torcal will feature an AI-generated sound designed to mimic a 6.75 L V8 engine.
- The electric SUV will offer over 850 PS (838 hp) and 737 lb-ft of torque.
- Targeted range is 300 miles (482 km) under EPA standards or 373 miles (600 km) under WLTP.
- The vehicle will support 400 kW DC fast-charging.
- Bentley aims to provide an emotional connection to the car through sound, similar to its combustion engines.
Bentley is set to unveil its first all-electric vehicle, the Torcal, next month. The luxury automaker, which already offers plug-in hybrids across its range, is leveraging electric motors for their inherent torque delivery, a characteristic suited to the Bentley marque.
The Torcal, currently in the final stages of testing and clad in camouflage, is positioned as Bentley's entry-level model, expected to cost less than a Bentayga. While shorter and lower than the Bentayga, it offers similar interior volume due to EV packaging efficiencies. The vehicle shares underlying engineering with the Porsche Cayenne EV, though Bentley has adapted it for its specific requirements.
Bentley is targeting an EPA range of 300 miles (482 km) and a WLTP range of 600 km (373 miles). It will also feature 400 kW DC fast-charging capabilities, mirroring the Cayenne's specifications. However, Bentley is not aiming for the quadruple-figure power outputs seen in some competitors. Martin Page, product line director for the Torcal, stated the vehicle will exceed 850 PS (838 hp/625 kW) and 737 lb-ft (over a thousand newton-meters) of torque, emphasizing a focus on accessible, confidence-inspiring performance rather than outright power figures.
A unique feature of the Torcal is its AI-generated engine sound. To maintain an emotional connection for buyers, Bentley has developed a sound profile that mimics a V8 engine. This sound is not a direct sample but was created by artists playing the firing order of a 6.75 L V8 on drums, incorporating natural human imperfections to create a subtle yet convincing auditory experience from within the cabin. The sound is mapped to the powertrain's load, providing a natural progression during acceleration and dynamic driving.
From a driving dynamics perspective, the Torcal aims to blend the comfort of the Flying Spur sedan with the engagement of the Continental GT. It utilizes the same 48 V dual-valve damper active ride comfort system found in the Porsche Panamera. The throttle, brake, and steering responses are benchmarked against existing Bentley models to ensure a familiar and aligned driving experience. However, the interior will feature digital air vents, similar to the Cayenne, controlled via the infotainment screen, a departure from Bentley's traditional metal organ stoppers.