Key facts
- Bentley unveiled its first fully electric vehicle, the Torcal SUV.
- The Torcal SUV retains styling cues from Bentley's combustion-engine models.
- The EV features a soundtrack based on orchestral timpani to mimic a V8 engine.
- Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser stated customers are not asking for a completely different car because it's electric.
- The Torcal SUV starts at £173,000 ($230,000), positioning it as a more affordable Bentley.
- Bentley has invested £350 million ($465 million) in its Crewe, England plant for the Torcal's production.
Bentley on Wednesday unveiled its first fully electric vehicle, the Torcal SUV, aiming to capture wealthy buyers seeking zero-emission options without compromising on the brand's established luxury and design. The new EV retains styling cues from Bentley's combustion-engine models, including diamond-shaped lights that mimic a traditional grille, and features a V8 engine-like soundtrack created with orchestral timpani.
Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser stated that the company's intention was to build a Bentley first, believing customers do not desire a drastically different car simply because it is electric. This approach contrasts with some initial reactions to Ferrari's first EV, the Luce, which starts at €550,000 ($628,000) and faced criticism for deviating from traditional sports car aesthetics.
The Torcal SUV is positioned at the lower end of Bentley's range, with a starting price of £173,000 ($230,000), representing a "more affordable Bentley" that aims to open new markets. Bentley has been showcasing the vehicle to potential customers, reporting strong interest from Europe, the Middle East, and US states with high EV adoption, with a launch campaign planned for China next year. Approximately half of the interest comes from existing Bentley customers, while the other half represents new customers to the brand.
Bentley has invested £350 million ($465 million) in its Crewe, England plant to support the production of the Torcal. This investment follows recent announcements of significant investments in the UK by other automotive players, such as McLaren and Nissan. British business minister Jonathan Reynolds highlighted Bentley's investment as evidence of favorable growth conditions in the UK.