HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Bentley Torcal EV Debut Set for September 23 in London

Engadget •
×

Bentley has confirmed its first electric vehicle, the Torcal, will debut on September 23 in London. CEO Frank-Steffern Walliser called it "the most considered car in our history," positioning the model alongside the Bentayga, Bacalar, and Batur in the Volkswagen-owned brand's lineup. The name references Spain's El Torcal de Antequera rock formation and the Latin word for torque.

The electric SUV was first announced in 2021 and has undergone extensive testing, including Arctic Circle cold-weather validation and high-speed runs at Germany's Nurburgring under heavy camouflage. Spy shots reveal a fastback silhouette inspired by the 2023 EXP 15 design concept, suggesting a lower, sleeker profile than Bentley's current SUV offerings.

Interior photos from Nürburgring testing show red leather and black Alcantara trim, a large curved display spanning the dashboard, and mechanical tactile controls — a deliberate counterpoint to touchscreen-heavy cabins. Bentley emphasizes the Torcal carries forward "craftsmanship and performance that have defined the brand since 1919."

The Torcal represents Volkswagen Group's latest push to electrify its ultra-luxury brands. With Rolls-Royce's Spectre already delivering and Ferrari's first EV due in 2025, Bentley's entry will test whether traditional coachbuilding credibility translates to the electric era — and whether a $300,000-plus EV can maintain margins in a segment where Tesla and Lucid have reset performance expectations.