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Bentley Unveils First EV, Torcal SUV, Targeting Wealthy Buyers with Familiar Design
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CNBC TV18•24-09-2026, 19:52
Bentley Unveils First EV, Torcal SUV, Targeting Wealthy Buyers with Familiar Design
- •Bentley launched its first fully electric vehicle, the Torcal SUV, aiming to attract wealthy buyers seeking zero-emission motoring without sacrificing traditional Bentley design.
- •Unlike Ferrari's recent EV, Bentley's Torcal retains classic styling cues, including diamond-shaped lights mimicking a traditional grille, despite not needing one for engine cooling.
- •The Torcal recreates the feel of a V8 engine through a unique soundtrack based on orchestral timpani, with smaller drums quickening as the vehicle accelerates.
- •Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser emphasized the intention was to make a "Bentley first," believing customers don't want a completely different car just because it's electric.
- •Priced at 173,000 ($230,000), the Torcal is positioned at the lower end of Bentley's range, aiming to be a "more affordable Bentley" and open new markets, with strong interest from Europe, the Middle East, and high-EV adoption US states.
Key Questions Answered
Bentley's first fully electric vehicle is an SUV named the Torcal, which starts at £173,000 ($230,000) to serve as a more affordable model in the lineup.
The Torcal recreates a V8 engine feel through a unique soundtrack based on orchestral timpani and smaller drums that quicken as the vehicle accelerates.
Unlike Ferrari's electric Luce which drew criticism for looking little like traditional sports cars, Bentley's Torcal retains classic design cues including an illuminated diamond-shaped grille meant to evoke traditional styling.
