New Delhi: Bentley has named its first electric vehicle Torcal, taking a step into the EV space at a time when the luxury electric car market is moving
slower than many carmakers had expected. The production model is scheduled to debut globally on September 23 and will sit close to the Bentayga in size, though Bentley is expected to give it a different design identity.
The name Torcal comes from El Torcal de Antequera, a limestone rock formation in Andalusia, Spain. It also connects to the Latin word “torquere”, meaning to twist, from where the word torque comes. For an EV, that is a neat little wordplay, since torque is what electric motors deliver very quickly. Bentley has followed its old habit here, naming cars after natural landmarks, much like Bentayga earlier.
Bentley’s EV plan begins with Torcal, a 5-metre luxury electric SUV
Bentley Torcal: What we know so far
The Torcal is based on the 2025 Bentley EXP 15 concept. Pre-production began in November 2025 at Bentley’s Crewe facility. The SUV will be around 5 metres long, making it just slightly shorter than the Bentayga, which measures between 5.1 metres and 5.3 metres depending on version.
For enthusiasts, the more interesting bit is under the body. The Torcal will use the Volkswagen Group’s PPE platform, shared with the Porsche Cayenne Electric. It is expected to get a 113 kWh battery and support DC fast charging up to 390 kW. Bentley had earlier said the SUV can add around 161 km of range in about 7 minutes.
Range, battery and expected performance
Bentley design chief Robin Page told Autocar UK that the Torcal will offer more than 483 km of range. He said Bentley customers see 483 km to 563 km as the useful range zone.
Key expected details include:
- Range of over 483 km
- 113 kWh battery pack
- DC fast charging up to 390 kW
- Around 161 km range top-up in about 7 minutes
- Dual-motor setup expected as standard
Bentley has not confirmed whether the Torcal will match the top-spec Porsche Cayenne Electric Turbo’s 1,156 hp and 1,500 Nm output.
Why Bentley delayed its EV plan
The Torcal was first expected earlier, but Bentley delayed it after demand for luxury EVs weakened. The company has now moved away from its earlier plan to become all-electric by 2030. It now plans to launch one plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle every year until 2035.
For Bentley, Torcal is a test of whether ultra-luxury buyers are ready to move from V8s and W12 memories to silent battery speed.
