Bentley is preparing to unveil the Torcal, a new electric SUV expected to produce more than 800bhp and travel over 370 miles on a charge. The 2027 model, which shares its underpinnings with the electrified Porsche Cayenne, is being developed as a luxury Bentley first and an electric vehicle second.
A camouflaged pre-production car has been demonstrated ahead of its official unveiling later this month, offering an early indication of the company’s approach to electric performance, comfort and craftsmanship.
Although the Torcal is smaller than the existing Bentayga, it has been designed to provide generous space for passengers in both rows. Heavy coverings concealed much of the interior during the demonstration, while false panels fitted beneath the exterior camouflage disguised the SUV’s final proportions.
The emphasis was instead placed on the way the car rides and responds. Bentley engineers have modified the flow of oil through the adaptive dampers, rather than relying solely on the two-chamber air suspension already used elsewhere in the range.
The result is intended to make the difference between Comfort and Sport modes more apparent. Even in the firmer setting, the prototype was described as delivering a notably smooth ride, with careful attention paid to the steering’s ability to return to and hold the centre position.
Bentley Torcal electric SUV to feature simulated V8 soundtrack
Bentley is also working on a simulated engine note to give the silent electric powertrain a more familiar character. The sound takes inspiration from the V8-powered Turbo R of the 1980s, but its rhythm was created from a musician’s drum performance rather than generated entirely by a synthesiser.
The system is intended to provide audible cues that match the delivery of the car’s torque. Its throttle response has been tuned to feel more like a torquey V8, with power building progressively instead of arriving in an abrupt surge.
Martin Page, the Torcal’s product line director, said the sound could also help reduce motion sickness by giving occupants an aural reference for the vehicle’s acceleration. The soundtrack remains under development and had not been finalised at the time of the demonstration.
“What we wanted to do throughout the car is maintain craftsmanship, not only in the materials but also in the way we execute the digital aspects,” Page said.
That philosophy extends to the displays. The digital instrument cluster and central infotainment screen use an image of a crystal decanter hand-cut by Cumbria Crystal, with lighting designed to reproduce the refractions and reflections created by its cuts.
Bentley also says the electric SUV will use more sustainable materials. Its door cards are planned to be made from a recyclable natural fibre rather than injection-moulded plastic, while buyers are expected to be offered a Merino wool interior developed with British clothmaker Fox Brothers.
The company’s Crewe factory is also subject to requirements covering renewable energy use, including solar power, as Bentley works towards its wider environmental targets for circular materials and lower-impact aluminium.
Final figures for the battery, output and charging system have yet to be confirmed. Bentley is targeting more than 800bhp, over 700lb ft of torque and a kerb weight of close to 6,000lb.
The expected battery capacity is understood to be similar to the Porsche’s 108kWh net unit. Bentley is aiming for a range exceeding 370 miles, with charging at up to 400kW potentially allowing the battery to rise from 10 to 80 per cent in less than 20 minutes. The company says as much as 100 miles of range could be added in about seven minutes.
Pricing has not yet been announced. The Torcal will be Bentley’s attempt to use established Volkswagen Group electric vehicle technology while differentiating itself through its ride, materials, sound and highly detailed digital design.
