Bentley is officially naming its first-ever all-electric vehicle the "Torcal," with a full reveal set for September 23, 2026. While specs are still under wraps, the British luxury automaker confirmed the 5-meter-long SUV will boast a range exceeding 300 miles, aiming to make its mark despite a struggling luxury electric car market.
The name "Torcal" had been circulating among Bentley enthusiasts following trademark filings earlier this year. While "Barnato," a tribute to a famous 1920s Bentley racer, was a strong contender, Bentley ultimately opted for a name inspired by a natural landmark: El Torcal de Antequera in Andalusia, Spain. The name also carries automotive relevance, derived from the Latin "torquere," meaning "to twist," echoing the term "torque."
Early glimpses suggest the Torcal will share design cues with the Bentayga SUV but will be slightly smaller. It features a distinctive long hood, an upright front, and signature rear haunches. However, the rear design sees a departure from the Bentayga, with a sleeker, downward-sloping roofline common in EVs for improved aerodynamics and range. A standout front-end feature is a illuminated crystal grille, a bold departure from traditional grilles and a statement against the trend of "quiet luxury."
Inside, the Torcal promises a blend of physical controls and OLED screens, with the central display curving elegantly. Notably, Bentley is steering clear of offering a separate passenger screen, a move that sets it apart from some competitors.
The Torcal enters a challenging landscape for luxury EVs. Brands like Lamborghini have reportedly seen demand for electric models plummet, Ferrari's first EV faced a significant market value drop, and sales for electric versions of the Mercedes G-Wagen and Audi Q8 e-tron have been sluggish. Porsche's Taycan has experienced substantial depreciation, and Rolls-Royce's Spectre and Mercedes' EQS SUV have also seen sales declines. Bentley itself has adjusted its timeline for going fully electric, pushing the target back to 2035 and continuing to offer plug-in hybrid and combustion models alongside the Torcal.
Despite the headwinds, Bentley chairman and CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser expresses confidence, viewing the Torcal as "the most considered car" in the brand's history. He believes Bentley's approach of integrating its DNA into an authentic EV design, rather than chasing radical stylistic shifts, might align perfectly with current buyer preferences. While acknowledging the broader market's struggles, Bentley, having achieved profitability for seven consecutive years, is investing heavily in its electric future, even as it navigates a slowdown in demand from key markets like China. The hope is that the Torcal will capture the imagination of buyers, potentially mirroring the surprising success of Ferrari's controversial EV in the Asian market.
