Bentley has revealed the much-awaited Torcal, the company’s first-ever electric vehicle.

The electric SUV comes packing a large battery and has massive power.

“For 107 years, Bentleys have been the most incredibly complete cars – effortless performance, outstanding comfort, exquisite British handcraftsmanship using the best natural materials, and a soundtrack with soul. Our new Torcal sets extraordinary benchmarks in every area that matters,” Bentley chairman and CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser said in a news release.

Electric powertrain

The Torcal is powered by an 800-volt electric architecture and its high-voltage lithium-ion battery has a net capacity of 113 kWh.

At launch, two versions will be offered, the core model and the sportier S version.

The base model features a dual-motor powertrain with 810 hp (821 PS) and 881 lb.-ft. (1,194 Nm) of torque.

Bentley said the core model will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h.

The S version delivers 876 hp (888 PS) and 996 lb.-ft. (1,350 Nm) of torque – that’s the most torque of any Bentley ever.

Bentley said the electric SUV can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 260 km/h.

The permanent magnet synchronous motors feature dry sump designs and are filled with oil for life. The front motor has an open differential and the rear motor has a locking differential with a multi-plate clutch on each output shaft.

Massive brakes help bring the SUV to a stop. Brake discs measure 420 mm at the front and 370 mm at the rear as standard and buyers can opt for a Carbon Silicon Carbide (CSiC) ceramic system with 440 mm front discs and 410 mm at the rear. Buyers can have their brake calipers in black, red or grey colours while the Mulliner model has three more available colours.

All-wheel steering is standard with the rear wheels offering up to five degrees of turn, which helps the turning radius come in at 11.1 metres.

Driving range and charging speed

The massive battery gives the Torcal an estimated driving range of up to 600 kilometres, based on the Euro-observed WLTP test cycle.

Based on our more stringent EPA/NRCan testing measures, that would translate to around 514 kilometres of range.

The Torcal can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in less than 20 minutes under ideal 400-kW DC fast-charging rages. At that rage, Bentley estimates the Torcal can add 161 kilometres of range in just seven minutes of charging.

Design

The Torcal was created to offer a low, sleek look, and has a design language that was previewed with the EXP 15 concept car.

At five metres long, the Torcal is the shortest four-door vehicle in Bentley’s lineup.

It features a long wheelbase and short overhangs.

The upright front end gives it a strong and proud stance, a true Bentley presence on the road.

Five wheel designs, available in multiple finishes, are available on the Torcal. The base model has standard 21-inch wheels and the S model comes standard with 22-inch 10-twin-spoke wheels, while the available wheel options measure 21 and 22 inches.

‘Magic carpet’ ride

Bentley says the SUV has a “magic carpet” ride thanks to a fully active suspension and adaptive two-valve dampers.

Drivers can adjust the chassis tuning through various driving modes.

Each damper can be actively and independently raised or lowered immediately in reaction to road conditions and driver inputs for maximum ride comfort and body control, Bentley said.

Reactive dampers eliminate the need for anti-roll bars, and the all-wheel steering system helps improve agility.

The vehicle is further enhanced through a variety of advanced driving assistance system technologies. It has 25 radars, sensors and cameras to provide the vehicle with data.

Bentley said the assistance systems support towing, garage and parallel parking, helping avoid damage to wheel rims and remote parking. The car can also be trained on precise parking manoeuvres.

Radar-controlled powered doors can open and close electronically for added comfort.

Synthetic V8 soundtrack

Bentley sad the beat of its vehicles’ engines are highly emotive and engineers aimed to recreate that feeling in the Torcal.

Using instruments such as drums, viola and bass guitar, they created the Bentley Dynamic Symphony to create the rhythm of a Bentley V8.

The volume increases when the vehicle is placed in the Sport driving mode, but it can also be turned off to offer a silent ride.

Superior audio system

If listening to a synthetic V8 sound is not interesting to occupants, the Torcal comes fitted with a 620-watt 16-speaker audio system as standard.

It also has an optional premium sound system, made available in conjunction with Naim. This system packs a wallop at 1,780 watts and has 28 speakers. The system features kinaesthetic seat shakers, front headrest speakers and Dolby Atmos 7.1.

Numerous interior materials

Bentley is giving the Torcal with a variety of interior material and colour options, including sustainably sourced materials and 15 different shades of olive tan leather, 15 matching shades of Dinamica and pure Merino wool in five different colours.

There are six wood veneer options and two technical finishes and six Piano finishes.

Torcal S gets sportier looks

The sportier S version gets a few elements to enhance its dynamic appearance.

Unique Torcal S elements include:

• Black exterior brightware and mirror caps
• Dark rear lamps
• A rear diffuser, together with sports sills and front bumper strakes
• Red brake calipers
• S fender badges, together with black Bentley wings badges
• A dedicated S colour split, quilt and stitch pattern
• Sports pedals
• Piano black veneer as standard
• Illuminated treadplates and dynamic ‘waterfall’ mood lighting

More information

Canadian market details such as price and launch date haven’t been provided.

For more information, visit the Bentley Motors website.

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