Bentley Reveals Its First All-Electric Model. Here’s Everything You Need to Know.Robb ReportViju MathewWed, September 23, 2026 at 6:15 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleOne of the most important days in Bentley's 107-year history has arrived, a milestone owed to the global unveiling of the British luxury marque's first all-electric vehicle, the Bentley Torcal. Up until now, time-released teasers and vague references from executives have kept anticipation piqued, much the same as Ferrari's game plan prior to the reveal of its zero-emissions Luce. Yet unlike Maranello's divisive outlier, the Torcal carries on the aesthetic traditions of the Crewe-based automaker while adding a hefty dose of stylistic and engineering innovations to a lineup of which it is now the fourth model.In June, Robb Report was given a preview of the S.U.V. in its uncovered entirety, promising to keep most of what we saw secret until permission was granted. "I would say the future of Bentley starts today, in this moment, as this is the very first public showing of our new car," said Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, chairman and C.E.O. of Bentley, just prior to our sneak peek. "Launching electric cars these days, we call it a challenge because we have to fulfill a lot of requirements . . . we had to make a very, very clear strategic decision about Bentley first, about the car first, and then about the platform."More from Robb ReportSolange Knowles's Large-Scale Sculptures Will Soon Be Dotted Along New York's High LineInside a $24 Million English Estate With Its Own Indoor Riding SchoolISA's Epic New 269-Foot Superyacht Has a Touch-and-Go Helipad and a Glass-Bottomed PoolAn example of the all-electric Bentley Torcal dressed in the marque's Electrum color scheme.Far from simply a battery-powered take on the Bentayga, Bentley's new S.U.V. is built on a new platform for the marque. At the heart of this baronial vehicle is a pair of permanent magnet synchronous motors delivering nearly 876 hp in Torcal's most athletic spec. The duo is juiced by a 113 kWh battery comprising 192 lithium-ion cells. The official press release states that this setup provides "the highest torque of any Bentley ever made," which translates to 995.7 ft lbs. That also explains the vehicle's name. As we covered when reporting on the moniker in July, the inspiration was the region of "El Torcal de Antequera in Andalusia, Spain," at least according to Bentley's announcement at the time, but it added that the name is "also derived from the Latin 'torquere,' where we get the word "torque."AdvertisementAdvertisementWith a range touted to be 375 miles, the Torcal is claimed to be capable of replenishing from 10 percent to 80 percent in as little as 16 minutes, depending on the charger. More impressive is the hefty (the exact weight has yet to be disclosed) family hauler's overall quickness, as it can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 162 mph. That rate of acceleration is just .1 seconds slower than the McLaren 750S supercar. For more perspective, the most powerful Bentayga to date boasts 641 hp and covers the same ground in 3.4 seconds.In its most athletic version, the Torcal can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 162 mph."It's a different proportion. It's a lower-riding car. It's maybe a slightly more sporting intent . . . that's why we've positioned this car in the Sports S.U.V. segment," mentions Martin Page, Torcal's product line director, while we rode as a passenger with him in the camouflaged version last month. Page also noted that "the overall behavior and physics of the car feel naturally different," from its Bentayga sibling.The Torcal's drive dynamics are enhanced by what the official announcement credits as a "fully active suspension—for the first time on a Bentley—and adaptive two-valve dampers." The release also adds that there's "a choice of chassis tune for each driving mode." Unlike other modes that alter engine-mapping and suspension settings, Torcal's four selections—Bentley Mode, Comfort Mode, Sport, and Refresh—also adjust the ambiance of the cabin as well. In Comfort, for example, digital displays take a backseat only presenting necessary intel, while Refresh fittingly bolsters interior air management and illumination. Then there's Sport, which is complemented by a soundtrack that matches the performance level's increased aggression.That orchestral soundscape attributed to the power train is also noteworthy in that it has been literally made by musicians. "We concluded that the sound profile that was most clearly Bentley was that of a heritage V-8, and that's actually from the Continental Turbo R . . . one of the longest-serving V-8s in our history," Page tells us. "We then asked artisans and craftspeople to play on the drums—and that engine's imperfect . . . we wanted to bring that imperfection into the sound as well, so it was natural and authentic, and not digitized. So the methodology was through the drumming, and what the team have done then is play that throughout the cabin—front to rear—to get the appropriate balance in terms of your natural perception of where the acoustics should be coming from."AdvertisementAdvertisementAside from the Torcal's unique aural signature resonating throughout the interior, the occupant space has been another opportunity for creative exploration and expression on Bentley's part. "We've gone to another level with our craftsmanship. We've combined perforation, stitching, embroidery, and three dimensions, so everything has grown even more," stated Bentley's design director Robin Page (no relation to Martin) during our visit to Crewe. On top of all that, Page mentioned that the team has "added three new materials.""We've gone to another level with our craftsmanship," states Bentley design director Robin Page, a sentiment evidenced by the interior.Among the trifecta of new textile and finish selections is a Marino wool from West England's atelier Fox Brothers, founded in 1772. The press release calls it "the world's first 100 percent Marino wool automotive fabric." This is complemented by a couple of new finishes. The Ombré Walnut by Mulliner is said in the announcement to comprise "1,000 individually selected layers of sustainably sourced walnut off-cuts and craft (recycled) paper, carefully pressed together." The other is named Sunburst Aluminum by Mulliner, reimagining the design motif of aluminum-trimmed dashboards seen in bygone-era Bentley models.As for the cabin configuration, it's been re-envisioned to showcase Bentley's stylistic progression. "We're probably the only brand that actually uses our logo as an influence for the design of the architecture of the interior," says the designer about the wing-like layout of the dash, hinting at the brand's "Flying B" badging. The overall execution adeptly balances both the automaker's latest technological advances and timeless tactile elements."The decision that we made early on was to have a combination of physical, beautiful-jewelry switches with digital. So we didn't go down the digital route of an iPad just to come through the instrument panel," informs Page. He also cites the "perfect ergonomics" when it comes to the touchscreen that's shaped for "the natural scroll" movement and positioning for your hand.AdvertisementAdvertisementSuch thoughtful considerations are also evident with the 16-way adjustable seats in the front, complete with their own climate control and massage features. And for ease of use, the three-seat setup at the back folds electronically. What truly stands out to us, though, is the luminous effect that shimmers throughout the cabin. Mimicking the prismatic look of light through a crystal glass, it's the most visually opulent component inside and out.The back of the Torcal hints at last year's EXP 15 Concept, while the taut and muscular haunches allude to the model's prodigious output.The appearance of the exterior certainly defies the fact that the Torcal—measuring 16.4 feet in length—is Bentley's "shortest four-door in the model lineup," according to the release. The front of the S.U.V. is meant to evoke "upright elegance, think of a thoroughbred horse," notes designer Page, who mentions that much of the posterior takes inspiration from the Continental T of the past. And rather than a source for cooling, the grille features a geometric pattern that resembles cut diamonds strewn across black velvet.The back of the Torcal hints at last year's EXP 15 Concept, while the Torcal's prodigious output is alluded to through the taut and muscular haunches. "We call this the 'resting beast,' and we think of a tiger . . . the visual power of the animal, so even when the car is stationary, you see that it's got lots of power," Page explains, regarding the portion defining the wheel arches. Adding to that sense of inherent agility and the seeming ability to pounce are the standard 21-inch wheels fit with iron brakes, though carbon-ceramic stoppers are also an option. Another choice to be made is on which of the two Torcal variants to go with. The more athletic S option provides the aforementioned performance specs, whereas the roughly 810 hp core version is focused on sumptuous appointments. Then again, one could skip the stress of deciding and make room for both.While the Torcal is a benchmark for Bentley, it's not the redefining model it was likely intended to be when the automaker announced its "Beyond 100" plan in 2020. After all, that called for solely relying on complete electrification for all models by 2030. As the legislative landscape has changed, and customer demand for EVs is atrophying in some major markets, this S.U.V.'s role has become less revolutionary.AdvertisementAdvertisement"We've got a car as comfortable as a Flying Spur and as dynamic as a GT," says product line director Martin Page. "If you consider the purpose of Torcal as an additional product in the portfolio, job one is to make a great Bentley . . . the power-train selection becomes somewhat secondary. And as a portfolio, as a brand, now we're in a position where we can offer that luxury of choice."Click here for more photos of the all-electric Bentley Torcal.Best of Robb ReportThe 2024 Chevy C8 Corvette: Everything We Know About the Powerful Mid-Engine BeastThe World's Best Superyacht ShipyardsThe ABCs of Chartering a YachtSign up for RobbReports's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Click here to read the full article.