Bentley Torcal First Look: The Light, and Delight, Of Everyday DiamondsA Girls Guide to CarsScotty ReissUpdatedWed, September 23, 2026 at 6:22 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleScotty ReissThe legendary British car maker has played with crystal and light in the past. With the electric Torcal, the brand is all-in on the impact, and message, that diamonds lend.If you're among those who wonder what makes a diamond so magical, let me explain: It's the disco ball factor, those dancing glittery rays that flash across walls and furniture as the diamond's facets catch the light. A single well-chosen stone can light up a room.The magic of diamonds and the light they create is something that Bentley's designers understand well and the idea at the heart of the Bentley Torcal, the newest SUV and first EV from the British car maker. Genuine light that moves through prisms, inspired by diamonds but created through crystal, evolves the brand's design language and anchors what may be the most extraordinary car ever designed.AdvertisementAdvertisementAfter a decade of using cut crystal to amplify the light of headlights and tail lights, Bentley's designers have gone all in, creating prisms of diamond-inspired light to define the Torcal's character, illuminating the landscape and on the interior creating a sublime, glowy effect.This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, I was Bentley's guest for this first look but all opinions are my own.Everyday Diamonds Set the Torcal's ToneThe crystal cut and faceted metal media dial in the Bentley TorcalWhile diamonds are magically beautiful, they're also quite resilient, making them suitable for everyday wear. As one of the toughest materials on earth, they can withstand nearly anything, shining brightly all the while. The diamond theme signals the stamina of the Bentley Torcal, at 875 HP and 995 pound-feet of torque, the most powerful car the company has ever produced. But the diamond themes also signals that this car is not just a precious gem; it's intended to be driven every day.Taking in the front of the Bentley Torcal, priced from $188,000 USD, the first time it's easy to forget that this an EV. Or that it's Bentley's fastest production car ever. Or that it's finished in layers of hand stiched leather, pure wool surfaces, a new curved touch screen and automatic doors.AdvertisementAdvertisementStep a bit closer and you'll find that the diamond pattern on the front grille is no mere graphic interpretation; it's comprised of diamond-shaped crystals that amplify light from within and the effect is mesmerizing.Diamonds Play Out Through the Bentley TorcalThe crystal filaments that create the diamond face of the Bentley TorcalThe diamond theme is something that is seen throughout the Bentley Torcal; not only on the front grille, but through diamond-cut crystal on the headlights and daytime running lights that frame the front of the Torcal. The diamond theme is also seen in the thin, horizontal rear tail lights that wrap the rear corners of the SUV.Inside, diamond patterns are quilted into the leather upholstery and underscored by satin embroidery that set off the shape with a shimmer . Strips of crystal lighting just under the upper door panels cascade a playful light pattern on each door's center; the effect is more disco balls.The once inside the cabin, your eye will be drawn to the faceted crystal media dial on the center console. It's like holding an oversized watch in your hand, lending the heft and glitter that defines a great timepiece. Though the dial is faceted, it, too, is covered in glass to give it a clear, smooth feel at its center where the stop/start button is found. Surrounding the dial is a bezel of faceted metal, a ring of brass separating them.AdvertisementAdvertisementComplementing the crystal media controller are faceted metal dials and rollers that control many of the car's functions, also accented with a touch of brass. Above, the fixed-pane glass roof can be dimmed in a diamond pattern to further play out the idea.A New Design Language Takes Flight in the Bentley TorcalThe front seat of the Bentley TorcalBentley has long been known for its contrast of an elegant silhouette paired with cockpit-like panels of switchgear surrounding the driver; more so in the Bentley Continental and less in the Bentayga SUV, but the lever gear shifter, buttons and controls have always defined the experience.The Torcal takes a different approach. The feel is much more minimalist and intuitive, with a vertical screen that is curved toward the driver and passenger to offer fast access to key functions and controls like music, massaging seats and climate settings. At the bottom of the screen is the crystal media dial, flanked by faceted metal rollers and gloss black buttons inset into the panel. The gear selector has been moved to the steering column, opening up the center console for wireless phone charging, storage and resting your arm on the movable, leather-covered arm rest.Air, Space and Light Lend to Torcal's Interior ThemesThe interior of the Bentley Torcal features a dimable glass roof with the option of diamond shapesThe interior is by design more minimalist than prior Bentley designs, creating a sense of calm, undisturbed space. The dashboard maintains the classic Bentayga shape, the center screen inset between the driver's display and a finished panel on the passenger's side. In the Torcal, Bentley evolved the air vents a bit; gone are the moveable turbine-style vents and in their place are two round, fixed vents with a solid center; the look is simple and modern and adds to, rather than takes away from, the finish of the dashboard panel.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe cabin is accented with ambient lighting that can be set with themes, such as Refresh, Sunset, Red Carpet or Rose Garden; the lighting mixes colors and adds a gentle ebb and flow of intensity, giving a slightly glittery feel. Paired with woven wool panels on the doors, the glittery effect is softened, feeling more like the dancing light of dusk.The light plays across the foot wells and door panels, which are a continuation of the front dash panels, creating a feeling of being enveloped by a lovely mood.Bentley Takes the Cloud Idea Even Further: Wool, Light, and MagicThe new modern design of the Bentley Torcal is accented by crystal-amplified lightingWhat if climbing into a car was as sublime as pulling on your favorite cashmere diamond-cabled sweater on that first chilly day of winter? The airy warmth of its soft fibers surrounding you, the gentle whoosh of linen-scented air sweeping past as you move, suspending you in a muted, cushiony cloud.That's what it's like to climb into the Bentley Torcal. And the feel of lounging on a cloud can't be overlooked. The wool panels on the doors and seat backs of the prototype I toured added both a hushed sound to the cabin as well as a softened feel. The layers of leather upholstery and thick carpeting under foot add to that feeling; you instantly relax.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn the rear seat the feeling is even more pronounced; the head rests of our prototype were finished with a microsuede pillow, an invitation to put your head back and relax. The surprise here is that the Torcal, while an SUV, is smaller than the Bentayga, though the rear leg room is ample. Sitting behind the driver's seat, which I set for my 5'8" frame, I was able sit back and cross my legs. For now, the rear seat is just that: a comfortable rear seat; Bentley hasn't added full reclining seats or a champagne chiller — yet. But in the future, who knows?Being Bentley, Torcal Can Be a Cloud or a Rocket; It's Your ChoiceThe Beluga and light gray interior of the First Edition model of the Bentley TorcalWith 875 HP, a 300+ mile range and fast charging capability thanks to the 800V architecture of the Bentley Torcal, buyers will have the choice to create the car of their dreams: A cloud that whisks you away in near silence, or a rocket that delivers a thrill on take-off.In addition to the slightly muted Astral silver paint and cream and dark teal interior on the model that we toured, Bentley showed a First Edition model, priced from $227,000 USD, finished in Electrum Satin, a glowy chartreuse paint with an interior finished in charcoal black Beluga and light gray leather with carbon fiber and dark chrome. The feel of the First Edition was much sportier, feeling much the true driver's car, more apt to challenge every turn and straightaway. And Bentley caters to this idea, too; even though as an EV the Torcal is naturally very quiet, the company worked with sound artists to create an environment that replicates the sound of its W12 engines, the 12-cylinder powertrains that the company was known for. Using felt-topped drumsticks and drums, they created the muffled percussive sound passengers hear inside the cabin; this is heard when dialing into Bentley mode or sport mode.And in all, it adds to the delight. Sitting in the Torcal and dialing through the drive modes, the humming patter of Sport mode raises your pulse a bit. Flipping through the modes and seeing the crystal patterns play out on the media screen increases the anticipation. And that's the point of a great diamond; it makes your heart beat just a little faster.