Bentley’s First EV Is Here With Up to 875 HPAutoblogSebastian CenizoWed, September 23, 2026 at 6:15 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleAutoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.After years of development and months of teasing the first-ever all-electric Bentley production vehicle is here. Called the Torcal, first impressions are good – the styling is unique among Bentleys without straying too far from the brand's core identity, there's loads of useful tech beneath the surface, and the cabin is mesmerizing. Basically, Bentley's first EV will be far less controversial than Ferrari's five-seater. It's also less powerful, though that was a conscious choice; well over 1,000 horsepower would have been possible, but the Torcal launches with up to 875 hp and 995 lb-ft of torque. If that's still too much, a slightly less extreme version is also offered. Let's take a closer look.2028 Bentley Torcal: Advanced Powertrain and ChassisBentleyThe 2028 Bentley Torcal launches in regular and S forms at the same time, with the former producing 810 hp and 880 lb-ft of torque through a pair of permanent magnet synchronous motors, which also provide all-wheel drive. The motors are oil-filled at all times, utilizing a dry-sump system, and the front has an open differential, while the rear has a locking diff with a multi-plate clutch on each output shaft. Bentley doesn't mention torque vectoring, but combined with its first fully active suspension system (featuring adaptive two-valve dampers than can be independently controlled, negating the need for anti-roll bars), the automaker claims the Torcal is "as comfortable as a Flying Spur, and dynamic as a Continental GT Speed," while rear-axle steering helps the 16-foot EV achieve a turning circle of 36.4 feet. With the S model, output rises to 875 hp with 995 lb-ft and the 0-60 mph sprint time drops from 3.3 seconds to 2.8. Again, Bentley could have made the Torcal quicker, but it chose not to so that customers wouldn't feel uneasy under acceleration. Top speed is also respectable, at 155 mph for the Torcal and 162 mph for the Torcal S.BentleyView the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementStopping power comes from traditional iron brakes as standard, with the front discs measuring 420 millimeters and the rears 370 mm. Carbon Silicon Carbide (CSiC) ceramic discs are also available, measuring a whopping 440 mm in front (equalling the size of the discs on the Conti GT Speed and Bentayga Speed) and 410 mm at the back. Both versions of the Torcal get a 113kWh (net) battery with 192 lithium-ion pouch cells that promise up to 375 miles of range, albeit on the generous WLTP cycle used across the Atlantic. Charging at 400 kW returns up to 100 miles of range in just 7 minutes, and if you have more time, the battery can be recharged from 10-80 percent in as little as 16 minutes. Crewe povides a 100,000-mile/10-year warranty for the battery too.Bentley Torcal Provides Plenty of Luxury and OptionsBentleyView the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleHop inside the Torcal through the radar-equipped power doors, and there are elements that call to mind corporate stablemates Porsche and Audi, but it's vastly more opulent. The door automatically closes when the respective passenger puts on their seatbelt, or when the driver presses the brake pedal, and they can be controlled through the curved OLED touchscreen too. Bentley hasn't overdone it with a pointless passenger display, and both the steering wheel and center console have knurled rollers and dials and buttons, including for audio volume and climate control temperatures and fan speeds. Other automakers, please take note. As you'd expect, your phone can be used as a key, but unexpectedly, the Torcal uses facial recognition to load driver profiles and preferences, making it a cinch to swap settings. There's also a head-up display to keep the driver's eyes on the road, and there's a digital assistant, but this still feels like a Bentley first and an EV second; tech isn't the focus, supreme luxury is. Look up, and the Frosted Diamond switchable-glass roof lets you control how much light enters the cabin. As standard, audio is pumped through a 620W, 16-speaker system, but a Naim Audio system is also available with 1,780W of power, 28 speakers, and Dolby Atmos 7.1. The optional upgrade includes headrest speakers for the front row, and the kinaesthetic seats have shakers to make you feel the music.BentleyStandard seats offer 16-way adjustment with heating, ventilation, adjustable bolsters, and massage functions. Bentley takes these a step further with the optional Postural Adjust and Smart Seat Climate systems, which continuously adjust the seat's shape, heating, and ventilation to provide supreme comfort. With the Wellness Seat Specification, massaging extends from the squab into the cushion, allowing for legs to be massaged along with the back and shoulders. While we're on the subject, a power-folding three-seater rear bench is new to the brand, though Crewe hasn't disclosed an expanded cargo volume figure. What we do know is that the rear cargo area provides 16.2 cubic feet of volume, while the front hood reveals a 3.17 cubic foot frunk. Other highlights include the world's first automotive application of 100 percent Merino wool upholstery, available in five colors, and a new Ombré Walnut by Mulliner veneer option. Also new is the Sunburst Aluminium option, but there are classic interior trims too. In total, 15 shades of olive tan leather are offered, including new Teal, Terra, and Glaze options, along with 15 shdes of Dinamica suede, 6 wood veneers, 2 "technical" (non-organic) trims, and 6 piano choices (Black, Gravity Grey, Imperial Blue, and Cricket Ball). Even the brake calipers have numerous color choices, with black, red, and grey offered as standard and another three hues available through Mulliner.Bentley Torcal Offers Variety of CharacterBentleyView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Torcal's drive modes include Bentley (the standard setting) and Comfort, with only essential inforation displayed and a more relaxed powertrain profile. There's also Refresh, which increases air circulation and brightens ambient illumination, while Sport mode provides unique graphics and a special soundtrack that is louder than normal. Speaking of sound, Bentley elected against a recording of a V8 or W12 engine, instead recording drums, viola, and bass guitar notes to mimic the rumble of a large-displacement engine. It calls this the Bentley Dynamic Symphony, and by all accounts, it's a rich, engaging sound, but you can ride in complete silence if you prefer. Click the indicator stalk, and the sound used here was created by recording the sound of a hammer hitting leather in a Bentley upholstery workshop. Finally, the touchscreen's responses and the digital assistant note come from the sound of a crystal glass.BentleyView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleWhile we're mentioning differences of character, it's worth mentioning that the Torcal S is slightly more aggressive in its styling, using gloss black for the glasshouse surrounds and mirror caps alongside tinted taillights, unique bumper strakes, diffuser elements, and side sills. Red brake calipers, S fender badges, black Bentley wing badges, a unique interior color split, special quilting and stitching, and sports pedals are standard along with piano black interior trims and illuminated treadplate. A so-called 'waterfall' mood lighting sequence is also added.Final ThoughtsBentleyView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementBentley hasn't revealed what the Torcal costs, nor has it said when deliveries are expected to begin, but we suspect the first few will be built before the end of the year, and pricing is likely to start in the region of $250,000. For the record, the combustion-powered Bentayga, which is a little bigger, starts at a little over $200k but balloons past $400,000 with options. We expect a well-specced Torcal S to approach the same figure, but opting for Mulliner touches will likely take the EV close to half a million dollars.The strange EXP 15 Concept has inspired the styling, and the illuminated grille is a bit much, but Bentley's design language hasn't evolved in a long time, and although some might prefer a more traditional look, it seems that ultra-luxury automakers are still apprehensive about making EVs that look identical to their respective core lineups' products. How well the Torcal is received will determine where Bentley goes from here, but personally, I think the choice to fully electrify a crossover SUV and not a coupe or sedan is a great acid test. This kind of product can be daily driven without depleting the battery, and with immense power and acceptable cargo space, it could be a hit in Europe. Will it be popular in America? Let us know what you think below.BentleyView the 25 images of this gallery on the original articleThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.