Bentley goes electric: £173k Torcal offers 375-mile range, undercuts Ferrari
Bentley has launched the Torcal, its first fully electric vehicle in 107 years, starting at £173,000. The luxury SUV offers up to 375 miles of range and can charge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes using a 400kW system. The 876bhp S variant accelerates to 60mph in 2.8 seconds, as Bentley targets luxury EV buyers.
British luxury automaker Bentley has unveiled its first electric vehicle, the Torcal, signaling a major shift in the company's nearly 108-year history. The SUV, which hit the market with a starting price of £173,000, or approximately $229,000, marks a significant step as the luxury automotive sector continues to explore the potential of high-performance electric vehicles (EVs).
The Torcal follows in the footsteps of Bentley's other models, including the Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga. Designed and engineered at the company's headquarters in Crewe, northwest England, the electric SUV merges traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge electric technology, performance, and an entirely new design language.
At launch, Bentley intends the Torcal to occupy the entry level of its pricing range and has received positive reviews from customers across various markets. The company's chairman and CEO, Frank-Steffen Walliser, emphasized that the Torcal is not being developed in response to rival manufacturers like Ferrari. Instead, Bentley has a typical four-year development cycle, and the company will not alter its strategy based on the Luce, Ferrari's first EV, which launched three months prior to the Torcal.
Walliser highlighted that Bentley's clientele is increasingly familiar with EV technology, and acceptance of electric cars among its affluent customer base is continuing to grow. As other luxury manufacturers reassess their electric strategies, Bentley has chosen to prioritize design, driving experience, and overall sensory experience over powertrain specifications. Consequently, the Torcal exudes the traditional Bentley essence while embracing electric technology.
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