Key Takeaways
- Bentley unveiled its first fully electric vehicle, the Torcal SUV.
- The car retains traditional Bentley design cues, including diamond-shaped lights.
- The starting price of the Torcal is £173,000 ($230,000).
Bentley, the British luxury carmaker, has unveiled its first fully electric vehicle, the Torcal SUV, in a bid to appeal to wealthy buyers who desire zero-emission motoring without sacrificing the brand's iconic design.
The launch of the Torcal comes just months after Ferrari's first electric vehicle, the Luce, drew criticism for its departure from the Italian brand's traditional design.
Unlike Ferrari's electric Luce, which starts at €550,000 ($628,000), the Torcal is positioned as a more affordable option, with a starting price of £173,000 ($230,000).
Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser stated, 'Our intention was always to make a Bentley first. We feel people are not asking for a completely different car just because it’s electric.'
The Torcal retains styling cues from Bentley’s combustion-engine models, including diamond-shaped lights designed to evoke a traditional front grille, even though EVs do not require one for engine cooling.
To enhance the driving experience, the car recreates the feel of a V8 engine through a soundtrack based on orchestral timpani, or kettledrums, supported by smaller drums that quicken as the vehicle accelerates.
Bentley has been showcasing the vehicle to existing and prospective customers, with strong interest from Europe, the Middle East, and US states where EV adoption is high. A launch campaign in China will begin next year.
Half of the interest comes from existing customers, looking for a new EV or to replace a car in their fleets, while approximately 50% are new to the brand.
Bentley has invested £350 million ($465 million) in its plant in Crewe, northwest England, to build the Torcal. The news comes days after McLaren unveiled a £500-million investment in Britain and Nissan said it would invest £170 million to build a new model there.
British business minister Jonathan Reynolds commented, 'Bentley’s investment is proof once again that we’re creating the right conditions for good growth.'
Our intention was always to make a Bentley first.
Frank-Steffen Walliser, Bentley CEO
