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Just a month ago, we rode in Crewe’s first-ever EV: the 2028 Bentley Torcal SUV. However, that prototype was covered in camouflage from head to toe, and we couldn’t really see any defining features. Even the cabin was masked, so there wasn’t much to talk about. Now, we can see the Torcal in all of its glory, and frankly, color me impressed.
The design is striking and a major departure from anything we’ve seen from Bentley in several decades. The marque says it’s heavily inspired by the Continental T—the quintessential Bentley, really—which I can certainly see in the front end, especially the grille and headlights. The rear is boxy and the taillights are linear, and while it looks weird at first glance because of Bentley’s current design language, it all seems cohesive and works quite nicely. In fact, I think the rear is the Torcal’s best angle, rivaled by its profile. The EV’s silhouette is also boxy, but without pushing into silly levels like that Jaguar Concept 01.
Bentley
Bentley claims to have focused on four pillars, per se, when masterminding the electric SUV. The first was its proportions. “A long wheelbase, short overhangs and a proud frontal aspect create a powerful stance and embody upright elegance,” says the release. The second was the car’s “graphical elements,” which help it establish its identity through its face: advanced lighting technology, a distinctive illuminated diamond grille, and an uncluttered body free of too many badges or emblems boast a clean-cut look that’s robust and athletic.
The third is “surface language,” which Bentley claims is how light interacts with the car’s various surfaces as the viewer moves around it. And lastly is “detail.” This includes the craftsmanship inside and out, which, as a Bentley, should be top-notch.
Bentley
The Torcal is surely easy on the eyes; it also has to drive just as nicely, if not better. Two trims will be available at launch: base and Torcal S. It shares its electric drivetrain with the phenomenal Porsche Cayenne Electric, and in S trim it produces 876 horsepower and almost 1,000 lb-ft of torque (that’s 235 more than the most powerful Bentayga). The base model offers 810 hp and 881 lb-ft of torque. The 108-kWh battery consists of 192 lithium-ion pouch cells and runs on an 800-volt architecture. There’s no EPA-estimated range yet, but it should be somewhere around 300 to 320 miles.
The Torcal is capable of doing 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. Not bad for an EV that’s five meters long, even if that’s the shortest four-door vehicle in Bentley’s lineup. This makes it both the most powerful and the quickest Bentley ever produced.
Judging by the photos, the cabin is a lovely place to be, but in my opinion, it could’ve used a bigger departure in terms of design from its Porsche sibling. Don’t get me wrong, the Cayenne’s cabin is also great, but bigger differentiation would’ve gone a long way. The knurled bezels and light-up elements are a nice touch, and future owners will surely find the cabin luxurious and comfortable.
Bentley
Speaking of future owners, that brings us to an important point about the Torcal and the timing of its release. At a time when EV sales are dwindling, especially in the upper crust of the segment, it’ll be interesting to see whether the Torcal becomes a success story over the next year or two, or gets lost in the EV purgatory many currently find themselves in. For those who want a Bentley SUV, the Bentayga is already a well-known model that offers exactly what they want—just go to New York City, Los Angeles, or London, and you’ll see them on every block. Some of them are driven by their owners, but most are driven by chauffeurs.
Is the Torcal a solution to a problem (and demand) that doesn’t currently exist, or is it just a later offering for those who want their ultra-luxury SUVs without the velvety roar of a V8? Only time will tell.
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As deputy editor, Jerry draws on a decade of industry experience and a lifelong passion for motorsports to guide The Drive’s short- and long-term coverage.
