Daddies - promo banner 3540 x 270
2026 bentley torcal 0030 torcal - 2

Bentley’s 888 PS Torcal Ditches the W12 for an Electric ‘Resting Beast’

Ben McKimm
By Ben McKimm - News

Updated:

Readtime: 12 min

Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here.

  • Bentley’s first fully electric vehicle debuts globally in London as the brand’s fourth model line.
  • Torcal S delivers 888 PS and 1,350 Nm of torque, becoming the most powerful Bentley ever.
  • 113 kWh battery architecture provides up to 375 miles (600 km) of WLTP range.
  • Handcrafted “Bentley Dynamic Symphony” replaces artificial engine noise with instruments.
  • The interior introduces the automotive industry’s first 100% Merino wool fabric.

Unveiled in London, the all-new Bentley Torcal arrives as not only the British marque’s first fully electric vehicle, but the most powerful production Bentley ever made. Designed, engineered, and built in Crewe, the Torcal serves as the fourth distinct model line, standing alongside its internal combustion and hybrid siblings. Defined by a bold new design language, the SUV pairs “upright elegance” with muscular rear haunches that the design team describes as a “resting beast”. This coach-built exterior hides an 888 PS electric powertrain, marking a historic pivot away from the brand’s traditional W12 and V8 engines.

It’s been a great few years for British EVs (minus a little hiccup from the JLR), and this new Bentley represents another significant investment in British manufacturing. The Torcal sets a sustainable template for all future Bentleys, but it’s not like the brand is moving away from V8s anytime soon. Still, with a dual-motor, 800V electric architecture designed to deliver effortless grand touring capabilities without tailpipe emissions, it will tempt new buyers to the brand. Reflecting on the launch, Bentley Chairman and CEO Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser noted that the vehicle retains the marque’s core DNA. He stated, “The Torcal is a Bentley first and foremost, created by hand by people who care, using the best available materials and technology to blend heritage with cutting-edge innovation. I believe this is one of the best Bentleys ever.”

To justify its flagship status, the Torcal S variant utilises a 113 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that sends 888 PS and 1,350 Nm of peak torque to the wheels. This output lets the luxury SUV accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds (0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds) before reaching a top speed of 162 mph (260 km/h). Even the core Torcal model delivers 821 PS and 1,194 Nm of torque, and both variants achieve up to 375 miles (600 km) of WLTP range on a single charge.

TorcalTorcal S
PowertrainDual Permanent Magnet Synchronous MotorsDual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors
Power Output821 PS888 PS
Peak Torque1,194 Nm1,350 Nm
0 to 60 mph3.3 secs2.8 secs
Top Speed155 mph (250 km/h)162 mph (260 km/h)
Battery Capacity113 kWh113 kWh
Max Range (WLTP)Up to 375 miles / 600 kmUp to 375 miles / 600 km
Scroll horizontally to view full table
Bentley Torcal key specifications compared | Source: Bentley
2026 bentley torcal 0028 torcal - 6
Low-angle rear tracking shot highlighting the illuminated rear light bar, muscular haunches, and clean tailgate design in motion. | Image: Bentley

Bentley Tocal 800V Architecture and Powertrain Dynamics

To translate that frankly ridiculous power output onto the tarmac, the Torcal utilises a pair of permanent-magnet synchronous motors with a dry-sump design and oil-filled-for-life. The front motor uses an open differential, while the rear motor features a locking differential equipped with a multi-plate clutch on each output shaft. Meanwhile, in the core variant, this setup delivers 821 PS and 1,194 Nm of peak torque. The sporting S model increases these output figures to 888 PS and 1,350 Nm when Launch Control is activated.

Power is supplied by a high-voltage battery with exactly 192 lithium-ion pouch cells configured in series, operating at 800V. The system offers a total net capacity of 113 kWh and is backed by a 10-year, 100,000-mile factory warranty. Under WLTP testing protocols, the architecture supports a maximum driving range of up to 375 miles (600 kilometres) on a full charge.

When connected to a 400 kW fast charger, the Torcal recharges from 10 to 80 per cent in 16 minutes, with secondary testing documentation noting an upper window of just under 20 minutes. This charging speed adds 100 miles (161 km) of range in seven minutes. Acceleration metrics for the flagship Torcal S stand at 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 162 mph (260 km/h), while the core model completes the sprint in 3.3 seconds (0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds) with a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

2026 bentley torcal 0029 torcal - 3
Front three-quarter profile of the Bentley Torcal showing its long wheelbase, short front overhang, and bold illuminated grille against a mountainous backdrop. | Image: Bentley

Active Chassis Technology and Braking Systems

Managing the movement of the Torcal relies on Bentley’s first fully active suspension system, paired with adaptive two-valve dampers. Each damper can be actively and independently raised or lowered in response to road surfaces and driver inputs. This eliminates the need for traditional mechanical anti-roll bars, relying instead on reactive dampers to generate infinitely adjustable anti-roll torque for body control.

It’s a heavy beast (circa. 2.8 tonnes), so agility is aided by standard electronic All-Wheel Steering, which turns the rear wheels up to five degrees in either direction. This technology reduces the turning circle to 11.1 metres for a vehicle that measures five metres in overall length. Four driver-selectable modes allow the chassis calibration to shift between Flying Spur-level ride comfort and Continental GT Speed-like handling dynamics.

Braking performance comes standard via an iron braking system featuring 420 mm front discs and 370 mm rear discs. Buyers can upgrade to a Carbon Silicon Carbide (CSiC) ceramic braking system, which utilises 440 mm front discs (jointly the largest in the world) and 410 mm rear discs. Both iron and CSiC options can be fitted with black, red, or grey calipers, with three further custom shades available through Mulliner.

Bentley Torcal Exterior Design and Aerodynamics

Designed at Crewe under Design Director Robin Page, the Torcal introduces a sleek SUV silhouette governed by four visual “reads”.

The first read establishes proportion through a long wheelbase, short body overhangs, an endless bonnet line, and an upright frontal stance. “When we design a Bentley, we consider how people naturally perceive an object. You don’t experience a car all at once. There is a hierarchy to what you see and understand,” noted Page.

The second read focuses on graphic elements, including an illuminated diamond grille and headlights that reference the Continental T. Meanwhile, at the rear, clean graphic lines form the “prestigious shield” motif first demonstrated on the EXP 15 Concept Car. The third read shapes the surface language, where tapering cabin glass sits above pronounced rear haunches that the design team calls the “resting beast”.

The fourth read integrates diamond geometric patterns across body panels and interior surfaces. The Torcal is also the first model to carry Bentley’s modernised brand emblem. Five wheel designs are available across 21-inch and 22-inch diameters, including standard 21-inch wheels for the core model, standard 22-inch ten-twin-spoke wheels for the S, a dedicated aerodynamic 22-inch option, and choices between summer, winter, and all-season tyre compounds.

Sustainable Craftsmanship and Cabin Ergonomics

The dashboard layout maintains symmetry inspired by the Bentley wings motif, alongside physical knurled controls and bullseye air vents. Material offerings introduce a 100% Merino wool automotive fabric developed in partnership with Somerset weavers, Fox Brothers.

Certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), this marks the first time pure Merino wool fabric has achieved the durability standards required for an automotive cabin.

Of course, there’s wood aplenty. Bentley debuts Ombré Walnut by Mulliner, constructed from up to 1,000 layers of walnut off-cuts and recycled craft paper pressed and sliced below one millimetre in thickness. The finish features four walnut shades shifting from deep black to light smoke. Then, a second new trim, Sunburst Aluminium by Mulliner, reinterprets historic engine-turned dashboards with a three-way brushed pattern.

Personalisation includes 15 shades of olive tan leather (featuring new Teal, Terra, and Glaze hues), 15 matching Dinamica shades, 5 Merino wool colours, 6 wood veneers, 2 technical finishes, and 6 Piano lacquers. Standard 16-way front seats include heating, ventilation, and massage, with options for Postural Adjust, Smart Seat Climate, and a Wellness Seat Specification that extends massage coverage into the lower seat cushion. The rear three-occupant bench features a power-folding mechanism.

2026 bentley torcal 0002 torcal - 44
Interior perspective highlighting the Frosted Diamond switchable-glass panoramic sunroof and light leather seating with diamond geometric detailing. | Image: Bentley

Bespoke Soundscape and User Technology

To provide driving engagement without synthesising fake engine noise, Bentley engineered the “Bentley Dynamic Symphony.” Development engineers recorded real acoustic instruments, including drums, viola, and bass guitar, replicating the cadence of Bentley’s 6¾-litre V8 engine. Turn signal chimes are recorded from a hammer striking leather in Bentley’s upholstery shop, while touchscreen alerts use the sound of striking crystal glass.

The audio system choices begin with a standard 620W, 16-speaker setup. Buyers can upgrade to a 1,780W, 28-speaker Naim system that incorporates kinaesthetic seat shakers, front headrest speakers, and Dolby Atmos 7.1 processing. User interfaces include curved OLED instrument display screens, facial recognition for driver profile loading, Mobile Device Key access, and an augmented reality head-up display (AR HUD).

Driver assistance features rely on a network of 25 radars, sensors, and cameras. The vehicle can track its path on narrow roads and automatically reverse to a clear passing spot if it encounters an obstacle. Tech features include towing assistance, remote parking via an app, automated self-opening and closing radar doors, and a Frosted Diamond switchable-glass sunroof.

2026 bentley torcal 0025 torcal - 10
Close-up detail shot of the Torcal’s rear haunch and LED tail-light bar featuring intricate diamond internal graphics, illuminated in golden sunset light. | Image: Bentley

Bentley Torcal Core vs S Model Trim Breakdown

The core Torcal model focuses on refined luxury, coming standard with satin-silver exterior brightware, a single-tone interior colour split, and Open Pore Crown Cut Walnut veneer. It features a 460-litre rear luggage boot complemented by a 90-litre front storage compartment (frunk).

The Torcal S aligns its higher power figures with visual exterior changes. These include black exterior brightware, black mirror caps, dark rear light lenses, a revised rear diffuser, sports side sills, front bumper strakes, red brake calipers, S fender badging, and black Bentley wings emblems.

Inside, the Torcal S adds a dedicated S interior colour split, specialised quilting and stitching patterns, sports pedals, Piano Black veneer, illuminated treadplates, and dynamic waterfall ambient lighting. Product Line Director Martin Page summarised the model line: “The Torcal represents something new, and I think unique. It has been engineered with great care to ensure it remains a Bentley to its core, enhanced rather than dominated by technology.”

Pricing and Availability

Following its global debut on 23 September 2026, customers can begin specifying the all-new Bentley Torcal immediately.

Production is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2027 at Bentley’s newly restored manufacturing facility in Crewe. UK pricing starts at £165,000 for the standard Torcal, before stepping up to £200,000 for the flagship Torcal S.

While local Australian pricing has yet to be formally confirmed, industry estimates suggest a landed price closer to AUD$400,000 once local taxes are applied, with the first deliveries expected to arrive before the end of next year.

Ben McKimm

Journalist - Automotive & Tech

Ben McKimm

Ben lives in Sydney, Australia. He has a Bachelor's Degree (Media, Technology and the Law) from Macquarie University (2020). Outside of his studies, he has spent the last decade heavily involved in the automotive, technology and fashion world. Turning his ...

Comments

We love hearing from you. or to leave a comment.

No comments yet. Be the first to give your opinion!

Trending Stories