British automakers cannot sit idly by as Chinese competitors hungrily eye the heavy luxury automotive segment, and therefore they are striving to offer their customers the exact same technologies, but at a higher price. This week, Bentley's lineup welcomed its fourth model, which is the fully electric five-meter Torcal crossover.
The manufacturer's press release specifically emphasizes that the car was designed and is manufactured in the UK, with the active involvement of local suppliers. True to tradition, small-batch assembly of the Torcal with a high degree of manual labor will be carried out by Bentley specialists at the English plant in Crewe. Chief Designer Robin Page highlights several design elements that define the brand's current design language. First, the proportions of the five-meter car with short overhangs and an 'infinite hood' feel emphasize Bentley's traditions in this field. Second, the pattern of the radiator grille and front lighting is intended to maintain design continuity with the Continental T. However, British designers could not resist following the Chinese trend of illuminating even the dummy radiator grille, which in some eyes may look a bit cheap. The Torcal is the first Bentley model to wear the brand's new emblem, which was modernized last year.
Dynamics and Specifications of the Electric Flagship
The sculptural contours of the body are designed to evoke the feeling of a 'pacified beast' and demonstrate power. Incidentally, the electric powertrain's peak power is equivalent to 888 horsepower, and torque reaches 1,350 Nm. British brands traditionally considered it improper to discuss these characteristics, but times dictate new rules. The car accelerates to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds. The all-wheel-drive transmission is based on two permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors lubricated for life. The front motor features an open differential, while the rear is equipped with a differential featuring a forced-locking capability, with a multi-plate clutch for each rear wheel. The top speed of the Torcal S version is limited to 260 km/h, while the base version offers a top speed of 250 km/h, a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.4 seconds, a combined electric motor output of 821 hp, and a peak torque of 1,194 Nm.
Innovative Comfort and Orchestral Sound Design
As expected, Bentley pays special attention to the comfort of the Torcal's cabin occupants. Even in standard trim, the seats feature ventilation, heating, massage, and 16-way adjustment, and combined with an intelligent control system, they even automatically adjust the occupant's posture. Massage is offered for the first time not only in the backrest but also in the seat cushion. The rear bench seat, capable of accommodating three passengers, has received an automatic folding function for the first time in the brand's history. The 113 kWh traction battery consists of 192 cells and features an 800-volt architecture. The battery comes with a 10-year warranty, limited to 160,000 km. A full charge provides up to 600 km of range under the WLTP cycle, and using 400 kW fast-charging stations will raise the battery charge from 10% to 80% in 16 minutes.
Controversial Data
While official technical releases focus on innovative architecture, luxurious interior materials, and impeccable manual assembly in Crewe, independent financial analysts disagree on the vehicle's actual market positioning. Some sources claim that with a starting price of around $230,000, the Torcal will become the most affordable car in the brand's modern lineup, capable of attracting a new audience. Other experts and industry agencies emphasize that factoring in options and taxes, the car's price will be comparable to the brand's traditional gasoline flagships, while the illuminated grille remains a subject of debate among brand purists who view it as a borrowing from mass-market Chinese automotive manufacturing.
