Bentley unveils first fully electric SUV, the Torcal, ahead of 2026 London debut

British luxury automaker Bentley announced its first fully electric vehicle, the Torcal, a midsize SUV that will replace its gasoline‑powered models. The name derives from the El Torcal rock formation in Spain and underscores the brand’s emphasis on torque. The Torcal will be unveiled at a world premiere in London on 23 September 2026, with series production slated to start in 2027. Bentley estimates a range of more than 300 miles (≈480 km) and a fast‑charge capability of about 160 km in seven minutes. The vehicle is expected to cost around £170 000.

To address the lack of a characteristic engine note in electric cars, Bentley created a synthetic sound system called “Bentley Dynamic Symphony.” An orchestra recorded a soundscape that mimics the rhythm and emotional impact of the brand’s historic V8 engines, with drums, bass, and strings responding to driver inputs. Chairman and CEO Frank‑Steffen Walliser said the Torcal "sets extraordinary benchmarks" and may be the most thoughtfully designed Bentley ever.

The launch marks a shift in Bentley’s strategy, moving its goal for an all‑electric lineup from 2030 to 2035 and signaling a decisive move toward electrification in the luxury segment.