6:42 am, September 25, 2026
Bentley has unveiled its first fully electric car as the British luxury manufacturer looks to take on established rivals in the premium SUV market.
The new Torcal becomes the fourth model in Bentley’s line-up and will give the firm’s dealers their first opportunity to sell a fully electric vehicle alongside its existing petrol and plug-in hybrid models.
Expected to cost around £170,000, the new SUV will be offered in two versions, with the range-topping Torcal S producing 876bhp and 1,350Nm of torque – more than any previous Bentley.
That is enough to propel the car from 0-60mph in just 2.8 seconds, while the standard Torcal produces around 810bhp and completes the same sprint in 3.3 seconds.
Both versions use a 113kWh battery, with Bentley claiming a range of up to 375 miles on a single charge.
The Torcal also supports charging speeds of up to 400kW, allowing its battery to be replenished from 10 to 80% in under 20 minutes when connected to a suitable rapid charger.
All-wheel drive comes as standard, alongside active suspension and rear-wheel steering, with the rear wheels able to turn by up to five degrees to improve manoeuvrability at lower speeds.
Inside, Bentley has retained the luxury finishes associated with its existing models, while a 460-litre boot and additional 90-litre storage compartment under the bonnet provide extra practicality.
The manufacturer has even developed a soundtrack to accompany acceleration, with the indicator noise reportedly created using a recording of a hammer striking leather in Bentley’s workshop.
The Torcal will be built at Bentley’s factory in Crewe and represents a major addition to the manufacturer’s range as it expands its electric offering.
However, Bentley is entering an increasingly competitive market, with several established luxury manufacturers already offering electric SUVs or preparing to launch new models of their own.
Here are six of the models that the Torcal will be competing against.
Porsche Cayenne Electric
Perhaps the Torcal’s most obvious rival is the Porsche Cayenne Electric, which shares its platform with the new Bentley.
The two models have several technological features in common, including a curved interior display, although Porsche has taken a more performance-focused approach.
The range-topping Cayenne Turbo Electric can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 2.5 seconds, making it quicker off the mark than the new Bentley.
With both manufacturers operating within the Volkswagen Group, the arrival of the Torcal gives the group’s dealers two different propositions to offer customers looking for a high-performance electric SUV.
Range Rover Electric
Bentley will also have to compete with one of the most recognisable names in the luxury SUV market as Range Rover expands its line-up with its first fully electric model.
The Range Rover Electric has been developed to retain the off-road capabilities and high-end interior associated with its petrol-powered counterpart, while introducing an electric powertrain.
It will provide Range Rover retailers with another option for customers seeking a luxury SUV without a conventional combustion engine.
For Bentley dealers, the challenge will be convincing customers that the Torcal offers a compelling alternative to the established Range Rover name.
Lotus Eletre
Lotus is another British manufacturer targeting the premium electric SUV market with its Eletre.
The model combines the brand’s performance-focused approach with the space and practicality of an SUV, giving Lotus retailers a product aimed at a different customer base from its traditional sports cars.
The Eletre is also available in a range of specifications, while the Eletre X introduces a hybrid powertrain to the line-up.
Its distinctive styling and focus on driving dynamics give it a different proposition from the more traditional luxury offered by Bentley.
BMW iX5
BMW is expanding its electric SUV offering with the iX5, bringing battery-electric power to its popular X5 range for the first time.
The new model combines the familiar X5 formula with an electric powertrain and a claimed range of up to 525 miles under the WLTP test cycle.
For BMW dealers, it provides another option for customers considering a move away from petrol and diesel without abandoning the familiar SUV format.
Although BMW and Bentley operate at different price points, the iX5 will add to the growing number of premium electric SUVs competing for buyers.
Rolls-Royce Spectre
Rolls-Royce is also targeting wealthy EV buyers, although its electric offering currently takes a different form.
The Spectre is an electric luxury coupé rather than an SUV, but it provides competition for Bentley among customers looking for a high-end electric vehicle.
Like the Torcal, the Spectre places a strong emphasis on interior craftsmanship, comfort and the use of premium materials.
An updated version of the Rolls-Royce offers a claimed electric range of up to 390 miles, while the Black Badge model provides a more performance-focused alternative.
With Rolls-Royce expected to introduce an electric SUV of its own, Bentley could face further competition from its fellow British luxury manufacturer.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
Mercedes-Benz already has a presence in the luxury electric SUV market with the EQS SUV.
The model places a strong emphasis on passenger comfort, cabin technology and refinement, with its electric powertrain helping to provide a quiet driving experience.
Its interior is dominated by Mercedes’ large Hyperscreen display, giving it a technology-focused approach to luxury that differs from Bentley’s more traditional emphasis on craftsmanship.
The EQS SUV also offers considerable interior space, making it an alternative for customers who prioritise passenger comfort over outright performance.
For Mercedes dealers, it provides an established electric offering in a segment where Bentley is now looking to establish itself with the Torcal.