This Is Bentley’s First Electric SUV: New Torcal Gets 600 Km Range & 888 PS!

Bentley has taken the wraps off its first fully-electric SUV, called the Torcal globally. Offering an excess of 600 km of claimed range, a handcrafted interior and some cutting-edge technology such as a fully active suspension, the Torcal completes the carmaker’s lineup, with the range now consisting of EV, PHEV and traditional ICE powertrain options, offering a variety of options for its ultra-high-end clientele. Here are the details about it: 

Exterior

Starting off with its design, the Torcal embodies a completely new design direction for Bentley with a squared-off and boxy look to it. However, it also defies the conventional SUV stance with a more hunkered-down look that adds sophistication. Up front, there is a massive chrome grille with illumination that is a signature touch of this design. You also have large LED headlamps and slim DRLs, while the bumper sports black cladding and a honeycomb lower air dam for some muscle.

In profile, it gets muscular haunches, while you have the option to choose up to 22-inch wheels in various finishes, including a full chrome version. Its classic proportions are further amplified by pull-type door handles and a large windowline. The absence of roof rails also tells you about Bentley’s focus on sportiness over toughness.

The rear end remains fairly simple too, with elements like slim wraparound LED taillamps, a layered bumper with body-coloured inserts and a sculpted look for the tailgate. There’s a rear spoiler and air vents too, which aid in aerodynamics.

Notably, the Torcal is also the first model to sport Bentley’s revised logo that it revealed last year.

Interior

Inside too, things remain classy but not wholly conventional. The centre attraction of the cabin remains the ‘curved’ OLED touchscreen infotainment system, which is flanked by knurled dials on its bottom edge. As you’d expect, there are rich wooden inserts and swathes of high-quality Merino Wool all over the cabin too.

Features & Safety

This is a new-age Bentley, and the brand has equipped the Torcal with equipment with this in mind. Besides the 12.25-inch curved central touchscreen, it also features 16-way powered, heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, 1780W 28-speaker Naim surround sound system, switchable-glass panoramic sunroof and powered doors among a lot more.

Safety onboard is top-notch with the presence of a comprehensive ADAS suite with 25 radars and a lot of other features too.

Powertrains

Underneath, the Torcal comes with a 113 kWh battery pack, offering up to 600 km of WLTP-claimed range. It also gets 400 kW DC fast-charging capabilities that can top it up from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 16 minutes. Here are its detailed specifications:

Furthermore, it also features a fully active suspension that can adjust independently in real-time, keeping the car flat across curves and undulations. It also gets rear-wheel steering as standard, which aids in its agility.

Launch Date, Expected Price & Rivals

An India launch date has not been announced yet, but expect the Torcal to be introduced here sometime next year. It may start in the range of Rs 5 crore (before options, ex-showroom).

There’s nothing quite like the Torcal on the market today, but if you did rob a bank, you can also consider the upcoming Range Rover Electric as well as ICE counterparts like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and the Porsche Cayenne Electric.

ZigSays…

With its first EV, Bentley has clearly put its best foot forward with multiple cutting-edge technologies on offer, while keeping its old-school charm alive. It will cost you a pretty penny, but if you want the best of the best, few EVs can challenge the Torcal.