- Bentley's first-ever full BEV revealed in full.
- A 'Bentley first and foremost' says the company.
- Sophisticated performance promised despite massive outputs.
Bentley's Torcal EV is the smallest 4-door model in its lineup, but also the one with the most torque by far. The dual-motor battery electric vehicle makes a mighty 1350Nm in its top S version. Even the less powerful Core serves up 1194Nm.
After a very long leadup and lots of teasers, Torcal has been revealed in full in London. It's the company's fourth model line and its first full-electric car.
“For 107 years, Bentleys have been the most incredibly complete cars - effortless performance, outstanding comfort, exquisite British handcraftsmanship using the best natural materials, and a soundtrack with soul. Our new Torcal sets extraordinary benchmarks in every area that matters,” says Bentley chairman and CEO, Dr Frank Steffen Walliser.
“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."
Sounds pretty interesting
Both models feature a "handcrafted propulsion sound" performed by musicians that the company says is inspired by the beat of a classic Bentley 6.75-litre V8.
For the soundtrack, the development team used real instruments, including drums, viola and bass guitar, to create the "Bentley Dynamic Symphony", complete with subtle variations and tiny imperfections for a warmer aural experience.
The low-frequency sound is calibrated in response to the driver's torque demand and vehicle speed. The volume increases when the car is in Sport mode, but can also be turned off completely if silence is preferred.
Other auditory detail includes the sound of the direction indicators, from a recording (taken in Bentley’s upholstery workshops) of a hammer striking a leather surface. Even the touchscreen and digital assistant note has a human touch: it’s taken from the sound of a crystal glass.
Making 1350Nm 'accessible'
Bentley says the performance will be "accessible, progressive and sophisticated", despite a headline 0-100km/h figure of 2.9 seconds for the S.
"Most customers find acceleration more extreme than this to be an uncomfortable experience," according to the company. Indeed.
The car is powered by a 113kW battery that's covered by a 160,000km, 10-year warranty. Claimed range is 600km and the power pack can be charged at a rate of 400kW thanks to 800-volt architecture. Bentley claims 160km range can be added in just 7 minutes, in ideal conditions.
'Refresh' is a drive mode
There four drive modes: Bentley, Comfort, Sport and Refresh, all designed around not just performance but also cabin experience. In Refresh, air circulation is increased, for example.
Fully active suspension is a first for a Bentley, with two-valve dampers allowing a choice of chassis tune for each driving mode. Each damper can be actively and independently raised or lowered instantaneously. Bentley says the system negates the need for anti-roll bars, the reactive dampers providing infinitely adjustable anti-roll torque. Bentley claims Torcal is as "comfortable as a Flying Spur, and as dynamic as a Continental GT Spped".
Electronic all-wheel steering is standard, using rear steering angles of up to five degrees to reduce the turning circle to 11.1 metres. At higher speeds the system helps make lane changes and longer corners a smoother experience.
The car has assistance systems for towing, garage and parallel parking, helping to avoid damage to wheel rims, and remote parking via app; precise parking manoeuvres can also be "trained" into the car.
Inside the Torcal
Torcal is "just" (we're talking about Bentley here) five metres in length, making it the shortest 4-door in
the model line-up and only around 100m longer than the Continental GT coupe. But Bentley claims it offers "exceptional interior space".
Four radar-controlled powered doors can self-open and close. Closing of the doors can be initiated by the respective passenger putting on their seat belt or via the main touchscreen, while the driver can close their door by applying pressure to the brake pedal.
Dashboard architecture remains "inspired by the Bentley wings" says the company. Bentley-trad materials also still feature, including leather, wool, veneer and aluminium.
There are knurled controls and reinterpreted bullseye air vents. Physical controls remain within the centre console and steering wheel, providing "tactility for functions occupants naturally want to touch".
In collaboration with Fox Brothers, a UK firm that has been weaving fine wool fabrics since the 18th century, Bentley’s Colour, Materials and Finish team has developed the world's first 100% Merino wool automotive fabric. It's certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) .
Bentley’s new Postural Adjust and Smart Seat Climate systems are included as options. They continuously adjust the seat’s shape to alter pressure distribution, adjusting heating and ventilation to control the occupant’s temperature to a desired setpoint.
For the dedicated Wellness Seat Specification, the massage system now extends from the squab into the cushion, meaning legs as well as back and shoulders can be massaged.
For the rear, the seat introduces a power fold system for the first time in a Bentley.