Bentley Torcal electric SUV revealed for 2027 India launch

Bentley has unveiled the Torcal, its fourth model line and its first fully electric vehicle. The SUV will launch in India in the second half of 2027, where it is expected to cost around Rs 4.5 crore.

Designing an electric vehicle for a brand with over a century of combustion-engine heritage was a challenge. The in-house team led by Robin Page has produced a car that is 50mm lower and 120mm shorter than a standard-wheelbase Bentayga. The wheelbase is just over three metres on a body roughly five metres long. The signature 'endless bonnet' remains a key design feature.

An EV does not require a traditional grille for cooling. Bentley, however, argues a car needs a face. The Torcal's solution is an illuminated grille with crystal-effect, diamond-like elements set behind a clear panel. The designers describe the body's shape over the rear wheels as the 'resting beast'. At the back, Bentley claims the car has some of the industry's slimmest tail-lamps.

The car shown rode on 22-inch wheels, though the core model gets 21s as standard. A 90-litre storage compartment sits under the front bonnet. The main boot offers 460 litres of space and includes only a puncture repair kit, which Autocar India notes could be an issue on Indian roads.

Interior: a blend of digital and physical

The cabin introduces a new design philosophy. All four doors are powered and radar-controlled. The driver's door closes when the brake pedal is pressed.

The centrepiece is a curved OLED screen that sweeps down into the centre console. Crucially, physical controls for key functions remain, with knurled switches. One gripe noted is that front air vent direction is controlled via the touchscreen. A facial-recognition camera identifies the driver and loads their personal settings. An augmented-reality head-up display projects navigation cues.

A rotary collar around the starter button cycles through four Experience Modes. Each alters the cabin lighting, sound, climate, displays, and dynamics.

Creating an electric character

The absence of a traditional engine posed a character challenge. Bentley's solution for sound is the 'Dynamic Symphony'. Rather than a synthetic engine note, it uses recordings of real musicians on drums, viola, and bass guitar, complete with imperfections. The sound responds to driving mode and can be switched off.

Attention to detail extends to other sounds. The indicator tick is a recording of a hammer striking leather from Bentley's workshop. Standard audio is a 620W, 16-speaker system. An optional Naim system delivers 1,780W through 28 speakers with Dolby Atmos.

Materials push Bentley's traditional craftsmanship forward. Leather is available in 15 shades. A headline feature is the world's first 100 percent Merino wool automotive fabric. New Mulliner finishes include Ombré Walnut, made from layered walnut off-cuts, and Sunburst Aluminium, which recalls classic engine-turned dashboards.

Rear seat and specifications

The rear seat is key for many Indian buyers. Under-thigh support is reported as genuinely good for an EV. The seat includes physical climate controls, heating and cooling, and a 100W USB-C port for charging a laptop. The rear bench is also the first in a Bentley to power-fold.

The Torcal uses the PPE platform shared with the Porsche Cayenne Electric. Its flagship configuration produces 888hp and 1,350Nm of torque, the most torque of any Bentley. Bentley claims a 0-100kph time of 2.9 seconds for the roughly 2.7-tonne SUV.

A 113kWh (net) 800V battery provides a claimed WLTP range of 600km. On a 400kW charger, a 10-80 percent charge takes 16 minutes. India currently lacks such high-speed chargers. The battery carries a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

The chassis features fully active suspension and rear-wheel steering for an 11.1-metre turning circle. Carbon-ceramic brakes are optional. The advanced driver-assistance system uses 25 sensors and can reverse the car along its last 50-metre path or park it remotely.

The Torcal will be more expensive than the Bentayga in India, as EVs do not receive the same customs-duty benefits under the new UK-India trade agreement. The final verdict on whether an electric Bentley still feels like a Bentley awaits a road test.