Key highlights
- Bentley Torcal EV nameplate revealed
- World debut to take place on September 23
- It is likely to use Porsche’s PPE architecture
Luxury carmaker Bentley has unveiled the nameplate of its first fully electric SUV, called Torcal EV. The new Torcal EV will be revealed globally on September 23. Bentley will position the Torcal EV below the Bentayga SUV, which will make it the brand’s second SUV as well.
Bentley Torcal EV: What do we know so far?
Bentley’s July 6 announcement landed in the form of a teaser image, where the brand gave the first glimpse of its first electric SUV, revealing its nameplate. Badged “Torcal”, the teaser image shows the boot of the electric SUV and also reveals the sleek LED taillights with a unique design pattern like jewels.
Bentley has a tradition of naming its cars inspired by the natural landscapes, and “Torcal” has also been derived from the “El Torcal de Antequera” in Spain. This place is a natural limestone formation that is stacked together.
While we are yet to see its design and other details, online reports suggest that it will be smaller than the Bentayga SUV. The latter is offered in ICE and hybrid guise, and the Torcal’s EV platform will focus on urban luxury and the SUV portfolio.
Additionally, Bentley is under Volkswagen’s command. Therefore, it is highly possible that it could use Porsche’s PPE platform for the Torcal. More specifically, the PPE architecture and the 113 kWh battery pack that offers 640 km of range on the Porsche Cayenne Electric could be used to power the Torcal EV. Porsche offers all-wheel drive for the Cayenne Electric, which is also expected to be offered as it is on the Torcal EV.
Another area of focus for Bentley will be the interior design. Considering that EVs often follow a modern layout for the cabin with big screens and AI-assisted features, it will be interesting to see whether Bentley will retain the physical buttons and a timeless design, or will the brand go completely radical as Ferrari did with Luce EV.
The production version of the Torcal EV will be revealed on September 23 worldwide. More details are likely to follow in the coming weeks.
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