Europe

Bentley Launches First All-Electric Car

Is this a tentative entry into the EV market or just another great Bentley with a more modern twist?

Published SEP 24

Story

Above: The Bentley Torcal pictured in promotional materials. Image credit: Bentley

The Facts

Bentley launched its first all-electric car, Torcal, on Wednesday. The Torcal will have an entry price of £173,300 (roughly $229,000) — making it the cheapest model in the luxury carmaker's range.
Bentley Media
CNBC
The Guardian
Supercar Blondie
The car will have a top speed of 155 mph and accelerate to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. Equipped with a 113kWh battery, it will have a range of up to 375 miles (600 km), and with a 400kW charger, it will go from 10 to 80% battery life in under 20 minutes.
Bentley Media
BBC News
The Telegraph
Its more sporting equivalent, the Torcal S, will retail at £199,300 (roughly $264,000) and will be Bentley's most powerful — accelerating to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds with a top speed of 162 mph.
Autocar
BBC News
Top Gear
The firm said the cars will also come fitted with "the Bentley Dynamic Symphony," a sound system that responds to torque and speed, combining the sounds of a Bentley V8 engine with drums, viola and bass guitar to mimic the petrol-driving experience. However, drivers will have the option to turn it off if they're unconvinced.
Bentley Media
Auto Express
GB News

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

While this is Bentley's first electric vehicle, the carmaker thought the best route would be to stick to its heritage and DNA. It created a car that was recognizable as a Bentley, but in a modern, progressive way.

Dezeen

Narrative B

As demand for electric vehicles has been lower than expected, Bentley's launch of the Torcal is an effort to tentatively enter the market and test the waters. It has abandoned plans to release a new electric vehicle every year and is sticking with this model for now.

The Guardian

Reuters

Pro-establishment narrative

Bentley's announcement caps off an excellent week for Britain's automotive industry. With the firm investing £350 million in its plant in Crewe, it follows similar announcements from McLaren and Nissan that bring investments in the sector to over £1 billion. It shows that businesses have confidence in the prime minister's mission of reindustrialization.