Bentley launches its first EV and the fully electric luxury SUV is the brand's cheapest car by far

This is the new Bentley Torcal, the brand’s first electric SUV.

Loosely related to the Porsche Cayenne, this marks the brand’s debut in the zero-emission era.

It’s quite powerful and fast, despite being very heavy.

And it’s actually less expensive than you might think.

The Bentley Torcal is built from scratch

The Torcal is built from the ground up, and its specific role in the automaker’s lineup is actually revealing.

Named after carved limestone rock formations in Andalusia, the Torcal is technically positioned directly below the Bentayga.

Also, fun fact, the Bentayga is also inspired by a rock formation in Spain.

This is interesting, because it suggests that the manufacturer is still treating the Bentayga as its flagship SUV, as the Torcal is less expensive than the Bentayga.

With EVs, it’s generally the other way around.

Built on the Volkswagen Group’s advanced 800-volt Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture – shared with the Porsche Cayenne Electric – the Torcal is available with two powertrain options for now.

Both come with two electric motors, a 108-kWh battery pack, and 375 miles of range, but the First Edition features 876 horsepower, while the ‘base’ model makes 810 horsepower.

It’s also smaller than the Bentayga

The Torcal’s stance is lower and more compact than the Bentayga, and it features a swept-back silhouette with broad rear haunches that Bentley calls a ‘resting beast’ profile.

Because an electric powertrain requires minimal front cooling, the automaker repurposed the iconic matrix grille as a focal piece of illuminated art.

The 3D diamond grille incorporates complex crystal-inspired lighting patterns developed alongside Cumbria Crystal.

The vehicle is also the first production model to sport the automaker’s updated, streamlined Winged B emblem.

Inside, you get Merino Wool and natural materials instead of carbon fiber and metal, and you also get a few physical dials and switches.

Bentley is clearly on board with this new trend as automakers go back to analog controls.

Also, like other EVs, the electric Torcal is equipped with a ‘fake’ engine house that mimics the deep thrum of a V8.

With prices starting around £160,000 in the UK and $230,000 in North American markets, the Torcal will be around $20,000 less expensive than the Bentayga.

Deliveries are slated to begin globally in early 2027.