Bentley Launches Electric Torcal SUV at 173,000 Pounds
Bentley introduced its first electric vehicle in London, pricing it below Ferrari's entry-level EV to attract new luxury buyers.
Key points
- Bentley launched the electric Torcal SUV in London starting at 173,000 pounds.
- The car features diamond-shaped lights and a drum-based sound system to mimic engine noise.
- Bentley spent 350 million pounds on UK production as it targets new luxury buyers.
Bentley unveiled the Torcal, its first fully electric SUV, in London on Wednesday. The launch targets wealthy buyers who want zero emissions without sacrificing traditional luxury design.
The vehicle starts at 173,000 pounds, positioning it as an accessible entry point into the brand. This strategy aims to capture customers who have never owned a Bentley before.
Design keeps familiar luxury cues
The car retains styling elements from previous combustion-engine models. Diamond-shaped headlight clusters mirror the classic front grille look found on earlier Bentleys.
To mimic the feel of a V8 engine, the Torcal uses a unique audio system. It plays timpani drum sounds that accelerate as the vehicle gains speed.
Pricing undercuts Ferrari electric model
At 173,000 pounds, the Torcal is significantly cheaper than Ferrari's first electric car. The Ferrari Luce starts at 550,000 euros, making Bentley's option more affordable.
CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser called the Torcal a more affordable Bentley. He said the company wants to reach new markets without alienating existing loyal customers.
Industry shifts toward cautious adoption
Bentley previously delayed its electric launch until 2026. It also dropped its goal to become fully electric by 2030 due to limited customer readiness.
Other luxury brands are taking different paths with electric vehicles. Lamborghini delayed its first EV, while McLaren said it has no current plans to launch one.
Bentley invested 350 million pounds in its Crewe plant to build the Torcal. Reports via news.az highlight strong interest in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of the US.
