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Bentley’s first fully electric model, the Bentley Torcal, will replace the deep growl of its traditional V8 engine with a unique orchestral soundtrack created using real musical instruments to capture the emotional resonance of a combustion engine.

Unlike models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which synthesises engine sounds, or the Ferrari Luce, which amplifies the natural hum of its electric motors, Bentley’s upcoming Torcal SUV adopts a far more artistic approach to fill the quiet of its electric powertrain.

The design team drew inspiration from the “incredible engines” in Bentley’s history – from the supercharged motors of the 1930s to the 6.75-litre V8 and the modern W12 – to develop a distinctive aural signature for the Torcal. The goal, according to Bentley, was to ensure that its debut EV delivered the same “immersive and emotional experience” under acceleration as its petrol predecessors, akin to “listening to a grand orchestral performance”.

To achieve this, Bentley engineers placed a V8 engine in a sound studio to study its tone and rhythm. They discovered that the engine’s emotional impact came more from its rhythm than its mechanical noise. Comparing the V8’s pulse to that of a live drummer revealed “striking similarities in energy, cadence and impact”.

The team also found that the soundtrack of a combustion engine isn’t perfectly consistent – it features subtle imperfections that lend it a “human” quality. The final product of this research is the ‘Bentley Dynamic Symphony’, a soundscape designed not to mimic an engine but to evoke the same emotional response.

Primarily driven by percussion instruments to simulate the thump and pulse of a V8 engine, the Torcal’s sound experience also integrates viola and bass guitar to deliver a “powerful and emotive” driving sensation. The soundtrack will be adaptive, responding dynamically to driver inputs, with tempo changes reflecting acceleration or deceleration.

The Bentley Torcal is now in its final testing phase and will make its global debut on 23 September in London. The SUV is essentially a production-ready version of the EXP 15 concept, which previewed Bentley’s next-generation design philosophy.

Following Bentley tradition, the Torcal takes its name from a natural landmark – El Torcal de Antequera in Andalusia, Spain. The name also references the Latin verb ‘torquere’, meaning ‘to twist’, from which the word ‘torque’ is derived.

Measuring around 5 metres in length, the Torcal will sit below the Bentayga in Bentley’s line-up. Key design highlights include an illuminated grille, vertical LED quad headlights, and a distinctive “prestigious shield” at the rear inspired by the luggage carriers of vintage Bentley tourers.

Although its silhouette resembles that of the Bentayga, the Torcal is a distinct model rather than a replacement. The Bentayga will continue to be offered with V8 power, with a new combustion-powered generation planned for 2028, as Bentley continues its global multi-powertrain strategy.

The Torcal’s market introduction was initially planned for last year but was delayed due to slower demand for luxury EVs. Other Bentley electric models have faced similar delays, prompting the brand to abandon its earlier goal of becoming fully electric by 2030.

Instead, Bentley now plans to introduce one new plug-in hybrid or all-electric vehicle each year until 2035. This aligns with the broader industry trend, as Aston Martin, Porsche, Lotus, and Lamborghini have also slowed their EV transitions. Bentley, however, aims to be the first in its segment to launch an EV at this price point.

The Torcal is expected to start at around £170,000, positioning it between premium electric SUVs like the BMW iX and Volvo EX90, and ultra-luxury options such as the Rolls-Royce Spectre and Ferrari Luce. Its closest competitor will be the new electric Range Rover. Bentley asserts that the new SUV will be “the right car in the right environment most of the time,” highlighting practicality as a key strength.

Bentley has confirmed the Torcal will offer a driving range of over 300 miles. Robin Page, Bentley’s design director, noted that the brand is not chasing range records: “We’ve found there’s a sweet spot around 300-350 miles. Beyond that, our customers will just take the private jet.”

Under the skin, the Torcal shares its underpinnings with the upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric, mirroring the existing relationship between the Bentayga and petrol-powered Cayenne. Built on the same PPE electric architecture, it will use a 113kWh battery capable of charging at up to 390kW, allowing a 10-80% charge in under 16 minutes. Dual-motor all-wheel drive will be standard, though Bentley has yet to confirm if it will match the 1140bhp and 1106lb ft of torque found in the Cayenne Turbo. A more restrained power output around the 657bhp of the Cayenne S seems likely for the Torcal’s refined character.

While Bentley has not yet shown the interior of the Torcal, spy images suggest it will feature a 14.25-inch curved central touchscreen similar to that in the Cayenne, split into two zones for infotainment and climate controls. Despite being the largest display ever fitted in a Bentley, the car will retain physical controls.

The EXP 15 concept’s cabin hinted at this philosophy, emphasising tactile materials and analogue interfaces. “At our end of the market, people are getting tired of fully digital dashboards,” Page said earlier, suggesting that Bentley might skip the passenger-side touchscreen offered in Porsche models. “What makes us premium is maintaining mechanical detailing that others can’t match.”

Bentley will reveal more details before the Torcal’s official unveiling in September. Its debut will coincide with the launch of the electric Range Rover and precede the unveiling of Jaguar’s long-awaited Type 01 GT, marking a major milestone for the British automotive industry as the number of series-production EVs built in the UK grows from two to five.