by Bentley names its first electric car: it is not Barnato, but Torcal
After years of concepts, spy photos, and changes in electrification plans, Bentley has finally announced the name of its first production electric car. It is the Torcal — a new electric luxury SUV that will debut publicly in London on September 23 and open a completely new chapter in the history of the British brand.
Origin of the name and positioning
Like Bentayga, Bacalar, and Batur, the name Torcal (not Barnato, as some predicted) comes from a famous natural landmark. This time it is El Torcal de Antequera in southern Spain — an area known for its dramatic limestone rocks. Bentley also notes that the name has roots in the Latin word torquere, linking it to the modern term “torque.”
However, more important than the name is that the Torcal represents Bentley’s fourth distinct model line, joining the Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga, and is the brand’s only fully electric vehicle.
Company CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser claims that this car “sets extraordinary standards in all important aspects” and “could be the most thoughtful car in our history.”
Design and technical specifications
Bentley is keeping most of the important details secret for now, but a confirmed length of under 5 meters means it will be smaller than the Bentayga in size. It is known that the car will feature the brand’s new design language, which debuted on the EXP 15 concept last year. The interior will blend traditional Bentley luxury with unusual curved displays and a multifunctional steering column lever from Audi.
Under the hood, the Torcal shares hardware and platform with the Porsche Cayenne Electric. This means an 800-volt architecture that can add 160 km of range in seven minutes, and likely a 108 kWh usable battery capacity. Design chief Robin Page told Autocar that a range of 483-563 km is expected.
Power and the future
Bentley has not yet revealed power figures, but it is safe to assume that dual-motor all-wheel drive will be standard. If the motors are borrowed directly from the Cayenne Electric, the Torcal could start at 408 hp and reach 1,139 hp.
The Torcal will not replace the Bentayga but will be sold alongside it. Bentley has already confirmed that the gasoline SUV will receive another generation later this decade, as the company opts for a slower transition to electrification. Instead, the Torcal is intended to expand the lineup, offering SUV buyers another choice rather than forcing them to switch to an electric vehicle.
This move demonstrates Bentley’s cautious yet strategic approach to electrification in the ultra-luxury segment. Instead of completely abandoning internal combustion engines, the company is creating a parallel lineup, giving customers the freedom to choose. The name Torcal, linked to natural landscapes and torque, emphasizes both the brand’s environmental ambitions and its technical heritage. The shared platform with the Porsche Cayenne Electric allows Bentley to reduce development costs while maintaining the unique design and level of luxury that buyers expect.
