Bentley’s long-awaited transition into the electric era is gathering momentum. A camouflaged prototype of the Bentley Torcal, the British marque’s first fully electric production model, has been spotted undergoing public testing in Beverly Hills, California, offering the clearest look yet at the upcoming luxury EV ahead of its official unveiling on September 23.
The prototype was photographed on the iconic Rodeo Drive, one of the world’s most prestigious luxury shopping destinations. While the street is well known for its collection of exotic supercars and celebrity sightings, it is far less common to encounter an unreleased vehicle—particularly one still wrapped in camouflage.
A Compact Luxury Electric SUV
Based on the spy photos, the Torcal appears noticeably smaller than the Bentley Bentayga, suggesting that Bentley is positioning it as a more compact luxury electric SUV aimed at urban drivers while maintaining the brand’s signature craftsmanship and exclusivity.
The test vehicle was seen parked between a BMW i5 and an Audi sedan, providing a useful size comparison that reinforces its more compact footprint.
New “Floating Diamond Grille” Design
Earlier this week, Bentley released an official teaser previewing the Torcal’s distinctive front-end styling. The company confirmed that the EV will introduce a new “Floating Diamond Grille”, reinterpreting Bentley’s traditional radiator grille for the electric age.
Although the grille no longer serves as an air intake, it remains a defining visual element, acting as a bold brand signature while preserving Bentley’s instantly recognizable identity.
The updated design reflects the company’s effort to blend its heritage with a modern electric aesthetic rather than abandoning traditional styling cues altogether.
Luxurious Cabin with Modern Technology
Inside, the Torcal is expected to combine advanced digital technology with Bentley’s renowned craftsmanship.
According to available information, the cabin will feature:
- A new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel
- Wing-style control paddles inspired by Audi’s latest models
- Right-side gear selector
- Left-side lighting and wiper controls
- A curved full-width digital dashboard
- Signature circular air vents
- Genuine metal trim
- Premium wood veneer spanning the passenger side of the dashboard
These elements are designed to preserve Bentley’s handcrafted luxury while introducing a cleaner, more contemporary cockpit suited to the electric era.
Built on Porsche’s Premium Electric Platform
The Torcal will ride on Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, which also underpins the upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric.
The platform is expected to support:
- A 113kWh battery pack
- Up to 390kW DC fast charging
- Multiple power outputs, including 324kW, 490kW, and a flagship 849kW configuration
While Bentley has not confirmed the final production specification, reports suggest the Torcal’s output will likely fall between the 490kW and 849kW variants, delivering the effortless performance expected from the British luxury brand.
Bentley has also previously revealed that the vehicle will be capable of adding approximately 161 km (100 miles) of driving range in just seven minutes using compatible ultra-fast charging infrastructure.
Launch Timeline and Pricing
Bentley will officially unveil the Torcal on September 23, marking a significant milestone in the company’s electrification strategy.
The model is expected to launch first in the United States during the third quarter of 2027, with additional global markets likely to follow.
Industry estimates place the starting price between US$200,000 and US$250,000, positioning the Torcal firmly within the ultra-luxury electric SUV segment alongside upcoming high-end offerings from established premium manufacturers.
A New Era for Bentley
The Torcal represents far more than Bentley’s first battery-electric vehicle—it signals the beginning of the company’s transformation into an all-electric luxury automaker. By combining traditional Bentley craftsmanship with next-generation EV technology, the Torcal is expected to play a pivotal role in defining the brand’s future.
With its official debut just weeks away, the luxury automotive industry will be watching closely to see how Bentley reimagines its iconic design language and grand touring philosophy for the electric age.