Bentley has revealed its inaugural fully electric vehicle, the Torcal SUV, marking a significant milestone for the luxury automaker. The company announced a £350 million investment to modernize its historic production facility in Crewe, Cheshire, which has served as its headquarters since 1946.
The new electric model will be manufactured on a dedicated production line situated within one of the site’s original 1938 factory buildings. Previously used for machining and later research and development, the building has been renovated with specialized flooring to accommodate autonomous guided vehicles that transport cars through the assembly process.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds highlighted the economic impact of the project, stating that the investment would support 4,000 high-value jobs in the Crewe area. He noted that this move represents the third major automotive investment in the UK in just seven days, following commitments from McLaren and Nissan.
The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade emphasized that the Torcal’s production would bolster automotive supply chains, with Bentley sourcing parts from over 700 businesses, including 82 located within a 50-mile radius of the plant.
Performance specifications for the Torcal include an 113kWh battery offering a range of up to 375 miles (600km). Bentley claims the vehicle can recharge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes using a 400kW charger. The flagship Torcal S model is positioned as the brand’s most powerful car to date, capable of reaching 162mph and accelerating from 0 to 60mph in just 2.8 seconds. The standard Torcal model features a top speed of 155mph and a 0-60mph time of 3.3 seconds.
Inside, the cabin continues to utilize traditional luxury materials such as leather, wool, and aluminium. Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, Bentley’s chairman and chief executive, described the Torcal as “one of the best Bentleys ever,” emphasizing the blend of heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge electric technology.
The unveiling comes amidst a challenging period for the UK motor industry, which faces significant headwinds and debates over the pace of the transition to electric vehicles. Recent job cuts at Jaguar Land Rover have underscored the sector’s volatility, even as manufacturers strive to future-proof their operations. The UK government has pledged £7.5bn to facilitate the shift to EVs, with plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030.
Leave a Reply