Bentley has introduced its first fully electric vehicle, the Torcal SUV, following a £350 million investment to upgrade its factory in Cheshire. The new production line at the site, which has served as Bentley's headquarters since 1946, will facilitate the manufacturing of the Torcal. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated that this investment would support 4,000 high-value local jobs in Crewe.
The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade noted that the Torcal would enhance automotive supply chains, with Bentley relying on over 700 suppliers, including 82 located within a 50-mile radius of its headquarters. This announcement occurs amid challenges in the UK motor industry, where Jaguar Land Rover has recently announced significant job cuts, and manufacturers are exploring new growth opportunities.
Despite the introduction of new electric models aimed at future-proofing the industry, there have been discussions about the pace of the transition to a fully electric future. The Torcal features a 113 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 375 miles (600 km) and the capability to charge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes with a 400 kW charger.
The Torcal S model is positioned as Bentley's most powerful vehicle, with a top speed of 162 mph and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. The standard Torcal model can reach a maximum speed of 155 mph and accelerates to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. The car's interior incorporates materials such as leather, wool, and aluminum.
Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Bentley's chairman and chief executive, described the Torcal as "one of the best Bentleys ever," emphasizing its design that merges luxury with electric technology. The new production line is located within one of the original factory buildings from 1938, which has been renovated to accommodate autonomous guided vehicles for the production process.
Reynolds characterized Bentley's £350 million investment as a significant achievement for the UK's automotive sector, following recent announcements of £500 million from McLaren and £170 million from Nissan. The government is investing £7.5 billion to support the transition to electric vehicles, with plans to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.