Bentley tests wealthy buyers' interest in going electric with first EV

Business Recorder, citing Reuters, reported that Bentley has unveiled its first all-electric model, the Torcal SUV, wagering that affluent buyers will accept clean motoring without losing the design cues of the British marque. The launch follows Ferrari's first EV, which some enthusiasts criticised for looking little like the brand's petrol sports cars. By contrast, the Torcal keeps a clear family resemblance, including diamond-shaped lights that echo a traditional grille although EVs need none for cooling.

The model also mimics a V8 with a soundtrack of orchestral kettledrums, backed by smaller drums that speed up with acceleration. CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser said the goal was to build a Bentley first, arguing buyers do not want an entirely different car simply because it is electric. The Torcal starts at £173,000 ($230,000), placing it at the lower end of the range, which he said makes it a more accessible model that opens new markets.

Bentley has shown the car to current and prospective buyers in Europe, the Middle East and US states with high EV uptake, with a China campaign starting next year. About half the interest is from existing customers, and roughly the other half are new to the brand. The company says £350 million ($465 million) went into its Crewe plant in northwest England for the Torcal.