Bentley has unveiled its first fully electric vehicle, the Torcal SUV, marking a significant step in the luxury automaker’s transition toward electrification. Priced at £173,000, the Torcal aims to attract a younger demographic with features designed to evoke an emotional response, including engineered engine sounds created from recordings of human drummers.

The introduction of the Torcal aligns with Bentley’s revised strategy to introduce new electric vehicles annually from 2025 through 2030, a plan that has been scaled back from earlier ambitions but remains a key component of the company’s future direction. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Bentley’s chief executive, described the launch as an “important milestone” for the brand, emphasizing the company’s commitment to electric mobility.

Production will take place in Crewe, England, as part of a broader £350 million investment that is expected to bolster the local manufacturing footprint. The move also reflects Bentley’s broader efforts to modernize its lineup and respond to shifting market demands amid increasing competition in the electric luxury vehicle segment.

The Torcal’s price point is notably less than half that of Ferrari’s latest electric model, signaling Bentley’s intention to position the SUV as a more accessible option within the high-end EV market.

The announcement was welcomed by UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, who highlighted Bentley’s investment as the “third win in just seven days” following recent significant funding commitments from other automotive companies, including £500 million from McLaren and £170 million from Nissan. These investments reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen the UK’s position in the electric vehicle industry and support domestic manufacturing jobs.