Delayed Spark
Amid softening demand for electric vehicles, particularly in the ultra-luxury segment, Bentley has been late to the EV game. More than halfway through the decade, the British marque has only teased its first-ever EV, the Torcal, after pushing its all-electric target from 2030 to 2035.
Thanks to a new teaser, fans eager to see what an all-electric Bentley looks like have something to feast their eyes on. In a press release, Bentley said it will continue using its signature diamond motif, reimagined for the modern era. That is a common path for automakers launching their first EVs, as seen with the Rolls-Royce Spectre, which retained the brand’s signature Pantheon grille even though EVs do not require traditional radiator grilles.
A Century-Old Sparkle
The upcoming Bentley Torcal will adopt a similar theme. The EV will feature a floating diamond grille that pays homage to a motif first used roughly a century ago. In the 1920s, Bentley used the diamond pattern in wire-mesh radiator grilles, which protected the tall radiators from stones and road debris.
The diamond motif was eventually brought into the cabin, appearing on cross-hatched switches and brass controls. Besides adding a luxurious finish, the machined diamond pattern improved grip. The motif has endured to this day, as seen in the Continental GT’s interior.
The Next Piece of the Puzzle
Bentley will unveil the Torcal in London on September 23. It will become the brand’s fourth core model line, joining the Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga. The Torcal is expected to ride on Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric architecture, which also underpins the Porsche Cayenne Electric.
How the Torcal will hold up against changing market demands remains to be seen. In the U.S., hybrids are currently attracting stronger demand, while EV sales are showing signs of stabilizing after plunging following the expiration of the federal EV tax credit in September 2025.
