Bentley unveils first fully electric model, complete with synthetic engine sound

Bentley has launched its first fully electric vehicle, an SUV called the Torcal, as part of a £350 million investment in its manufacturing base in Crewe, England.

The Torcal can travel up to 375 miles on a single charge, the company said, positioning it among the longer-range electric vehicles in the luxury segment. Pricing starts at £173,000, making it Bentley's least expensive model despite the substantial cost.

Replacing the growl

Because electric motors do not produce the deep engine growl associated with Bentley's combustion-powered cars, the company has equipped the Torcal with a synthesized soundtrack, incorporating drum elements, designed to evoke a similar driving character without an internal combustion engine.

The investment is expected to secure the jobs of roughly 4,000 workers at Bentley's Crewe factory as the automaker, which is owned by Volkswagen, shifts more of its lineup toward electrification. The move mirrors a broader industry trend of legacy luxury carmakers introducing electric models while trying to preserve elements of brand identity historically tied to their combustion engines.

Bentley has not yet detailed a timeline for phasing out its remaining combustion-engine models as it expands its electric lineup.