Bentley launches Torcal, its first fully electric model

Bentley has launched the Torcal, the first fully electric model in the 107-year history of the British company. The car was unveiled on Wednesday evening in London and has a starting price of £173,000, equivalent to approximately $229,000.

The Torcal becomes the fourth model in Bentley’s lineup, after the Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga. The vehicle was designed and developed at the manufacturer’s factory in Crewe, in northwestern England.

The model offers a range of up to 600 kilometers and can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds. Bentley says the new car retains the defining elements of the brand, from its design and road handling to its sound experience.

The launch comes three months after the presentation of Ferrari’s first electric model, the Luce, which is priced at approximately $626,000. Bentley says customer reactions have been positive and that interest in electric cars is growing among wealthy buyers.

The company’s strategy contrasts with decisions by Porsche and Lamborghini, which have scaled back their electrification plans amid weaker demand. Bentley says, however, that development of the Torcal took years and that the model was not conceived in response to reactions sparked by Ferrari.