Bentley’s upcoming electric SUV, the Torcal, will replace traditional combustion engine noise with a bespoke “Bentley Dynamic Symphony” composed of real musical instruments. Rather than synthesizing digital engine sounds, the automaker is using drums, violas, and bass guitars to mimic the rhythmic, human-like cadence of its historic V8 engines, according to official company disclosures.
The Shift from Synthetic Noise to Orchestral Sound
Most electric vehicle manufacturers, such as Hyundai with its Ioniq 5 N or Ferrari with the Luce, rely on digital synthesis or motor amplification to provide auditory feedback. Bentley is taking a different path. By analyzing its own back catalog—specifically the 1930s supercharged motors, the 6.75-litre V8, and the W12—engineers concluded that the emotional appeal of a combustion engine lies in its rhythm rather than a pure mechanical tone.
According to Bentley, the V8 engine functions much like a live drummer. The company recorded a V8 in a studio to capture the “subtle variations and imperfections” that provide a human quality. The resulting soundscape, the Bentley Dynamic Symphony, uses drums to recreate the engine’s “thump and thrum,” while violas and bass guitars add depth. This sound is dynamic, responding to driver inputs by increasing or decreasing in tempo based on acceleration.
Pro Tip: Look for the “prestigious shield” at the rear of the new Torcal. Bentley has modeled this design element after the luggage carriers found on vintage touring cars, bridging the gap between the brand’s heritage and its electric future.
Design DNA and the Torcal’s Place in the Lineup
The Torcal is a production-ready iteration of the EXP 15 concept and serves as a showcase for Bentley’s new-era design language. The vehicle features a 5-meter-long frame, an illuminated grille panel, and vertical LED quad headlights. While it shares some design silhouettes with the existing Bentayga, Bentley clarified that the Torcal is a distinct model and not a replacement for the V8-powered Bentayga.
The name itself carries both geographical and mechanical significance. It is named after the El Torcal de Antequera, a limestone landscape in Andalusia, Spain. Simultaneously, the name serves as a nod to the Latin verb torquere, which translates to “to twist”—the etymological root of the word “torque.”
Did You Know?
Bentley plans to maintain a multi-powertrain strategy globally. Even with the launch of the Torcal, the combustion-powered Bentayga will remain in production, with a new generation expected to arrive in 2028.
Future Trends in Electric Vehicle Soundscapes
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Torcal replacing the Bentayga? No. Bentley confirmed the Bentayga will remain on sale and will receive a new combustion-powered generation in 2028.
- How does the Torcal create its sound? Instead of digital synthesis, it uses an orchestral arrangement of drums, viola, and bass guitar to mimic the rhythm of a V8.
- When will the Torcal be unveiled? The vehicle is currently in final testing and is scheduled for an official unveiling in London on September 23.
- Does the sound change while driving? Yes. Bentley states the soundtrack responds to driver inputs, adjusting the tempo based on acceleration.
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