Bentley’s Torcal EV tries to balance authenticity with fake V8 sounds

Bentley is preparing to unveil the 2027 Torcal, a spacious electric SUV built on a platform shared with the electrified Porsche Cayenne. A preproduction ride suggests Bentley is trying to balance the quiet smoothness of an EV with simulated V8 sounds meant to preserve the brand’s traditional performance feel.

The Torcal highlights a growing challenge for luxury automakers: making EVs feel emotionally distinct when silence and smooth acceleration are becoming standard. Fake engine audio may appeal to longtime buyers, but it also shows how brands are using software-defined identity to recreate heritage in an electric era.