Bentley says it will keep hand-finishing and human-led production central to its manufacturing even as it launches the Torcal, its first electric model, and upgrades its Crewe campus for EV production.
Bentley commits to preserving human-led, handcrafted production as a core part of its brand DNA despite adopting electrification and digital tools.
Mulliner continues to offer bespoke trim options, such as a Sunburst Aluminium insert that references historical engine-turned dashboards.
# What Bentley announced Bentley told CarExpert it will not replace humans with full automation or AI in its manufacturing. Senior executives made this point during the reveal of the Torcal, Bentley's first fully electric SUV. They framed human craftsmanship and the personal touch as central to what makes a Bentley.
# Why Bentley is keeping handcrafting Martin Page, product line director for the Torcal, said the personal touch on every car "stays." Head of design T. Jon Mayer added that the authenticity and meticulous detail of human work "AI or a robot can never really replace." Bentley also pointed to its relatively low volumes compared with mass-market manufacturers as a factor that supports continued handcrafted production.
# The Torcal's interior and materials Bentley's palette of interior materials and debuts several new options:
These choices are presented as both bespoke and sustainable moves: the veneer uses off-cuts and recycled paper, and the Merino wool carries RWS certification.
# Production location and timing The Torcal was designed, engineered, and crafted in Great Britain and will be assembled at Bentley's Crewe facility. The Torcal production line is housed in a restored building dating back to 1938. Bentley has invested "billions of pounds" into its Crewe headquarters to create a "future-ready" manufacturing and innovation campus with upgraded production, engineering, design, and quality facilities.
Orders for the Torcal opened in specific markets the week of the reveal. Bentley says production will commence in the second quarter of 2027. CarExpert reports that first deliveries in Australia are expected before the end of the following year, though Australian timing is still to be confirmed.
# How Bentley positions this amid industry automation
# What this means for customers Buyers of the Torcal can expect a high level of individualisation and human finishing. The new materials and trims are presented as choices that extend Bentley's traditional handcrafted approach into an electrified vehicle. Production timelines place the first customer cars in the second half of 2027 or later in markets where deliveries are scheduled.
# Bottom line Bentley is moving into electrification while keeping human-led production and bespoke material choices at the centre of its manufacturing story. The Torcal demonstrates how the marque intends to marry new powertrains and modern factory investment with hand-applied finishes and coachbuilt trim options.
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bentley’s first fully electric car preserves its long proportions and tactile cabin while musicians rebuild the sound of its V8. The post meet the bentley torcal: the marque’s first electric car asks what a bentley should sound like appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine .
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