Bentley is beginning to showcase the interior of the Torcal, its first fully electric SUV, ahead of its official launch scheduled for September 23rd in London. Unlike the vegan leather and plastic surfaces common in electric vehicles sold in Brazil, the British manufacturer will offer an option using 100% Merino wool for seating and panels, complemented by wood veneer made from walnut scraps pressed with recycled paper.
This fabric was developed in collaboration with Fox Brothers, a traditional British weaving mill, with the goal of resisting wear and daily use of a car. Historically, this prevented the use of natural fibers in seats. According to Bentley, this is the first pure wool automotive fabric to receive the Responsible Wool Standard certification, which monitors animal welfare and traceability throughout the production chain.
The selection of this material goes beyond just sustainability. Merino wool has fibers with a diameter between 15 and 24 microns, making it significantly finer than human hair, which ranges between 50 and 100 microns. This delicacy eliminates the characteristic itchiness of common wool. Furthermore, its fibers are naturally wavy, allowing them to trap air and provide thermoregulation, preventing the seat from overheating in the sun or getting excessively cold in the morning. The wool also demonstrates the ability to absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without appearing wet and offers odor resistance.
This sheep breed originated in Spain in the 13th century and was considered a strategic asset; for centuries, removing a live animal from the country was a crime punishable by death. It was only from the 18th century that flocks were introduced to Australia, New Zealand, and South America, which are now the main production centers. In Brazil, breeding is concentrated in Rio Grande do Sul, where Australian Merino is one of the region's traditional breeds in the Campanha area.
Annual shearing is a necessary procedure, as the wool continues to grow. A notable example is that of Shrek, a New Zealand Merino that remained hidden in caves for six years to avoid shearers. When captured in 2004, he had 27 kg of wool, approximately six times the average for the breed, which would be enough to make 20 men's suits. This event was broadcast live on television.
The finish called Ombre Veneer is created from walnut scraps and recycled paper, which are compacted into up to a thousand layers and subsequently sliced into sheets less than a millimeter thick. These pieces are arranged so that the tone transitions from almost black to the natural color of the wood along the dashboard and doors. The set is finished with Mulliner Sunburst aluminum, brushed in three directions, which evokes the aesthetic of engine-turned panels found in classic models.
The Torcal, which is part of Bentley's fourth product line, alongside the Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga, will be manually assembled in Crewe, England, with production expected in 2027. The brand confirmed the presence of two electric motors, all-wheel drive, and a range exceeding 480 km, although it has not yet disclosed details about power, battery capacity, or price.