Bentley’s latest model, the Torcal, has been designed to carry forward what the car maker describes as one of its most enduring design signatures: the Bentley Diamond.
The diamond pattern has been a hallmark of Bentley design since the 1920s, when wire mesh was used to protect tall radiators from stones and road debris. The pattern soon moved inside the car, with cross-hatched switches and controls. Several Bentleys from this era featured brass switchgear with controls meticulously machined in a diamond pattern to improve grip.
The process created a distinctive aesthetic that quickly became woven into Bentley’s design language. Over the decades, the motif has appeared everywhere from diamond-stitched seat upholstery to the mesh grille of the Brooklands coupe. More recently, it has featured in the intricate detailing of Bentayga’s headlamps and throughout the Continental GT’s interior, showcasing Bentley’s evolving ’embedded diamond’ design language.
In the new Torcal, Bentley says the floating diamond grille transforms a functional necessity into a captivating design statement.
The story continues inside. Rather than relying solely on computer-generated graphics to create the Torcal’s digital displays, Bentley’s design team sought the authenticity and character of handcrafted materials. Working with Cumbria Crystal in England’s Lake District, they commissioned bespoke hand-cut crystal objects designed specifically for the project. By capturing light passing through the crystal, designers created a distinctive visual signature rich in depth, movement and texture. According to the company, the subtle variations and natural imperfections inherent in hand craftsmanship bring an unexpected sense of warmth and humanity to an otherwise ultra-modern digital experience.
The Bentley Torcal will be revealed in London on September 23.
In related news, Xpeng introduces L03 with next-generation AI cockpit and ADAS
