The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, one of the world’s most prestigious auto shows held in California, witnessed Bentley’s vision of the future. At the show, Bentley Motors unveiled the electric EXP 15 concept vehicle, a clear indication of the brand’s future direction. Here are the details.
Bentley’s Electric Future: EXP 15
For Bentley, a manufacturer of highly powerful and prestigious vehicles, the new EXP 15 concept was interpreted as a clear sign of its transition to the first generation of fully electric vehicles. This move was designed by the company to solicit ideas and gather public input ahead of the major electric vehicle transition.
The concept, dubbed the EXP 15, showcases the brand’s vision and planned design for its future models. By showcasing the vehicle to collectors and brand loyalists at Monterey Car Week, Bentley is essentially conducting a very public focus group.
Feedback received during the show will be fed back to the company’s headquarters in Crewe, England, to develop the final designs for the company’s future electric vehicles. The concept car draws inspiration from one of the most famous Bentleys of all time, the 1930 Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman coupé (often referred to as the “Blue Train”).
This historic car had a distinctive character, and the EXP 15 borrows its long, powerful hood and pulls back the cabin, creating a classic profile. As a direct homage, the concept features an unusual three-seater layout.
According to Bentley, its designers followed five key principles to create the EXP 15’s appearance, and these principles will define the brand’s electric vehicles:
- Upright Elegance: Visible in the car’s powerful front profile.
- Iconic Grille: Reimagines Bentley’s famous grille, which eliminates the need for a large radiator for an electric vehicle.
- Endless Bonnet Line: Retains the brand’s trademark long hood.
- Resting Beast: Describes the vehicle’s muscular yet elegant appearance, projecting a sense of power even when stationary.
- Prestigious Shield: Refers to the robust rear panel displaying the redesigned Bentley emblem.
While these phrases may be marketing buzzwords, this vehicle isn’t just another electric vehicle; it’s Bentley’s electric future.
So, what do you think of the new concept? Share your thoughts in the comments.
