Bentley Motors has unveiled the EXP 15, a striking new design concept that offers a bold glimpse into the future of the brand’s luxury design language. Presented at the grand opening of Bentley’s new state-of-the-art design studio, this dramatic, over-five-meter-long concept is not merely a tribute to the past—it’s a confident leap forward.
■ Exterior: Inspired by the Past, Designed for Tomorrow
The EXP 15 draws direct inspiration from the legendary 1930 Bentley Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman Coupe—famously linked to the “Blue Train” race—but reinterprets its grand tourer proportions in a thoroughly 21st-century style.
Classic design cues like the upright grille, endless bonnet line, and rearward cabin return, but now paired with advanced aerodynamic features, ultra-modern lighting technology, and sleek, sculptural surfaces. This is Bentley embracing the future, not through nostalgia, but through evolution.
■ Five Core Exterior Design Pillars
EXP 15 embodies five key exterior design principles that will shape future Bentley models:
- Upright Elegance
A proud, vertical front silhouette inspired by a thoroughbred horse at rest—confident, calm, and composed. - Iconic Grille
The grille remains central to Bentley’s identity. Though no longer required for engine cooling in EVs, it transforms into a digital work of art, accentuated by LED lighting. - Endless Bonnet Line
An unbroken line flowing from front to rear, honoring the combustion-era proportions while housing new storage solutions under twin, piano-hinged panels. - Resting Beast Stance
Viewed from the side, the rear haunches suggest latent power, like a big cat poised to move, while the vehicle maintains a balanced, horizontal posture. - Prestigious Shield
A clean, wide rear surface inspired by vintage luggage compartments—now the base for Bentley’s illuminated winged badge and intricate diamond-pattern taillights.
■ Interior: A Visionary Space for the Few
The interior of the EXP 15 was designed using VR technology and features a unique three-seat, three-door layout. The passenger-side seat swivels 45 degrees to enable graceful entry and exit, and can slide into various positions: Co-pilot mode, Relax mode, or Rear Lounge mode.
Storage solutions include a pet or hand-luggage compartment in the floor, and the rear tailgate doubles as a picnic setup, complete with deployable seats, ambient lighting, and a drink cooler.
■ Materials: Craftsmanship Meets Innovation
Bentley continues its tradition of luxury craftsmanship by combining heritage and high-tech:
- Fox Brothers 100% wool textiles in damson ombré shades
- Gainsborough silk jacquard (a royal supplier since 1980)
- 3D-printed titanium elements for weight savings and visual impact
- Acrylic Couture mesh integrated into illuminated dashboards
- Active 3D quilting, combining backlit natural materials with modern surfaces
■ UX: When Technology Knows When to Step Back
Bentley’s “Magical Fusion” philosophy blends analog and digital worlds:
- The full-width dashboard can display infotainment or fade into a wood veneer surface
- A central “Mechanical Marvel” display shows navigation, charging status, or simply offers visual delight
- The goal? A refined experience that predicts needs, rather than overwhelming with constant input
As Design Director Robin Page puts it:
“We believe customers will grow tired of fully digital experiences. What makes Bentley special is our mechanical craftsmanship. The fusion of both offers a magical, tactile experience—like wearing a mechanical watch on one wrist and a digital one on the other.”
■ Built for Grand Touring in the Electric Era
While EXP 15 is not headed for production, it hints at Bentley’s next-generation all-electric vehicles, including a future grand tourer with:
- All-wheel drive electric powertrain
- Long-range capability
- Rapid charging
- Sustainability-focused design
This isn’t a retro tribute. It’s Bentley boldly redefining what a luxury grand tourer can be in the electric era, infused with subtle nods to its storied past and rich with future-facing technology and intent.
EXP 15 is not just a concept. It’s Bentley’s statement of purpose for the next century of grand touring:
Respect the legacy. Embrace the now. Shape the future.