EXP 15 Concept - A Glimpse into Bentley's Electric Future

Saudi Arabia : The concept shows that while some details may change during electrification, the style will stay as grand and luxurious as always. 

• Some elements from this  are likely to appear on its first electric car next year.
• The concept features a fastback roofline, a glowing grille, and vertical LED headlights.
• The interior features a large glass dashboard, and the centre console and steering wheel are filled with detailed gold-knurled controls.

With over a hundred years of history, Bentley is known for its traditional, elegant designs that exude a sense of old wealth. Yet, the brand is looking ahead with its new EXP 15 concept. This electric vehicle hints at the direction Bentley will take with its first fully electric car. 

Unconventional styling

The shape of the EXP 15 is unusual and doesn’t follow usual car styles. It has a raised stance that suggests an SUV but features a sloping fastback roofline. The overall silhouette takes inspiration from the classic 1930 Bentley Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman coupe. 

Its surfaces are smooth, with a sharp line running from the headlights into the side windows and bold rear haunches. Since it's electric, the EXP 15 features a shorter hood typically seen in luxury cars. From the three-quarter rear view, the car looks like a more muscular version of last year’s Jaguar Type 00 concept.

The front has a tall, upright look fitting for a Bentley, with a bright, hexagon-shaped grille placed in the middle. The grille comes with small, triangular pieces that resemble the traditional Bentley chrome crosshairs, divided by a central line. 

The new Bentley badge sits at the top of the grille, just below the iconic Flying B hood ornament. Even though EVs don't need big grilles for cooling, the brand has taken this as an opportunity to create something artistic.

Beaming LED lights surround the grille, giving the front a robotic stare. This design is echoed by a vertical illuminated trim piece at the front edge of each door. These trims also hold vents that help guide air along the sides of the car. The rear lights are slim and wrap around a body-coloured panel with the Bentley badge. The EXP 15 also features two active roof spoilers and a movable rear diffuser.

A Self-Indulgent Cabin

Like the Hyundai Veloster, the EXP 15 features an asymmetrical door setup, i.e. one door on the driver’s side and two on the passenger’s. Inside, the car has only three seats. The driver sits alone up front, while the left rear passenger gets plenty of space to stretch out. Bentley thinks this extra space could also hold pet carriers or luggage. 

The rear passenger seat can turn 45 degrees to make getting in and out easier. It can also slide forward and back.

The dashboard has a wing shape, with trim pieces flowing up from the centre console. One piece surrounds the steering wheel, while another holds a series of gauges in front of the right-side passenger. The rest of the dashboard is made of glass, which can show a digital display or be turned off. When turned off, you see wood veneer behind the glass. 

Behind the centre screen, a large, round dial sits, called the "Mechanical Marvel" — resembling an old plane engine. The glass around the Bentley emblem can display information like travel direction or battery level.

Inside, the cabin mixes rich materials. Wood and wool details are paired with 3D-printed titanium trims. The switches on the steering wheel and centre console are done in gold and knurling. Lights on the doors and around the rear seats repeat the grille’s pattern.

The trunk can also serve as a fancy picnic spot. It has small cushions for seats, a fridge for drinks, and a glowing glass lamp. A special feature on the EXP 15 is its Pallas Gold paint, created with a very thin layer of aluminium pigment. This allows radar sensors to work through the paint without losing signal. It helps hide safety devices that can look ugly, like on the current Continental GT grille.

Production

Bentley has said the EXP 15 isn’t meant to go into full production. Still, they admit it shows the future design ideas. Some of the exterior styling from this concept might be seen on Bentley’s upcoming electric vehicle. That model is expected to be a more traditional small SUV and is likely to be revealed next year.