Bentley has pulled back the curtain on the radical EXP 15 concept, offering a dramatic glimpse into the luxury brand’s all-electric future and a complete departure from its traditional design identity.
A Bold New Vision
The EXP 15 is not a preview of a specific upcoming model. Instead, it’s a pure design study, showcasing the direction Bentley could take with its future electric vehicles. This concept consciously breaks away from the familiar design cues seen on current Bentley models, aiming to make a significant statement.
Measuring an imposing 5.4 meters in length, the EXP 15 blurs the lines between a traditional sedan, a grand tourer, and even an SUV. Its unique proportions draw inspiration from a legendary Bentley of the past: the 1928 Speed Six, affectionately known as the “Bentley Blue Train.”
Redefining Bentley’s Exterior
From the front, the EXP 15 barely resembles a Bentley as we know it. The iconic circular headlights are gone, replaced by sleek, vertical LED units. According to Robin Page, Bentley’s new design director, the aim was to “make a bit of a bang” – a sentiment shared by other luxury marques in their EV transitions.
While much is new, the diamond motif for the grille remains, though now sealed off and backlit. The car boasts a remarkably upright face, a nod to heritage models, and an endlessly long bonnet. This extensive bonnet actually conceals a luggage compartment, cleverly accessed via side-hinged panels.
The concept also introduces subtly tweaked versions of the new Bentley logo and the classic Flying B mascot. In profile, the car’s monolithic design is evident with its high-riding stance, cab-rear silhouette, and heavily accentuated rear wheel arches. Cameras replace traditional mirrors, and the dual-tone wheels feature aerodynamic blades.
At the rear, the familiar oval tail lamps have been replaced by C-shaped LED strips, giving it a more generic EV concept look. However, a cool two-part spoiler with movable aero flaps adds a dynamic touch.
An Unconventional and Indulgent Interior
Stepping inside the EXP 15 reveals its most unconventional features. This is a three-door model, with the rear door on the driver’s side completely omitted. The interior is equally unique, offering only three seats, as the front passenger seat has been removed.
Bentley explains this layout by noting that its customers prefer either driving themselves or lounging in the back. The space where the passenger seat would be can even house a bespoke pet carrier. For an elegant exit, the rear seats swivel out 90 degrees when the rear-hinged door opens, and the central roof section can open for passengers to stand before alighting. The tailgate also thoughtfully includes picnic seats and a champagne cooler.
The dashboard retains Bentley’s signature winged design but reinterprets the screens. There’s a slim digital instrument cluster, a screen for the passenger, and a small central display for key functions like the state of charge. A welcome detail for many is the abundance of physical buttons and dials on the center console, steering wheel, and door pads.
This focus on mechanical detailing, as Robin Page notes, is a conscious decision. “We’re finding that, especially at our end of the market, people are a bit bored with full-digital screens. What makes us premium is to keep a good level of mechanical detailing that the others can’t do.”
Performance and Future Outlook
As a pure design concept, no battery, power, or range specifications have been revealed for the EXP 15. Aerodynamic efficiency also doesn’t seem to be a primary concern. Bentley suggests their customers find a range of 300-350 miles to be a “sweet spot,” as beyond that, they simply use their private jets.
Bentley will closely monitor the public’s reaction to the EXP 15 concept to gauge the viability of a high-riding sedan for the future. The brand’s first all-electric production vehicle, an SUV, is slated for a 2026 debut. This upcoming EV will not replace an existing model but will fill the void left by the discontinuation of the Mulsanne limousine.
- The Bentley EXP 15 is a design study, not a specific production model.
- It previews a radical new design language for Bentley’s EV era, departing from traditional cues.
- The concept features a unique three-door body and a three-seat interior.
- It also subtly introduces Bentley’s refreshed brand logo and Flying B motif.
It remains to be seen how many of these bold design elements will ultimately make their way into Bentley’s future production electric vehicles.
