…you’ve seen Bentley’s new EXP 15 Concept
Yes, it’s only a concept, but the all-electric, all-wheel drive powertrain defines the future of Bentley, and points the way to what Bentley sees as the future of their cars, defined by both a changing world and the wants and demands of their customers. On target to release their first all-electric car in 2026 with deliveries in 2027, expect the automotive producer to electrify their best-selling model, the Bentayga SUV, as it is perfect platform due to the very strong demand for the Hybrid and Extended Wheelbase (EWB) variant. The new 2026 product will undoubtedly integrate some of the EXP 15’s dazzle.
The 21st Century Bentley client is asking for high-tech, high-touch Grand Touring machines, designed to cosset them in the best of everything, and Bentley is keenly aware of what motivates the affluent to choose one of their cars. A great deal of that want is in Bentley’s exciting history. A history filled with glamour and exclusivity.
Reaching back to nearly a century ago for inspiration, a time of glamour both on the road and in the lives of those who could afford the extravagance of their cars, Bentley, in their newly designed studio, reveals its future, with a nod to their storied past.
Drawing on the near mythic tale of Woolf Barnato and his famous 1930 Bentley Speed Six, also known as the Blue Train Bentley, Barnato, the legendary CEO of Bentley at the time, raced the famous Blue Train through France, from Cannes to Calais, arriving in London before the train even made it to Calais. He was a member of a social set of wealthy British motorists known as the “Bentley Boys” who all drove the cars of W. O. Bentley. He and his friends exploits soon had those in fortunate financial circumstances clamoring for a Bentley.
Bentleys have always been designed for a special few and the EXP 15 Concept brings exclusivity to a new level. The interior is very unique, having just three seats and three doors, with special storage compartments for hand-held luggage and small pets. That third passenger seat is an interesting concept that should never make it into a production car, but the seat is capable of moving along side the driver in ‘Co-Pilot’ mode, slid back to the “Standard’ position, or full reclined in ‘Relax’ mode with an immense amount of legroom with that aforementioned storage area for pets and anything up to a roll aboard.
And the trunk has everything you need for tailgating picnics at special events, with two small seats that can swing down to provide luxurious seating, with refrigerated chillers for cooling Limoncello Spritzes, and a small antiques-shaped glass lamp assures nothing gets spilled in the dark.
The EXP 15 is muscular, bold, with a lighted grill and lighted, newly designed, flying B, the company’s trademark and like all Bentleys, commands serious gravitas.
In summary, the EXP 15 isn’t intended for sale, won’t be sold, will never be produced so don’t bother calling your Bentley dealer. And Bentley insists the Concept isn’t a preview of that smaller all-electric machine that is scheduled to be unveiled shortly.
Instead, think about a new GT machine that embodies much of this concept exercise and rumors swirl around a 2028 car that will be released late that year.
