Bentley EXP 15 Design Vision Concept: A Story Reimagined for the Future
Bentley Motors has unveiled its most forward-thinking creation yet: the EXP 15 design vision concept, introduced within the brand’s state-of-the-art new design studio. More than just a design study, the EXP 15 represents Bentley’s reimagination of luxury mobility, merging century-old heritage with futuristic technology and sustainability. This bold, full-size concept offers a glimpse into the evolution of Bentley's design language, while serving as a testbed for ideas that could shape the brand’s first all-electric vehicles and beyond.
A Modern Take on a Legendary Journey
At first glance, the EXP 15 evokes Bentley’s storied past. Its upright grille, “endless” bonnet, and rearward cabin silhouette pay homage to the legendary 1930 Bentley Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman Coupe—the same model associated with Woolf Barnato’s iconic race against the Blue Train. However, while the past provides inspiration, the EXP 15 is firmly grounded in the future with ultra-modern surfacing, active aerodynamics, and high-tech LED lighting that reflect a bold new direction for Bentley design.
This concept car isn’t just a nod to history; it’s a statement of intent. EXP 15 is not for production, but many of its cues—especially in exterior proportions and interior innovations—hint at what’s coming in Bentley’s first all-electric production models.
Exterior Design: A Fusion of Art and Aerodynamics
The EXP 15 design language is built on five exterior design principles, meant to guide the shape of future Bentleys:
- Upright Elegance – A vertical, gently curved front silhouette reminiscent of a poised thoroughbred horse.
- Iconic Grille – A reimagined grille with digital LED artistry, maintaining a powerful presence even in the electric era.
- Endless Bonnet Line – A tribute to Bentley’s combustion legacy, now creatively repurposed with twin storage compartments under the bonnet.
- Resting Beast Stance – Muscular rear haunches and a relaxed, horizontal profile exude quiet power, like a resting predator.
- Prestigious Shield – A clean, expansive rear surface framed by diamond-patterned taillights and Bentley’s illuminated winged emblem.
In terms of detailing, the EXP 15’s lighting architecture, aero-enhanced spoilers, and diamond-themed motifs redefine elegance with function. The body appears carved from a single form—what Bentley calls “Monolithic Presence”—while retaining lightness and precision through techniques like 3D titanium printing.
Interior: Virtual, Intelligent, and Immersive
Inside, the EXP 15 breaks with convention while embracing the essence of British craftsmanship. Designed primarily in virtual reality, the concept’s cabin is a fusion of physical beauty and digital magic. Traditional Bentley features—wood veneers, knurled metal, and quilted upholstery—sit beside digital dashboards that disappear at will.
The interior layout features a rare three-seat configuration with three doors, including a single driver-side entrance and a luxurious twin-door arrangement on the passenger side. The passenger seat rotates outward, offering graceful egress and emphasizing Bentley’s focus on “the art of arrival.”
Material innovation shines through with:
- Damson ombre wool by Fox Brothers
- Jacquard silk woven by Gainsborough
- Acrylic Couture woven mesh
- Backlit cut-veneer diamond patterns
Each element merges the artisanal and futuristic, making EXP 15’s interior a sensory-rich, sustainable haven.
User Experience: Where Physical Meets Digital
Bentley’s UX philosophy centers around Magical Fusion—the seamless blending of tactile materials and advanced tech. The dashboard can transform from a solid wood panel into a full-width display. The “Mechanical Marvel”, a clock-like centerpiece, offers an elegant alternative to overwhelming screens, with moving illuminated fingers that communicate vital information.
The Concertina Floor Storage, adaptable seat positioning, and luxury pet/luggage zones all reinforce Bentley’s commitment to personalization and flexibility. Even the boot doubles as a luxury picnic setup, complete with seats, lighting, and a retractable fridge.
A Sustainable Grand Tourer for the Electric Age
While Bentley has not released powertrain specs, the EXP 15 is conceived as a fully electric, all-wheel-drive grand tourer. Its aerodynamic enhancements, sustainable materials, and digital features reflect the brand’s ambition to lead in luxury electric mobility without sacrificing legacy or performance.
Robin Page, Bentley’s Director of Design, summarized it best:
“The beauty of a concept car is not just to position our new design language, but to test where the market’s going.”
Conclusion
The Bentley EXP 15 is more than just a concept — it’s a declaration of Bentley’s vision for the next era. By blending heritage with hypermodernity, and luxury with responsibility, Bentley shows how a brand rooted in tradition can remain boldly future-focused. From the diamond-inspired lighting to the rotating lounge seats, EXP 15 illustrates how tomorrow’s cars can still tell stories of the past—just in a different language.
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