British luxury automaker Bentley has pulled the covers off its most ambitious concept yet – the Bentley EXP 15 design vision that transforms inspiration from heritage into a thoroughly modern concept. This full-size exterior model, complemented by a virtual reality interior experience, provides tantalizing glimpses into the brand’s first fully electric production vehicle due in 2026.
Heritage Meets Electrification
The EXP 15 draws profound inspiration from automotive history, specifically the legendary 1930 three-seater Bentley Speed Six nicknamed “Blue Train”. This historic vehicle gained fame when Bentley chairman Woolf Barnato raced it against Le Train Bleu from Cannes to Calais, arriving in London before the luxury express train even reached its French destination.
The EXP 15 has an unusual shape that doesn’t really conform to a traditional body style, with a raised stance that hints at SUV styling but a sloping fastback roofline. The concept embodies Bentley’s design philosophy of ‘Upright Elegance’ while maintaining the brand’s iconic proportions through its long bonnet and rearward cabin positioning.
Revolutionary Design Language
Digital Artistry Replaces Tradition
Perhaps the most striking feature is the reimagined front grille. Despite changes to electrified powertrains, the iconic grille remains important to the brand’s historic visual architecture, with Director of Design Robin Page noting “Grilles used to be all about getting air to the combustion engine through the front of the car. But now with light technology changing we have an opportunity to create a piece of digital art”.
The hexagonal grille features an intricate array of triangular elements that pay homage to classic Bentley crosshairs while incorporating modern LED technology. The grille is framed by vertical LED headlights that give it a somewhat robotic stare, echoed by illuminated vertical trim pieces at the leading edge of the doors.
Innovative Interior Configuration
The EXP 15 showcases a unique three-seat, three-door layout that challenges conventional luxury car design. With three doors and three seats—one of which can slide forward and back, as well as recline—much of what you see on the EXP 15 won’t make it to production. The asymmetrical door arrangement features one door on the driver’s side and two coach doors on the passenger side.
Electric Performance Vision
Bentley says the EXP 15 uses an all-wheel-drive and fully electric powertrain, envisioned to have “a long range” and charge speeds within “the convenience customers have come to expect of a Bentley”. While specific performance figures remain undisclosed, the concept signals Bentley’s commitment to maintaining luxury grand touring capabilities in the electric era.
Market Context and Government Policy
The EXP 15 arrives as the UK government implements ambitious electric vehicle policies. The zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate requires 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in Great Britain to be zero emission by 2030, increasing to 100% by 2035. This regulatory framework, supported by government investment of over £2 billion, creates a compelling environment for luxury manufacturers like Bentley to accelerate their electric transition.
Bentley EXP 15 Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | Over 197 inches (5+ metres) |
| Seating Configuration | 3 seats (asymmetrical layout) |
| Door Configuration | 3 doors (1 driver side, 2 passenger side) |
| Powertrain | All-wheel-drive electric |
| Inspiration | 1930 Bentley Speed Six “Blue Train” |
| Production Timeline | Design cues for 2026 EV |
| Interior Experience | Virtual reality demonstration |
Production Implications
Bentley says the EXP 15 isn’t intended for production, but the brand did say that the concept previews its future design direction. The automaker’s first electric vehicle will likely adopt a more conventional SUV format when it debuts next year, though key design elements from the EXP 15 will influence future models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the Bentley EXP 15 go into production?
A: No, the EXP 15 is a design concept only, but it previews design elements for Bentley’s first production EV launching in 2026.
Q: What inspired the EXP 15’s unusual design?
A: The concept draws inspiration from the 1930 Bentley Speed Six “Blue Train” three-seater, adapting classic proportions for the electric era.
Q: When will Bentley’s first electric car be available?
A: Bentley plans to reveal its first fully electric production vehicle in 2026, expected to be a luxury urban SUV.
Also Read:-Volkswagen Transporter 2025 EV, PHEV Variants Coming to Oz