Bentley Motors revealed the EXP 15, an innovative grand tourer concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, presenting design elements for future Bentleys, including their first fully electric vehicle, slated for the near future.

The concept incorporates a distinctive three-seat layout inspired by the 1930 Bentley Speed Six, with unique in-cabin storage and five key exterior design principles that blend luxury, heritage, and sustainability.

Director of Design Robin Page emphasized the value of feedback from discerning audiences to steer Bentley’s transition toward electrified grand tourers. the EXP 15 isn’t meant for production, but is a design exercise to show the brand’s future direction.

The design features a deep collaboration with traditional British material suppliers to incorporate luxurious classic fabrics into automotive usage.

The EXP 15 Concept also introduces a new Winged B emblem that channels the spirit of the 1919 original.

Bentley’s iconic diamond quilt interior pattern is creatively reimagined for both interior and exterior applications.

The EXP 15 pays homage to the legendary 1930 Bentley Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman coupe, famously known as the “Blue Train,” linked to a historical race between company chairman Woolf Barnato and the luxury express train Le Train Bleu.

The concept was developed with virtual reality (VR) software, allowing customers to explore various configurations while combining classic luxury features such as wing-shaped dashboards, sophisticated dials and switches, and premium seating to elevate the electric grand tourer experience. Bespoke for each client, as is every Bentley.

There are five main exterior design principles: Upright Elegance, a design theme that all the fronts of a Bentley are gently curved vertical lines, drawing inspiration from a thoroughbred horse.

Next is the Iconic Grille, which is now utilized as a means to convey digital art through ingenious lighting of its elements, and still very much a prominent Bentley feature.

Third is the Endless Bonnet Line, reflecting Bentley’s past models where the front section housed their massive internal combustion engines, thus necessitating long bonets to house these massive powerplants and has very much become a Bentley design trademark.

The fourth design theme, Resting Beast represents the haunches from the rear fenders that bulge out menacingly from the body of the car over the rear wheels, expressing a predator patiently waiting to pounce, drawing power from its hind legs coiled for action.

The final design theme is the Prestigious Shield, pertaining to the clean sections at the rear of the vehicle, which in past Bentley models were luggage compartments.

While the EXP 15 Concept might seem like a radical departure from all modern Volkswagen-era Bentleys, it helps close the gap to Bentley’s glamorous past to its very exciting future.

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