Bentley has pulled the wraps off the EXP 15 concept, a bold and futuristic design study that offers a glimpse into the brand’s electric future. While it doesn’t preview a specific production model, the EXP 15 showcases new design directions and philosophies that could influence upcoming Bentley EVs, starting with the brand’s first all-electric SUV expected in 2026.
A New Chapter in Bentley’s Design Language
The EXP 15 completely reimagines what a Bentley can look like. Gone are the familiar cues such as twin circular headlights and oval tail-lamps. Instead, the concept features a radical aesthetic with slim vertical LED headlamps, a monolithic silhouette, and bold proportions that blur the lines between a sedan, SUV, and grand tourer.
Measuring 5.4 meters long, the EXP 15 takes inspiration from Bentley’s past — specifically, the 1928 Speed Six “Blue Train” — while boldly projecting into the future. According to design director Robin Page, the idea was to make a “bit of a bang,” embracing a form that is upright, sculpted, and commanding.
Exterior: Heritage-Inspired, Future-Facing
The front end is distinguished by a sealed, backlit grille with a diamond motif, and a new Flying B logo concealed in glass. The long bonnet — a nod to classic Bentleys — intriguingly houses a luggage compartment, accessed via side-hinged top panels.
In profile, the EXP 15 exhibits strong character lines, accentuated rear arches, and a cab-rear stance, all complemented by dual-tone aero wheels and cameras in place of mirrors. The window line echoes that of the classic Speed Six, offering a clear link to Bentley’s storied history.
At the rear, the familiar Bentley elegance makes way for a sharper, more concept-like finish. C-shaped LED taillights replace the traditional ovals, while a two-part rear spoiler with active aero flaps adds visual drama — though some might find it a bit generic among today’s EV concepts.
Interior: A Three-Seater Lounge with a Canine Twist
Inside, the EXP 15 pushes convention aside. This is a three-door limousine with just three seats — the front passenger seat has been intentionally omitted. Bentley claims that its clientele either prefer to drive or be chauffeured, rarely needing a full four-seat configuration.
The space left by the missing seat has been used innovatively: it now houses a bespoke dog carrier, because in Bentley’s world, even pets travel in luxury. The rear seats can swivel outwards by 90 degrees for a more elegant egress, while part of the roof opens to allow passengers to stand before stepping out. Additional indulgences include picnic seats and a champagne cooler in the boot.
The dashboard retains Bentley’s signature wing-shaped layout but reinterprets it for the EV age. There’s a slim digital instrument band, a central screen displaying essentials like charge status, and a display for the passenger side. Crucially, Bentley hasn’t gone fully digital — physical buttons and rotary dials remain, giving the cabin a tactile and premium feel.
“We’re seeing fatigue with fully digital interiors,” says Page. “In our segment, mechanical detailing remains a key part of the luxury experience.”
Technical Specs: Still Under Wraps
As a pure concept, Bentley hasn’t disclosed technical specifications like battery size, power output, or range figures. However, Page noted that Bentley owners tend to consider 300-350 miles as a sufficient range — anything beyond that, and they’ll “take the private jet.”
Given its sheer size and upright design, the EXP 15 clearly isn’t focused on extreme aerodynamic efficiency. Instead, the emphasis is on design presence and ultra-luxurious experiences.
A Vision to Reimagine the Limousine
The EXP 15 serves as Bentley’s vision to reinvent the luxury sedan for an electric future. While the concept may polarize traditionalists, it represents an intentional departure — a challenge to evolve beyond the norms that have defined Bentley for decades.
Although the EXP 15 isn’t bound for production, Bentley is closely monitoring public and industry reaction. The elements that resonate most may well find their way into future models, especially the 2026 all-electric SUV, which will fill the void left by the discontinued Mulsanne.
For now, the EXP 15 stands as a provocative statement — a futuristic fusion of heritage, technology, and indulgence — redefining what a Bentley can be in the electric age.
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