Bentley Motors has unveiled its EXP 15 Design Vision Concept at its newly opened design studio in Crewe. This full-size exterior model, paired with a VR interior experience, offers more than just aesthetic appeal. It previews key design elements of Bentley’s first fully electric production car, expected in 2026. The concept blends heritage cues with cutting-edge technology to signal Bentley’s all-electric future. It sets the tone for the brand’s evolving design direction.
A Modern Tribute to the Blue Train Legend
The EXP 15 draws inspiration from the iconic 1930 Bentley Speed Six “Blue Train,” celebrated for its race against the Le Train Bleu express. Classical Bentley design elements such as long bonnets, upright grilles, rearward cabins, and muscular rear haunches are retained in this concept. Unlike retro replicas, this vision car uses ultra-modern surfacing and active aerodynamics to anchor it firmly in today and tomorrow. Advanced LED lighting furthers its futuristic character while enhancing visual appeal. Heritage and innovation are thus seamlessly merged in this design.
A Sporting Sedan with a High-Tech Twist
Bentley has reinvented its iconic grille into a light sculpture using advanced LED technology. This grille merges into a long, flowing bonnet and leads into a sleek, modern cabin silhouette . Sculpted body lines suggest strength and athleticism without aggression. Power and poise define the exterior, reflecting Bentley’s vision of an electric grand tourer. Every design choice highlights innovation rooted in performance DNA.
Departing from traditional layouts, the EXP 15 introduces a three-seat, three-door configuration. One driver-side door pairs with twin passenger coach doors that swing open alongside roof panels. The asymmetric layout reveals a swiveling passenger seat for ease of access and comfort. Clever in-cabin storage systems accommodate luggage, pets, or personal items. When parked, the rear hatch transforms into tailgate seating, perfect for stylish outdoor gatherings.
A “Phygital” Cabin That Adapts to You
Inside, physical controls like knurled dials and luxurious switchgear combine with immersive digital interfaces. The cabin was developed using VR to allow endless customization based on driver mood and functional need. Materials are sustainably sourced from British specialists, including Fox Brothers wool, Gainsborough silk jacquard, and lightweight 3D-printed titanium. This blending of textures and technology defines Bentley’s commitment to phygital luxury. The result is an adaptive, human-centric driving experience.
Lighting, Aerodynamics, and Sculptural Form
Slim vertical LED headlight strips hug the front wheel arches, replacing traditional circular lamps. A central illuminated spine on the grille emits a diamond grid logo, reinforcing brand recognition. The exterior sports active vents, deployable spoilers, and diffusers to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. Carved surfaces embody a monolithic presence, giving the body a sculpted, stone-hewn aesthetic. These features merge performance, aesthetics, and futuristic design.
Ultra-Luxury Materials and Tech-Forward Finishes
The exterior is finished in Pallas Gold satin paint using ultra-thin aluminum pigment, making it transparent to radar and lidar systems. Inside, layered materials like backlit veneer, acrylic couture mesh, and printed titanium combine elegance and efficiency. These sustainable finishes reduce weight and complexity. They demonstrate Bentley’s dual commitment to craftsmanship and ecological innovation. Each material is selected to enhance luxury and performance synergy.
Additionally, a redesigned Winged B badge—echoing its 1919 predecessor—crowns the rear tailgate Bentley’s iconic diamond-quilt motif is reinterpreted through dynamic LED lighting across the interior and exterior. These refreshed details uphold brand heritage while elevating visual impact. They reinforce Bentley’s design narrative of merging historical identity with modern innovation. This fusion creates a cohesive and evolving visual statement.
This visual statement encompasses Bentley’s design strategy and design pillars.
Bentley’s design strategy for its future EV lineup is shaped by five core principles:
- Upright Elegance | A poised vertical front face
- Iconic Grille | Now a sculptural light piece
- Endless Bonnet Line | Unbroken sweep from hood to rear
- Resting Beast | Encapsulating power through poised rear muscle
- Prestigious Shield | Clean sculpted rear with winged badge and diamond lights
Together, these principles maintain Bentley’s legacy while embracing electric-era design evolution.
Though a concept only, EXP 15 previews Bentley’s vision of an all-wheel-drive electric powertrain capable of long-range high-performance touring. It aligns with the Beyond 100 strategy and expectations for a 2026 production EV. The concept emphasizes luxury, sustainability, and the joy of refined travel. While it might not reach production in this form, it shapes expectations for Bentley’s future. This vision car signals a new era in electric grand touring.
Why EXP 15 Matters for Bentley’s Future
The EXP 15 concept serves as a bold visual manifesto rather than a production model. It unites nostalgic design cues, pioneering phygital interiors, and sustainable craftsmanship. These elements form the foundation of Bentley’s electric design language. As a design exercise, it introduces the tone for Bentleys to come in 2026 and beyond. This vehicle marks the beginning of a transformative era for Bentley.