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Bentley Motors unveiled its striking EXP 15 concept car at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance during Monterey Car Week, marking its public debut. This full-size, non-production grand tourer showcases innovative design principles that will shape Bentley’s future models, including its first fully electric vehicle. Drawing inspiration from the iconic 1930 Bentley Speed Six Gurney Nutting ‘Blue Train’ Sportsman coupé, EXP 15 blends heritage with forward-thinking aesthetics, offering a glimpse into the brand’s electrified future.
Key Highlights
- Public Debut: EXP 15 premiered at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
- Design Vision: Showcases five principles guiding Bentley’s future models.
- Heritage Inspiration: Echoes the 1930 Speed Six ‘Blue Train’ coupé.
- Innovative Features: Three-seat layout, advanced materials, and unique lighting.
- Monterey Showcase: Displayed alongside the original Speed Six on 17 Mile Drive.
- Future Influence: Informs Bentley’s design for electrified grand tourers.
A Nod to Bentley’s Heritage
The EXP 15 pays homage to the 1930 Speed Six, famously known as the ‘Blue Train’ for its legendary race against a train. Like its predecessor, EXP 15 features a three-door, three-seat configuration, prioritizing luxury and comfort. This layout provides ample space for passengers, pets, or luggage, redefining grand tourer practicality. Its iconic upright grille, long bonnet, and rearward cabin evoke Bentley’s timeless aesthetic while integrating modern design cues suited for the electric era.
Five Core Design Principles
Bentley’s EXP 15 introduces five exterior design principles that will define its future vehicles:
- Upright Elegance: Shapes the front fender for a commanding profile.
- Iconic Grille: Reimagines Bentley’s signature grille for electric models.
- Endless Bonnet Line: Reflects the brand’s heritage in elongated hood designs.
- Resting Beast: Conveys muscularity and power in a sleek form.
- Prestigious Shield: Frames the reimagined Winged B emblem at the rear.
These elements combine to create a luxurious, sustainable grand tourer that remains unmistakably Bentley.
Innovative Materials and Design
The EXP 15 stands out with its innovative materials, advanced lighting technology, and refined exterior surfacing. These features highlight Bentley’s commitment to blending craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. The concept car’s sleek lines and muscular stance embody the Resting Beast principle, exuding power even at rest. Its modern reinterpretation of the Winged B emblem underscores Bentley’s evolution toward electrification while honoring its storied past.
Monterey Car Week Showcase
Monterey Car Week provided the perfect stage for EXP 15’s debut, attracting discerning collectors and enthusiasts. The event also featured a rare reunion with the 1930 Speed Six ‘Blue Train’, courtesy of its owner. Both vehicles, crafted at Bentley’s Crewe Dream Factory, were photographed along the scenic 17 Mile Drive, capturing their elegance against California’s coastal backdrop. Feedback from attendees will guide Bentley’s design evolution as it develops its next generation of electrified vehicles.
Shaping Bentley’s Future
Robin Page, Bentley’s Director of Design, emphasized the significance of the EXP 15 debut: “Monterey Car Week attracts the world’s most discerning collectors, many of whom own Bentleys. The EXP 15 is a bold statement of intent, and feedback from Pebble Beach will shape our electrified grand tourers.” After its Monterey appearance, the concept car returns to Bentley’s newly opened three-storey Design Studio in Crewe, where it will continue to influence the brand’s design DNA.
A Vision for Electrified Luxury
While not destined for production, the EXP 15 signals Bentley’s commitment to sustainable luxury. Its debut at Monterey Car Week, the first for a Bentley concept since the EXP 100 GT in 2019, underscores the brand’s focus on innovation. As Bentley prepares for its first fully electric vehicle, the EXP 15 serves as a blueprint for combining heritage, luxury, and electrification in future models.
For more details, visit Bentley Motors.
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