Your browser does not support JavaScript!

Drawing Inspiration: The Heritage Roots and Futuristic Vision Behind Bentley’s EXP 15 Concept

General Report July 11, 2025
goover

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Heritage Roots: Early 20th-Century Grand Tourers
  2. Tribute to the 1930 Bentley Speed Six
  3. Blended Design Language: Sedan-SUV-Grand Tourer Fusion
  4. The Role of Bentley’s Crewe Design Studio
  5. Sustainability and the Electric Future
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • Bentley’s EXP 15 concept represents a significant evolution in the marque's design philosophy by harmoniously blending its illustrious heritage with an innovative vision for the electric future. The concept serves as a testament to Bentley's legacy as a pioneer in the luxury automotive segment, grounded in the principles established by early 20th-century grand tourers. Notably, the homage to historical models such as the 1930 Bentley Speed Six underscores the brand's commitment to honoring its past while charting a forward-thinking trajectory in design and technology. This three-seater grand tourer concept amalgamates elements of sedan, SUV, and grand tourer designs, culminating in a striking aesthetic that appeals to modern sensibilities without compromising the hallmark traits of luxury and performance associated with Bentley.

  • Fundamental to the design of the EXP 15 is the influence of Bentley’s progressive Crewe Design Studio, which emphasizes collaborative innovation in creating automotive art that reflects both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary requirements. As sustainability takes center stage in the automotive industry, this concept emphasizes an electric future, as evidenced by its planned full electric powertrain set to debut in the coming years. The firm's ongoing commitment to luxury, combined with a focus on reducing environmental impact, signifies a pivotal shift toward sustainable practices that will shape the nature of future Bentley models. The integration of cutting-edge materials and lightweight construction aims to enhance performance while ensuring an exquisite luxury experience, setting the groundwork for a new generation of electric vehicles poised to meet the eco-conscious consumer's demands. Together, these elements illuminate the path from Bentley’s storied past to an electrified future, highlighting an evolution that retains crucial brand values and aesthetics.

2. Heritage Roots: Early 20th-Century Grand Tourers

  • 2-1. Bentley’s Grand Tourer lineage

  • Bentley's legacy as a manufacturer of grand tourers began in the early 20th century, cementing its status as a hallmark of luxury and performance. The foundation of this lineage was firmly established with models like the 1929 Bentley 8 Litre, which epitomized grand touring through its blend of power, grace, and advanced engineering. The company quickly acquired a reputation among aristocrats and the affluent for creating vehicles that excelled in both speed and comfort. This tradition continued with models such as the Bentley Speed Six, celebrated not only for its racing pedigree but also for its elegance on the road.

  • The 1930 Bentley Speed Six, often referred to in historical narratives as the 'Blue Train', emerged from this pioneering spirit. Known for its significant role in a famous race against a luxury train, the Speed Six combined an impressive 180 bhp engine, a smooth design, and unparalleled luxury, setting benchmarks that would influence future models. Its reputation solidified Bentley's identity as the preferred choice for those who sought exhilarating journeys without sacrificing comfort. This ethos continues to resonate in Bentley's modern design philosophy.

  • 2-2. Early design cues and proportions

  • Key design elements from Bentley's early grand tourers are evident in their aesthetic appeal and proportions. The iconic 'endless' bonnet and the upright grille of models like the Speed Six are design motifs that have been carried forward into modern iterations including the EXP 15 concept. These features not only establish a visual connection with the brand's illustrious past but also enhance aerodynamics, contributing to overall performance.

  • The general proportions of early Bentleys, characterized by a lengthy chassis and luxurious interior space, have been designed to provide comfort over long distances. These elements were fundamentally aimed at facilitating the grand touring experience, where long journeys in style and comfort were paramount. The design ethos has thus evolved to integrate contemporary aesthetics while honoring foundational styling cues.

  • 2-3. Luxury hallmarks carried forward

  • Luxury has been woven into the very fabric of Bentley's automobiles since its inception. The craftsmanship demonstrated in early models is echoed in today's vehicles, where handcrafted interiors, high-quality materials, and bespoke options continue to define the brand's offerings. Notable materials like rich leathers, sustainably sourced wood, and innovative textiles have become hallmarks of Bentley luxury.

  • The commitment to exceptional quality and personalization has resulted in vehicles that are not only functional but also serve as extensions of their owners' tastes. This heritage of luxury is particularly highlighted in the EX 15 concept, which fosters an immersive user experience and exquisite detailing, aligning with the tradition of high-class service associated with Bentley vehicles since the early 20th century.

3. Tribute to the 1930 Bentley Speed Six

  • 3-1. Speed Six’s iconic form and performance

  • The 1930 Bentley Speed Six is renowned for its exceptional engineering and sophisticated design, characteristics that firmly established Bentley as a leader in luxury automotive performance. This model features an impressive inline-six engine, which represented a significant advancement in automotive technology at the time, delivering both power and speed. Renowned for its combination of elegance and strength, the Speed Six became a favorite among automotive enthusiasts and racers. Notably, it was the car that participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, showcasing its high-performance capabilities and solidifying Bentley's legacy in motorsport.

  • 3-2. Reinterpreting classic elements

  • In bringing the EXP 15 concept to fruition, Bentley has drawn inspiration from the Speed Six's classic design components. The marc is recognized for its signature features such as the elongated hood, sleek silhouette, and robust stance. The EXP 15 captures these elements while also integrating modern design cues and technology. For example, the tribute to the Speed Six is evident in the concept's prominent grille and intricate detailing, reminiscent of the iconic model. Furthermore, elements like the proportionate body lines and luxurious finishes echo the craftsmanship found in the Speed Six, connecting the past with the future of automotive design.

  • 3-3. Scale and proportions homage

  • The dimensions of the EXP 15 concept pay homage to the Speed Six, maintaining a construction that emphasizes both presence and elegance. At over 16 feet long, the concept mirrors the grandeur and offer that characterized the iconic Speed Six, albeit with a modern twist. This scale allows for a commanding road presence while accommodating innovations in interior layout and technology. By capturing the spirit of the Speed Six in its scale, Bentley not only honors its history but also sets the stage for future interpretations of luxury and performance in the electric realm.

4. Blended Design Language: Sedan-SUV-Grand Tourer Fusion

  • 4-1. Three-seater cabin layout

  • The EXP 15 concept's cabin layout marks a significant departure from traditional designs, presenting a unique three-seater configuration. This arrangement consists of two seats on the left side and one on the right, effectively challenging conventional seating arrangements in luxury vehicles. Such a layout reflects Bentley's commitment to exploring innovative interior designs that prioritize comfort and a custom driving experience. The ergonomic choices made in the EXP 15 signal an intention to redefine how occupants interact with the car, focusing on a blend of luxury and usability.

  • 4-2. Combination of luxury coupe, SUV stance, and GT comfort

  • The EXP 15 deftly combines elements from luxury coupes, SUVs, and grand tourers, creating a fusion that caters to a broad range of customer preferences. Its elevated stance and elongated silhouette capture the commanding presence typically associated with SUVs while retaining the sleek lines characteristic of Bentley's Grand Tourers. This design philosophy allows Bentley to appeal to modern buyers who may prefer the elevated driving position of an SUV without forfeiting the luxury and performance benchmarks inherent to the brand. The presence of advanced features, including a flat, upright frontal design and intricate lighting elements, further enhances this blend, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to luxury car design.

  • 4-3. Spatial and ergonomic innovation

  • Bentley's EXP 15 highlights significant strides in spatial and ergonomic innovation within the automotive sector. One of its key features includes the repurposed front end, designed without the constraints of a conventional engine, allowing for creative storage solutions. The space previously dedicated to engine cooling is transformed into dual compartments that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, embodying what Bentley refers to as modern 'digital art'. Furthermore, the thoughtful integration of traditional craftsmanship—intertwined with cutting-edge technology—gives drivers and passengers a uniquely luxurious experience. This focus on innovation underscores Bentley's ability to merge classic brand attributes with a contemporary, electrified automotive narrative.

5. The Role of Bentley’s Crewe Design Studio

  • 5-1. New studio’s mission and capabilities

  • Bentley’s Crewe Design Studio emerged as a cutting-edge facility designed to redefine the brand's approach to luxury automobile design. This new studio, officially opened in July 2025, embodies a dual mission: to pay homage to Bentley's rich heritage while simultaneously pushing the boundaries towards futuristic and sustainable automotive solutions. Central to this mission is the EXP 15 concept car, which seamlessly integrates classic Bentley design elements with modern aesthetics and advanced technologies. The studio leverages state-of-the-art resources, including advanced virtual reality (VR) software, enabling designers to create immersive design experiences that provide insights into various configurations and styles before any physical prototype is built.

  • 5-2. Collaborative design process

  • The collaborative design process at Bentley's Crewe Studio is a cornerstone of its innovative philosophy. This approach fosters synergy among various teams, encouraging a cross-disciplinary environment where engineers, designers, and market strategists work together in real time. Such collaboration is particularly evident in the development of the EXP 15, where the design has been informed by client feedback and market trends. Bentley emphasizes understanding consumer preferences, which has prompted the creation of flexible interior layouts and advanced ergonomics aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and experience. The studio also acts as a think tank, collecting insights from the automotive market to ensure that the concepts developed are not just reflective of past glories but are also forward-thinking.

  • 5-3. Real-time concept development

  • Real-time concept development at Bentley's Crewe Design Studio marks a significant advancement in the automotive design process. This dynamic approach enables instant feedback and iterative revisions, allowing designers to adapt and refine their ideas as project goals evolve. For the EXP 15, this meant continually aligning the design with the changing landscape of consumer expectations, particularly regarding luxury electric vehicles. Designers can simulate various scenarios using VR, allowing them to visualize how elements will interact in real life before construction begins. This capability accelerates development timelines and ensures that the final product not only meets the stringent standards of Bentley's luxury ethos but also capitalizes on new trends in the automotive market.

6. Sustainability and the Electric Future

  • 6-1. Integration of electric powertrain

  • As Bentley forges ahead into a more sustainable future, the integration of a fully electric powertrain emerges as a cornerstone of its strategic vision. The EXP 15 concept exemplifies this shift, showcasing a design that emphasizes not only performance but also luxurious long-distance capabilities typical of grand tourers. Bentley's commitment to electric mobility is underlined by its ambition to produce its first fully electric vehicle by 2026, leveraging insights from the EXP 15 prototype. As the luxury segment evolves, this dual focus on high-performance and sustainability seeks to redefine the expectations of ultra-luxurious driving experiences.

  • 6-2. Material innovation and lightweighting

  • In line with its sustainability goals, Bentley is prioritizing material innovation and lightweight construction in its upcoming electric models. By incorporating advanced materials like 3D-printed titanium and acrylic mesh, alongside traditional luxurious touches such as wool and silk, Bentley aims to balance heritage aesthetics with the demands of modern, eco-conscious consumers. The development of next-generation materials is part of Bentley's 'Beyond100' initiative, which aims for the brand to reach full carbon neutrality by 2030. Lightweighting not only enhances efficiency for electric cars but also contributes to improved performance metrics without sacrificing the opulence expected from a Bentley.

  • 6-3. Preview of upcoming EV models

  • The EXP 15 serves as a harbinger of the design language and technologies expected in Bentley's future electric vehicle lineup. Analysts anticipate the production model, likely debuting in 2026, will feature a compact SUV framework aimed at appealing to a broad market while maintaining the elegance that Bentley is renowned for. By showcasing a three-seat layout and innovative uses of interior space, including cargo capacity, Bentley is set to differentiate itself in an increasingly competitive electric vehicle segment. The evolving design ethos not only strengthens Bentley's heritage connection with grand touring but also aligns with the contemporary shift toward electric mobility, positioning the brand as a leader in the transition to sustainable luxury.

Conclusion

  • The unveiling of Bentley’s EXP 15 concept encapsulates a strategic vision that not only reveres the brand's historical roots but also boldly embraces the impending shift towards electric mobility. By drawing inspiration from its grand tourer heritage and the iconic 1930 Speed Six, Bentley traverses the delicate balance between legacy and innovation, fostering a design ethos that echoes with the brand’s traditional pillars of proportion and luxury. The innovative integration of a three-seater layout merges the characteristics of sedans, SUVs, and grand tourers into a cohesive design language reflective of modern luxury demands, developed within the framework of the newly established Crewe Design Studio.

  • As Bentley approaches its forthcoming electric vehicle transition, the EXP 15 serves as both a harbinger of and a blueprint for its product pipeline, heralding a new era of designs that prioritize sustainability without losing sight of the opulence synonymous with the brand. The future of Bentley lies in its ability to amalgamate sustainable technologies, advanced engineering, and exquisite craftsmanship, setting the stage for a lineup that resonates with evolving consumer preferences. As these futuristic models move closer to production, all signs suggest that Bentley will not only uphold its venerable lineage but will also redefine the paradigm of luxury vehicles in a zero-emission landscape. With such enduring themes of heritage and innovation, Bentley’s narrative is poised for exciting developments on the horizon.

Glossary

  • EXP 15: Bentley’s EXP 15 is a concept car that blends modern design with the marque’s heritage, focusing on a three-seater layout and an electric powertrain. This vehicle embodies Bentley's shift towards sustainable luxury while paying homage to classic grand tourers, particularly the 1930 Speed Six.
  • Bentley: Bentley is a luxury automotive brand established in the early 20th century, known for its grand tourers, high-performance vehicles, and meticulous craftsmanship. The brand is currently focusing on electrification and sustainability in its future models.
  • Grand Tourer: A grand tourer is a type of vehicle designed for high-speed long-distance driving while combining luxury and performance. Bentley has a storied legacy in producing grand tourers, which prioritize comfort, elegance, and advanced engineering.
  • Speed Six: The 1930 Bentley Speed Six is a historic model renowned for its performance and luxury. It featured an inline-six engine, establishing benchmarks for speed and elegance in the luxury automotive market, contributing significantly to Bentley's motorsport legacy.
  • Crewe: Crewe is the location of Bentley’s headquarters and design studio. This facility plays a pivotal role in the brand’s design philosophy, merging heritage with modern innovation, especially in the development of electric vehicles like the EXP 15.
  • Concept Car: A concept car is a prototype designed to showcase new technologies, design ideas, and potentials for future production vehicles. The EXP 15 serves as an example of Bentley's vision for the future of luxury electric vehicles.
  • Electric Vehicle (EV): An electric vehicle is powered by an electric motor instead of a traditional internal combustion engine. Bentley is transitioning to EVs, with plans for its first fully electric model expected to debut in 2026 as part of its sustainability strategy.
  • Design Studio: Bentley’s Crewe Design Studio focuses on creating innovative automobile designs. Officially opened in July 2025, it integrates advanced technologies and collaborative processes to honor the brand's heritage while pushing towards a sustainable future.
  • Heritage: Heritage refers to the historical significance and traditions that influence a brand's identity. For Bentley, this includes its legacy of luxury, craftsmanship, and performance established in the early 20th century.
  • Sedan-SUV-GT: This term describes the hybrid design language of the EXP 15, incorporating elements from sedans, SUVs, and grand tourers to appeal to diverse preferences while maintaining luxury and performance standards.
  • Sustainability: Sustainability in the context of automotive design refers to practices that reduce environmental impact and promote eco-friendly technologies. Bentley is committed to sustainability as part of its evolution towards electric vehicles.
  • Beyond100 Initiative: Bentley's 'Beyond100' initiative outlines the company’s commitment to achieving full carbon neutrality by 2030, focusing on sustainable production and materials in response to growing environmental concerns.

Source Documents