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Heritage Meets Innovation: The Design Inspiration Behind Bentley’s EXP 15 Concept

General Report July 12, 2025
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Heritage Roots and Design Language
  2. Vision for an Electric Future
  3. Experiential Interior and New Design Studio
  4. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • Bentley’s EXP 15 Design Vision Concept, unveiled in July 2025 alongside the opening of its new Crewe design studio, represents a significant convergence of the brand's early-20th-century Grand Tourer legacy and innovative advancements aimed at an all-electric future. Drawing direct inspiration from historic icons such as the 1930 'Blue Train' Speed Six, the EXP 15 fuses classic design elements with forward-thinking features tailored for modern luxury. The concept introduces distinctive attributes like rotating seats, a three-door layout, and even a bespoke dog bed, reimagining luxury mobility in fundamental ways. This analysis delves into the historical influences, technological aspirations, and experiential enhancements that inform the EXP 15’s striking design language, emphasizing Bentley's commitment to bridging the past and the future seamlessly.

  • The vehicle's design ethos is deeply enriched by its heritage, embodying the long, elegant lines characteristic of early Grand Tourers. Key design principles are apparent in elements like the iconic upright grille and the 'endless' bonnet, both of which relate closely to the artistry of classic models, particularly the revered Speed Six. Such historical ties are not merely aesthetic but serve a dual purpose; they acknowledge Bentley’s rich legacy and illustrate its dedication to maintaining hallmark styling cues. Moreover, the EXP 15 applies modern techniques in its application of these classic features—combining history with contemporary design paradigms that prioritize luxury and aesthetic cohesion—thus ensuring its appeal to a new generation of customers.

  • As Bentley pivots towards an all-electric future, the EXP 15 Concept offers a preview of an all-wheel-drive powertrain designed to align with luxury expectations for performance and efficiency. Though the technical specifics remain undisclosed, projections indicate that the forthcoming production models, expected to launch in 2026, will embody the driving experience synonymous with the Bentley name, while facilitating a transition to electric vehicle architecture. The choice of materials showcases a thoughtful hybridization of traditional craftsmanship—such as luxurious wool textiles—with cutting-edge innovations like 3D-printed components, reflecting a sophisticated approach to the evolution of luxury electric vehicles.

2. Heritage Roots and Design Language

  • 2-1. Early-20th-century Grand Tourer influences

  • The EXP 15 concept, unveiled in July 2025, captures the essence of early-20th-century Grand Tourers, which were characterized by long, elegant lines and luxurious features. This design ethos is epitomized by elements such as the iconic upright grille and the ‘endless’ bonnet — both of which hark back to classic models like the 1930 Bentley Speed Six. This connection to the past not only showcases Bentley's rich heritage but also reflects the brand's commitment to maintaining its hallmark styling cues as it transitions into the electric future. The integration of these historic features serves to honor Bentley's legacy while simultaneously embracing contemporary design principles, with an emphasis on luxury and aesthetic harmony.

  • 2-2. 1930 Speed Six ‘Blue Train’ inspiration

  • One of the pivotal inspirations for the Bentley EXP 15 is the legendary Speed Six, famously known as the ‘Blue Train’. This historical vehicle solidified its place in automotive lore when Woolf Barnato, the then chairman, raced it against a luxury express train from Cannes to London, arriving before the train reached Calais. The EXP 15 captures this narrative through its design, embodying the race's spirit of speed and elegance. Specific elements such as the elongated proportions and rearward cabin design are directly derived from the Speed Six, ensuring that this modern concept remains steeped in historical significance while innovating for an electric era. The use of modern materials and technologies alongside these classic design features facilitates a dialogue between past and present, highlighting Bentley's intention to create vehicles that not only perform but also resonate emotionally with their customers.

  • 2-3. Heritage motifs in bodywork and proportions

  • The bodywork of the EXP 15 has been meticulously designed to reflect traditional Bentley motifs while positioning itself as a leader in modern automotive design. The concept showcases five exterior design principles: Upright Elegance, Iconic Grille, Endless Bonnet Line, Resting Beast, and Prestigious Shield. Each principle draws directly from Bentley's storied past while adapting to contemporary aesthetics and technologies. For instance, the ‘Upright Elegance’ principle ensures that the silhouette maintains a gently curved vertical line, akin to the graceful posture of thoroughbred horses, enhancing the classic elegance associated with Bentley cars.

  • Additionally, the 'Iconic Grille' has been reimagined not simply as an air intake but as a piece of 'digital art' reflective of the brand’s heritage, utilizing modern lighting technology. The repurposing of space under the bonnet honors the historical design while accommodating modern electric powertrains, repurposing traditional design aspects for new functionality. This synthesis of heritage and advanced design techniques ensures that the EXP 15 not only resonates with history but also captivates a forward-looking audience, affirming Bentley's commitment to innovation within its legacy.

3. Vision for an Electric Future

  • 3-1. All-electric, all-wheel-drive powertrain preview

  • The Bentley EXP 15 Concept presents a groundbreaking shift towards a fully electric future, featuring an all-electric, all-wheel-drive powertrain designed for performance and efficiency. Although specific technical details have not been disclosed, indications suggest that the powertrain will excel in both range and recharging capabilities, aligning with luxury expectations. It is anticipated that the forthcoming production models, set to debut in 2026, will incorporate key elements from the EXP 15, ensuring a powerful driving experience that retains the brand’s prestigious performance heritage while transitioning to electric architecture.

  • 3-2. Material and technology approaches for future EVs

  • Bentley's approach to materials in the EXP 15 Concept exemplifies a commitment to hybridizing traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations. The interior combines sustainable materials such as 100% wool textiles and jacquard silk with futuristic elements, including 3D-printed titanium components. This blending is integral in defining the future of luxury electric vehicles, where tactile experiences align with advanced technologies. The use of backlit veneers and light-reactive surfaces within the cabin underscores a trend towards creating immersive environments that enhance the user experience, reflecting a deeper interaction with the vehicle through both physical and digital realms.

  • 3-3. Translating classic cues into a modern electric grand tourer

  • The EXP 15 Concept carefully navigates the challenge of preserving Bentley's rich heritage while embracing cutting-edge electric vehicle development. Drawing inspiration from the 1930 Bentley Speed Six 'Blue Train, ' the design incorporates signature features such as an upright grille and elongated bonnet, reinterpreted with modern aesthetics and functionality. This effort to translate classic design cues into a contemporary electric framework demonstrates Bentley's strategic vision for the future. Moreover, the innovative layout of the cabin—most notably the three-seat design with a swiveling passenger seat—highlights a focus on luxury and user experience that caters to modern sensibilities while honoring the brand's storied past.

4. Experiential Interior and New Design Studio

  • 4-1. Rotating seats and three-door configuration

  • The EXP 15 Concept embraces a novel interior layout with a focus on luxury and comfort. The design features a unique three-door configuration that includes a single driver-side door and two coach-style doors on the passenger side. This arrangement allows for easier access and departure for passengers, particularly benefiting the rear seat occupants, who can enjoy an innovative rotating seat feature. The passenger-side rear seat can swivel 45 degrees outwards and shift positions between standard, reclined, and a co-pilot mode beside the driver. This thoughtful design not only enhances comfort but also elevates the overall experience of entering and exiting the vehicle, embodying what Bentley refers to as the 'art of arrival.'

  • This configuration is not merely a stylistic choice but aims to redefine the nuances of what a luxury vehicle entails, addressing contemporary expectations of sophistication and accessibility in an electric grand tourer.

  • 4-2. Innovative luxury details including dog bed

  • Beyond traditional luxury elements, the EXP 15 integrates unique features intended to cater to a more personalized experience for its owners. Among these, the vehicle includes a bespoke dog bed, positioned in a space traditionally allocated for a front passenger seat. This feature underscores a blend of practicality and indulgence, accommodating the needs of pet owners who consider their animals as part of their travel experience. Moreover, the design allows for ample storage room, which can host a variety of items, from luggage to personal belongings, further exemplifying the car's multifunctionality.

  • In addition to these thoughtful details, the rear cargo area transforms into an elegant seating arrangement suitable for social gatherings, complete with deployable leather-upholstered seats and conveniences like an integrated lamp and refrigerated compartment for refreshments. Such details reflect the evolution of luxury within modern automotive design, where practicality is harmonized with extravagant living.

  • 4-3. Role of Crewe design studio in shaping the concept

  • The newly inaugurated design studio in Crewe plays a pivotal role in Bentley's strategic move towards an electric future while staying rooted in its rich heritage. The opening of this state-of-the-art facility coincided with the unveiling of the EXP 15 Concept, illustrating the brand's commitment to integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern technological capabilities. This studio features advanced resources enabling cross-collaboration among design specialists, allowing insights into materials, user experience (UX), and user interface (UI) design to be shared instantaneously. Such efficiency fosters innovation and ensures that design concepts remain at the forefront of industry expectations.

  • Inside this design hub, the team can leverage virtual reality (VR) technology to visualize and refine the EXP 15’s interior before any physical prototypes are made. This integration of digital tools allows for experimentation without constraints imposed by physical limitations, leading to a more refined and customer-centric final product. The collaborative environment within the Crewe studio enables Bentley’s designers to maintain a focus on an intricate balance between luxurious finishes and modern technology, ensuring that the unique characteristics that define the Bentley experience continue to resonate even as the brand transitions into the electric era.

Conclusion

  • The unveiling of Bentley’s EXP 15 Design Vision Concept marks a pivotal moment at the intersection of century-old craftsmanship and the electrified future of luxury mobility. By thoughtfully reinterpreting hallmark elements—such as the extended bonnet and sweeping lines—while embedding them within a cutting-edge electric framework, Bentley illustrates that tradition can indeed act as a catalyst for innovation. Inside the vehicle, user-centered features, including rotating seats and specially designed accommodations for pets, redefine the very essence of grand touring comfort, enhancing the travel experience for contemporary consumers.

  • The simultaneous launch of the new Crewe design studio reinforces Bentley's strategic commitment to design leadership as it strides towards implementing fully electric models, anticipated to arrive in 2026. This studio represents a significant investment in advanced resources and collaborative technologies, underscoring Bentley’s dedication to integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern capabilities. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Bentley stands poised to leverage this new facility to develop innovations that resonate with luxury and sustainability.

  • Looking ahead, Bentley faces the formidable challenge of translating the radical vision embodied in the EXP 15 into production vehicles that harmonize the authenticity of its heritage with the demands of sustainable execution and elevated customer experiences. The journey forward requires a continuous balance between honoring the past and embracing an electric future, ensuring that the essence of the Bentley brand remains intact while paving the way for advancements in luxury automotive design.

Glossary

  • EXP 15: The EXP 15 is a concept car unveiled by Bentley in July 2025, representing a fusion of the brand's traditional Grand Tourer heritage and futuristic electric vehicle design. It is designed to preview Bentley's first fully electric models, featuring classic design cues alongside innovative interior features.
  • Grand Tourer: A Grand Tourer is a type of luxury automobile known for its style, comfort, and performance, tailored for long-distance travel. The term reflects Bentley's early 20th-century influences, as seen in their classic designs.
  • Speed Six: The Bentley Speed Six, a notable model from the 1930s, is famous for its connection to racing history, particularly its competition against the Blue Train. Its design elements inspire the aesthetics of the EXP 15, integrating classic features into a modern electric framework.
  • Blue Train: The Blue Train refers to a luxury express train service that was famously raced against the Bentley Speed Six in 1930 by Woolf Barnato, emphasizing performance and speed. This narrative serves as an inspiration for the design ethos of the EXP 15.
  • Electric Vehicle (EV): An electric vehicle (EV) is powered entirely or partially by electricity, utilizing electric motors instead of traditional internal combustion engines. The EXP 15 represents Bentley's shift towards this technology with its projected all-electric powertrain expected in production models launching in 2026.
  • Crewe design studio: The Crewe design studio is Bentley's newly inaugurated facility that embodies their strategic approach to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design and technology. Opened alongside the EXP 15, it aims to facilitate innovation and collaboration among design teams.
  • Rotating seats: Rotating seats are an innovative feature in the EXP 15's interior, allowing the passenger-side rear seat to swivel for easier access and a more engaging experience within the vehicle. This design caters to contemporary expectations of luxury and comfort.
  • Three-door configuration: This refers to the EXP 15's unique door layout featuring a driver-side door and two coach-style doors on the passenger side. This design choice enhances accessibility for passengers, reflecting modern luxury vehicle expectations.
  • Bespoke dog bed: The bespoke dog bed is a unique luxury feature within the EXP 15, accommodating pet owners by integrating a comfortable space for pets typically located where a passenger seat would be. This highlights the personalization aspect of modern luxury design.
  • All-electric powertrain: An all-electric powertrain is a system that powers a vehicle using only electricity. The EXP 15's powertrain is designed to excel in performance and efficiency, showcasing Bentley's commitment to electric mobility, with production models expected to debut in 2026.
  • Luxury mobility: Luxury mobility refers to high-end transportation solutions that prioritize comfort, performance, and personalized features. The EXP 15 exemplifies this concept by reimagining traditional luxury elements for a modern, electric context.
  • Sustainable materials: Sustainable materials in the context of the EXP 15 include eco-friendly fabrics like 100% wool and innovative components such as 3D-printed titanium. This reflects Bentley's growing commitment to combining traditional luxury with sustainable practices in vehicle design.
  • User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design: UX and UI design refer to the processes of enhancing user satisfaction with a product by improving usability, accessibility, and interaction. These elements are crucial in the EXP 15's design, ensuring an engaging and modern experience for drivers and passengers.

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