Crewe Unveils Bentley’s Next-Gen Design Concept
On July 8, 2025, Bentley Motors unveiled the EXP 15 at its brand-new design studio in Crewe. A design vision rather than a production prototype, EXP 15 reinterprets the brand’s 1930s Grand Touring heritage into an elegant, modern all-electric concept vehicle, paving the way for Bentley’s future design direction.
Five Design Principles Defining the Future
The EXP 15 exterior is shaped by five key design principles: Upright Elegance, Iconic Grille, Endless Bonnet Line, Resting Beast, and Prestigious Shield. These principles reinterpret Bentley’s classic proportions with new digital lighting, aerodynamic features, and monolithic surfacing.
The distinctive front grille, now a digitally illuminated centerpiece, retains the Bentley identity while evolving for the electric era. The long, uninterrupted bonnet line pays homage to the Speed Six “Blue Train” coupe, while its rear haunches and sculpted proportions give the car a poised and muscular stance.
Futuristic Three-Seat Layout and Sculpted Interior
Inside, EXP 15 introduces a radical three-seat layout. The driver’s side has a single door, while twin coach doors and a panoramic roof open on the passenger side to provide elegant, effortless access. The passenger seat rotates outward for graceful egress, echoing the ceremonial design of past royal Bentleys.
Tailored for leisure and function, the cabin includes storage for pets and hand luggage, a luxurious rear picnic seating arrangement, and ambient lighting features. The flexible seat configurations enable co-pilot, standard, and relax modes to suit different moods and journeys.
Fusion of Traditional Craft and Digital Innovation
The interior blends natural materials with futuristic interfaces. The dashboard features a “Wing Gesture” design, and Bentley’s new “Mechanical Marvel” sits at the center – a kinetic, illuminated sculpture indicating travel direction and battery charge.
Material highlights include damson ombre wool from Fox Brothers, jacquard silk from Gainsborough, and 3D-printed titanium elements that reduce weight and waste. The active 3D quilt pattern, revealed through laser-cut veneers and backlighting, adds a new dimension to cabin ambiance.
Powering the Electric Grand Tourer
While the EXP 15 remains a concept, its proposed electric all-wheel drive powertrain with long-range capabilities hints at the future of Bentley’s grand touring models. Its technological and aesthetic elements may influence the brand’s first all-electric production car expected in 2026.
Far from a retro pastiche, EXP 15 embraces Bentley’s history as a creative springboard for bold innovation – delivering timeless luxury, progressive design, and intelligent sustainability in one visionary package.
