Bentley isn’t just dipping a toe into the electric waters — it’s diving in headfirst with the reveal of the ‘EXP15’ concept, a bold preview of the brand’s first all-electric production car set to arrive in 2026. Best known for its slightly imperious yet lavishly trimmed luxury cars, Bentley has long stood as the slightly more sporty alternative to Rolls-Royce, delivering grand tourers that combine indulgence with the power to cover vast distances in effortless style.

But with a looming electric future, the brand has had to evolve — and it’s doing so by looking back at its storied past. In the 1930s, Bentley built the Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman coupe, a unique high-riding design with a fastback sloping roofline. The new ‘EXP 15’ concept follows in those footsteps, only with a much more bold, futuristic execution. From the sweeping curves of its sculpted body to the dramatic, modern fastback silhouette, it’s a statement that electric mobility can be just as luxurious, commanding, and unapologetically Bentley as anything that’s come out of Crewe in the past century.

Highlights:

• Inspired by the 1930s Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman Coupe, reimagined for the EV era.
• Illuminated grille, vertical headlamps, distinctive 3-door layout, and twin active rear spoilers.
• VR-Designed cabin with a 3-seat layout, swivel seats, sustainable materials, and a picnic table Boot.
• Set to influence Bentley’s first production electric vehicle, launching in 2026.

The Bentley ‘EXP 15’ isn’t the kind of concept car that quietly blends into the background — it’s one that demands your attention before you even realize what it is. At first glance, the design feels like a trip through time: a bold nod to the brand’s 1930s Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman coupe, but reimagined for the electric era. This concept is more than just a showpiece — it hints at Bentley’s electric future, with several design cues set to feature in the production EV expected next year. Interestingly, the interior has been completely crafted in virtual reality.

Standing tall at over five metres, the EXP 15 sparks debate about its styling, but to us, it’s pure Bentley theatre. The grille breaks from the typical body-coloured EV look and instead acts as an illuminated piece of art, housing the new Bentley badge at its centre. Flanking it are new vertical headlamps that give the front end a notably menacing glare. From the side, things become even more intriguing: a distinctive three-door layout reminiscent of the Hyundai Veloster, twin active rear spoilers, and a large rear diffuser. The ride height sits higher than a conventional sedan but lower than an SUV, creating an interesting crossover stance.

Inside, Bentley has leaned into both heritage and innovation. There’s a three-seat layout, with the space beside the driver designated for luggage or even pets — a quirky nod to bespoke vintage cars. The rear and passenger-side seats swivel 45 degrees for easier entry and exit, while the cabin combines artisanal craftsmanship with modern technology, sustainable materials, and Bentley’s signature luxury touches. Even the boot isn’t just for storage — it transforms into a picnic table, making grand touring a memorable event.

While Bentley is keeping many of the technical details under wraps, the EXP 15 makes it clear that the brand’s first EV won’t just be about silent cruising — it’s being engineered for serious performance. The concept sits on Bentley’s next-generation electric platform, designed to deliver instant torque, long-range capability, and the kind of effortless acceleration that turns grand touring into a near-silent thrill ride. If Bentley’s past record is anything to go by, expect 0–60 mph times that put it firmly in supercar territory, even with its considerable size.

Bentley has hinted at a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, ensuring that this isn’t just a straight-line vehicle but one capable of confidently handling winding B-roads and high-speed motorway drives with ease. The raised ride height and adaptive suspension suggest it will be tuned for a comfortable yet commanding ride without sacrificing agility. And, true to Bentley tradition, refinement will be a top priority — so expect a barely audible motor whir, superb cabin insulation, and enough range to undertake cross-country trips without the worry of frequent charging stops.

The 3-seat layout is unconventional but purposeful — the passenger area next to the driver is deliberately left open for luggage or even a four-legged travel companion, while the rear and passenger seats swivel 45 degrees for smooth entry and exit. It’s a subtle nod to Bentley’s custom heritage, where practicality and theatre often went hand in hand.

Every surface narrates a story: sustainable leather alternatives, intricate wood veneers, polished metal trims, and 3D-printed accents all coexist seamlessly. Bentley has also integrated digital interfaces with restraint — a central touchscreen manages core functions, but physical dials and switches are retained for the most satisfying tactile interactions. The cabin is illuminated by ambient lighting that shifts with the time of day, while the panoramic roof floods the interior with natural light, creating a lounge-like atmosphere on the move.

Then there are the small details that make the EXP 15 uniquely Bentley. The boot lid doubles as a picnic table for roadside lunches with matching silverware, the infotainment system integrates smoothly with your personal devices for curated playlists and trip planning, and the sound system — tailored specifically for EV acoustics — transforms every drive into a private concert hall. It’s luxury built not just to be seen, but to be felt at every turn.

The Bentley EXP 15 isn’t just a concept car — it’s a declaration of purpose. By merging elements from its 1930s heritage with a bold, modern all-electric approach, Bentley demonstrates that shifting to EVs doesn’t mean losing the brand’s essence. Instead, it offers an opportunity to reimagine what luxury grand touring can be in the 21st century.

From its bold proportions and intricate detailing to its tech-heavy, VR-designed interior, the EXP 15 feels like a statement piece on the road. Yes, it divides opinion, but that’s exactly what a concept should do — spark conversation, stir emotion, and hint at a future worth anticipating. If the production version arriving in 2026 carries even half the drama and craftsmanship of this concept, Bentley’s first EV could become one of the most talked-about electric cars of the decade.