Bentley releases the EXP 15 concept car, inspired by the 1930 Blue Train

WilliamJul 16, 2025, 01:12 PM

[PCauto] Bentley has unveiled its all-new EXP 15 concept car, a pivotal model that marks the brand’s transition to electrification. The design draws direct inspiration from the legendary 1930 Speed Six Gurney Nutting “Blue Train” racer.

The EXP 15 concept car revives the essence of the classic racer in its exterior design.

With a cigar-shaped silhouette over five meters long, it preserves the elegant proportions of British grand tourers. The front end is boldly innovative, featuring a large diamond-pattern grille filled with dense LED lighting. At its center, a vertically arranged illuminated light strip offers a modern interpretation of Bentley’s signature chrome vertical slats.

The sleek, rounded lighting units paired with hidden digital side mirrors create a distinctly high-tech aesthetic in an electric vehicle. At the rear, a continuous LED light strip and two individually adjustable active spoilers on the roof enhance aerodynamic performance while giving the car a bold, futuristic identity.

The most eye-catching upgrade is the three-door and three-seat layout.

The left side of the vehicle has two doors, while the right side retains a single-door design—an asymmetrical structure that directly echoes the classic setup of the race car– Speed Six 1930.The front passenger seat comes with a power swivel function, making possible flexible adjustment of the seating direction or freeing up space for storage when needed.

Official renderings reveal even more thoughtful details—a pet resting pod in front of the driver’s seat and a foldable picnic bench integrated into the rear, reflecting the refined and luxurious outdoor lifestyle of its target consumers.

The interior of the Bentley blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.

The dashboard features a modular virtual interface, centered around a large curved display that supports multiple viewing modes.In the center console, a uniquely designed physical mechanism uses a movable illuminated pointer to present vehicle information—preserving the sense of ritual found in mechanical gauges, even in the digital age.Physical climate control knobs and steering wheel buttons are also retained, underscoring Bentley’s commitment to a hands-on, tactile driving experience.

The interior materials include 50-year-old wool fabric from Britain’s Fox Brothers and jacquard silk from Gainsborough, forming a striking contrast with modern elements such as 3D-printed titanium components and ultra-thin aluminum pigment paint.

Heritage and Brand Evolution

Bentley’s Director of Design, Robin Page, explained the design philosophy:“The design language of the EXP 15 is not a break from the past—it thoughtfully connects the dynamism of the Continental GT, the luxury of the Flying Spur, and the pragmatism of the Bentayga.” The new concept car debuts a redesigned twin-wing emblem, symbolizing Bentley’s entry into the electric era.

Its name, “EXP 15,” continues the marque’s tradition of experimental prototypes. The spirit of the concept draws inspiration from the legendary 1930 Speed Six “Blue Train,” in which Woolf Barnato famously outran a French luxury train—an enduring symbol of Bentley’s uncompromising performance and character.

The concept car offers a preview of Bentley’s first mass-produced electric vehicle.

While specific performance figures have yet to be revealed, Bentley has confirmed that the EXP 15 will feature a fully electric all-wheel-drive system, with range and charging capabilities designed to meet the expectations of luxury customers. More importantly, it directly hints at a planned “Urban SUV” set to debut in 2026 by the marque. This mass-production model will draw heavily from the core design elements of the EXP 15 and will target the premium urban market.

Page emphasized, “The luxury sedan market is undergoing profound changes. Some cherish the classic three-seat layout, while others seek innovative spatial concepts. The EXP 15 serves as an important vehicle for us to explore future possibilities.”

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