What Makes the Bentley EXP 15 Concept So Different From Other Luxury Cars?
Bentley’s EXP 15 concept isn’t just another luxury showpiece—it’s a bold statement about where the brand is headed as it enters the electric era. Measuring a substantial 5.4 meters in length, this high-riding limousine straddles the line between saloon, SUV, and grand tourer. It’s a dramatic departure from the familiar silhouettes of the Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga. Instead, the EXP 15 introduces a fresh design language that’s both futuristic and deeply rooted in Bentley’s storied past.
Robin Page, Bentley’s newly appointed director of design, is the creative force behind this transformation. After years at Volvo and a long stint with Bentley’s interior team, Page is steering the brand toward a look that’s cleaner, stronger, and less cluttered—without losing the essence that makes a Bentley unmistakable. He describes the EXP 15 as a “fresh start,” aiming to make a real impact as Bentley’s next chapter unfolds.
How Does Bentley’s Heritage Influence the EXP 15’s Design?
The EXP 15 isn’t just about looking forward; it’s also a respectful nod to Bentley’s heritage. Page and his team took inspiration from the iconic 1928 Speed Six, famously known as the ‘Blue Train’ car. That vehicle’s upright elegance, endless bonnet line, and distinctive proportions all find echoes in the EXP 15.
Take the front end, for example. Instead of the sloping, aerodynamic faces common in today’s EVs, the EXP 15 stands tall and proud—a bit like a thoroughbred horse at attention. This upright, monolithic look bucks the trend of chasing every last mile of range through slippery shapes. As Page puts it, Bentley’s customers aren’t worried about squeezing out 400 miles between charges. For them, 300-350 miles is the sweet spot. Anything more? That’s what the private jet is for.
Other heritage cues include the long bonnet (housing a cavernous frunk with 1930s-style piano-hinged lids), a cab-rear silhouette, and pronounced rear arches. The rear end features a new light signature inspired by Bentley’s ‘B’ emblem, modeled after vintage luggage carriers.
What’s New About the EXP 15’s Lighting and Grille?
One of the most striking features is the grille-inspired front lighting. In the past, the grille’s job was purely functional—feeding air to the engine. Now, it’s a piece of art. The EXP 15’s front end is adorned with diamond-cut motifs and a crystal-themed LED display that shifts dynamically depending on your viewpoint. Gone are the traditional round headlights, replaced by slim, vertical lights that reference the chrome strips on the old Speed Six.
Page is candid about this break from tradition. Round headlights, he says, are a relic of older technology. While some purists might miss them, Bentley is testing the waters to see how customers respond to this modern twist.
How Does the EXP 15 Redefine Luxury Interiors?
Step inside the EXP 15, and you’ll find a cabin that’s as innovative as the exterior. The three-seat layout is unique for a car of this size and class. The nearside passenger seat slides and rotates for a graceful exit—a nod to the playful, self-indulgent spirit of Bentley’s early grand tourers.
But it doesn’t stop there. The EXP 15 boasts picnic seats, a champagne cooler in the tailgate, a reverse-opening rear door, and even a bespoke dog carrier. There’s a central roof section that opens so passengers can stand before stepping out—perfect for making a grand entrance at any event. It’s all about what Page calls “the art of arriving.” In the world of ultra-luxury, how you show up matters as much as where you’re going.
Bentley is also rethinking the dashboard. Instead of a sprawling touchscreen, there’s a prominent physical dial with a small digital display. It’s a blend of mechanical and digital—a bit like pairing a classic watch with a smartwatch. Page notes that many luxury buyers are growing tired of all-digital interfaces. For Bentley, the tactile pleasure of physical controls is a mark of true craftsmanship.
Is the EXP 15 Just a Concept, or Could It Become a Reality?
While the EXP 15 is first and foremost a design showcase, Bentley isn’t ruling out a production version. Page says it’s “doable,” and the concept is built around a viable package and platform. If it gets the green light, the EXP 15 wouldn’t replace any current model but would revive the spirit of the Mulsanne, which bowed out in 2020. That would put Bentley back in direct competition with the likes of the Rolls-Royce Phantom.
The underlying platform could be a variation of the SSP ‘Sport’ architecture, which is also being used by Porsche for its upcoming flagship SUV. This would give Bentley the flexibility to deliver the elevated seating position and genre-blending proportions that modern luxury buyers crave.
How Is Bentley Responding to Changing Customer Expectations?
Bentley’s design team is acutely aware that luxury tastes are shifting. In China, rear-seat comfort is paramount, while in the US and Europe, the focus is increasingly on making a memorable entrance. The EXP 15 is designed to do both—delighting those who love to drive and those who prefer to be chauffeured.
The blend of physical and digital controls is another response to evolving preferences. While digital experiences are essential for navigation and entertainment, Bentley wants to keep the tactile, mechanical details that set its cars apart.
What’s the Future of Bentley’s Sedans and SUVs?
The EXP 15 isn’t about replacing the Continental GT or Bentayga—those models remain beloved for their driving experience and capability. Instead, Bentley is exploring whether there’s room for something new: a high-riding, genre-defying limousine that combines the best of sedans and SUVs. With SUV sales continuing to grow and sedan sales holding steady, the EXP 15 could be Bentley’s ticket to renewed success in the luxury saloon market.
The big takeaway? Reinventing luxury isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one bold idea, and you’ll likely spot the difference in how people respond to your brand by month’s end.