The all-electric Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e concept car that debuted earlier this year shows that the iconic British brand with a storied past is embracing the future. In fact, according to preliminary reports, this concept car represents the future of Bentley design, both inside and out.
Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, explains, “The EXP 12 Speed 6e is a concept to show that Bentley is defining electric motoring in the luxury sector, with the appropriate technology, high-quality materials, and refinement levels you’d expect from a true Bentley.”
The exterior body shell is pure luxury sports car design, and the rearview “wing” mirrors use cameras rather than traditional reflective glass. The interior features cutting-edge technology and unique materials as well. For example, the central console is made of a solid piece of curved glass that forms a high-definition screen for many of the car’s control functions. But “luxury” is only part of the equation.
Electric power provides instant torque that exceeds the performance limits of cars built with conventional combustion engines. It’s also reportedly designed to be able to drive up to 190 miles on a single charge.
Bentley believes that this concept will open discussions with luxury car buyers of the future—Millennials, members of Generation C, and the rising affluent in developing economies—to understand the desired expectations of a future electric luxury car ownership experience. And Bentley’s electric car strategy includes the introduction of plug-in hybrid electric models across the entire model range over the next few years, starting with the Bentayga SUV in 2018.
Image Credits: Photo courtesy of Bentley Motors.