A future rival to Tesla emerged this week as Bentley unveiled its first concept electric vehicle offering.
The EXP 12 Speed 6e Concept is being previewed at the Geneva Motor Show with the aim of showcasing the future design direction of Bentley models, both in terms of appearance and engineering.
The car’s central console is made from a single sheet of curved glass, while the passenger has access to their own panel that links to social media, email and onboard entertainment.
A glowing “6e” appears in the distinctive Bentley grill when the car is under power, while the grill itself sports “complex 3D geometry” and “smoked finish with copper highlights”.
Owners of future Bentleys will benefit from instantaneous torque and all the power needed for “grand touring requirements”, according to the car maker.
Bentley says the EXP shows how the brand’s distinctive design and engineering characteristics will cross over seamlessly into the electric era, with the new car providing the same performance and refinement as a Continental GT. In its vision, Bentley sees the car capable of driving its millennial owners from London to Paris, or Milan to Monaco, on a single charge, provided through high-speed inductive charging technology.
Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors said:
“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. This concept enables us to engage with luxury customers and gather feedback on our approach.”
“Bentley is committed to offering an electric model in its future portfolio and we are interested to receive feedback on this concept.”
Another British luxury car maker, Jaguar, surprised onlookers last year with its own concept electric SUV, the I-PACE.
Bentley’s first SUV, the Bentayga, will also be available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model from 2018.
