bentley EXP12 speed 6e concept defines luxury electric car segment

the bentley ‘EXP 12 speed 6e’ is an elegant two-seater convertible concept that shows what form an electric bentley can take. effortless, exclusive and exhilarating, the bentley concept brings luxury ownership experience to EV sector. unveiled at the 2017 geneva international motor show, bentley motors aims to define the electric luxury segment with the ‘exp 12 speed 6e’ concept .

all images © bentley motors

bentley’s vision is for drivers to benefit from high-speed inductive charging and provide a range sufficient for grand touring requirements. an electric bentley would be able to drive between london and paris, or milan and monaco, on a single charge. a fusion of innovative technology and beautiful materials is present throughout the ‘exp 12 speed 6e’s’ luxuriously appointed interior architecture, ensuring that the brand’s use of technology isn’t cold or emotionless. the entire central console is hewn from a solid piece of curved glass encompassing a high-definition oLED screen. all of the car’s main onboard controls can be accessed from here, including navigation, entertainment and climate control.

the instantly-recognizable bentley mesh grille features a complex 3D geometry and smoked finish with copper highlights that identify the concept as a fully electric vehicle. when the car is running the ‘6e’ logo illuminates in a striking, vibrant white. the exterior design is an expression of muscular, athletic surfaces inspired by contemporary architecture, the natural world and the aerodynamic shapes of aircraft. it represents a natural evolution of bentley’s design DNA and signifies the company’s future design direction. when combined with the muscular proportions and athletic stance through the use of a short front overhang, long bonnet, low grille and wide rear, the exterior styling hints at the performance potential of the car.

the twin bonnet scoops act as highly effective heat sinks that supply additional cooling to the battery and powertrain. the wing mirrors – which are cameras rather than traditional reflective glass – are exceptionally sleek and were inspired by the sculptural form of stealth aircraft fuselages. when rapid inductive charging is not available, ‘exp 12 speed 6e’ can be connected to a mains AC power supply via the auxiliary charging point, subtly concealed behind the rear number plate.

bentley believes that the 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 from a future electric luxury car ownership experience. the luxury brand’s electric car strategy includes the introduction of PHEV models across the bentley model range over the next few years, starting with the ‘bentayga’ SUV in 2018.