EXP 12 Speed 6e Concept

Making its debut at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show, the EXP 12 Speed 6e concept represented a bold statement on the future of electric cars – and of luxury mobility.

Designed to transform the EV sector in both concept and execution, the EXP 12 Speed 6e fused the unrivalled hand craftsmanship for which Bentley is famous, with electric performance, heart-stopping design and
the range of a true grand tourer. 

Reflecting Bentley’s intention to create the world’s first true luxury electric sports car, EXP 12 Speed 6e was, at its launch, an overt invitation for the public to feed back on Bentley’s vision for the road ahead.

Exterior Design
The EXP 12 Speed 6e is a vision of an electric Bentley, and in 2017 provided a glimpse at the future of Bentley design, both inside and out.

The exterior body shell is a sleek expression of sports car design, inspired by contemporary architecture, aircraft fuselages and the geometry of the natural world.

A natural evolution of Bentley’s design DNA, it takes Bentleys’ trademark muscular haunch and powerline to exhilarating heights. The short front overhang, long bonnet and wide, planted rear aspect all contribute to an unmistakable sense of speed, while the iconic matrix grille features an exquisite smoked stainless steel finish. Contrasting copper highlights offer subtle acknowledgement of the car’s status as a fully electric vehicle, while an illuminated ‘6’ logo can be seen through the grille.

Throughout the car, form coexists with function to support a more sustainable future. The twin bonnet scoops, for example, double as heat sinks, keeping down the temperature of the car’s batteries and drivetrain, without the need for additional cooling technology.

Interior Design
Bentley’s future is one of innovative materials as well as inventive technology. The entire central tunnel, for example, is hewn from a solid piece of glass, encompassing a high-definition OLED curved display. All principle onboard controls are accessible from here, including navigation, entertainment and climate control.

Just as they do on the outside of the car, copper details provide visual interest throughout the cabin, adorning the gear selector and Bentley Dynamic Drive dial control. Even the veneer panels inside the doors feature copper accents, drawing the eye to the handcrafted, natural wood
finish.

Tomorrow’s luxury customers will expect intuitive technology and traditional craftsmanship to be integrated seamlessly – and this is reflected in EXP 12 Speed 6e’s car’s groundbreaking design. The wing mirrors dispense with the usual reflective glass in favour of cameras, feeding visual input directly to the dash.

Electric Performance
Electric power provides an opportunity to exceed the performance limits of cars built on the conventional combustion engine. From a standing start, electric motors deliver phenomenal levels of torque, which translates into heart-stopping acceleration.

In order to deliver a true grand touring experience, the EXP 12 Speed 6e was designed with the capacity to drive from London to Paris or Milan to Monaco on a single charge. This impressive range would be supported by
fast recharging, thanks to inductive technology. EXP 12 Speed 6e also was
envisaged to include a world of connected lifestyle services, where onboard concierge software responds to complex voice input,  to reflect how the world of luxury transport is set to change immeasurably.

Since EXP12 Speed 6e was launched, Bentley has launched the EXP 100 GT:  an even more dramatic leap towards the future of luxury mobility. Read about the innovative and sustainable technology in EXP 100 GT here. 

Read more about Bentley’s sustainable future, and the ‘Beyond 100’ sustainable vision here.