Bentley EXP 15 Concept is a Weird 3-Door, 3-Seat Preview of Future EV

The EXP 15 previews the production car we'll see next year, yet draws inspiration from a 95-year-old model.

Bentley is gearing up to launch its first all-electric model. Ahead of next year's reveal and a 2027 production start, the British luxury marque has revealed the EXP 15, an out-there, three-seat concept that gives us a taste of what to expect—not least of which is a vastly different design language.

First thing's first: Bentleys have long been large and imposing, and on that front the EXP 15 does not disappoint. It measures nearly 200 inches tip to tail, has an upright nose with a massive "grille," and large expanses of sheetmetal on its slightly-elevated flanks. Ostensibly a sedan according to Bentley, the EXP 15 has a fastback shape inspired by the 1930 Bentley Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman coupe. Affectionately known as "Blue Train," the classic three-seater, owned by then-chairman of Bentley Woolf Barnato, also features an unusual three-seat layout like the EXP 15.

After tweaking and evolving the design language of the existing Continental GT over four generations, Bentley has taken a dramatic detour with the EXP 15. A redesigned flying B badge is the least of the changes: thin, vertically-stacked headlights frame the massive, diamond-pattern grille. LED lighting filters through the pattern and sides, though we can't shake some serious BMW iX vibes...

The tall body features a sharp character line running from the headlights up and along the window line, where it meets pronounced rear fenders that—at least with this matte gold paint—look to seemingly melt into the rest of the bodywork. Another dramatic departure exists at the tail, where thin LED taillights wrap around the tailgate in a hexagonal shape. Here too, our pattern-searching lizard brains see some Volvo or Polestar elements, though the Bentley's three-dimensional approach to lighting is sufficiently different. Those little winglets above the rear window? Both active.

Inside is where the EXP 15 really impresses. There is just the one door on the driver's side (starboard, because Britain), and two on the other side; these open coach-style. The single port-side seat can slide fore or aft, aligning with either of the other two, or fully recline should a passenger need a rest. ("Don't worry about me, Jeeves, just drive.") To make ingress and egress as elegant as possible, this seat can pivot 45 degrees outwards, and part of the panoramic roof also opens up to avoid any head bonks—surely a social media faux pas of the highest order.

Material selections range from traditional to sustainable, with gorgeous wood veneer along the dashboard and a wool textile from framed British weavers Fox Brothers. Paired with dark purple and warm bronze elements, along with seamless digital screens and plenty of illuminated glass, the cabin manages to look cozy, old-school, and thoroughly modern all at once. Plus, check out the handy lamp and doggy bed.

Out back, the tailgate can slide out with two slim cushions and a small fridge. Bentley says it's for luxury tailgate parties, and all we can think is we've been going to the wrong ones.

Those hoping to suss out EV specs ahead of the production car, don't bother. That's not the point of the EXP 15, and Bentley has provided zero mechanical specs. We only know that it will be a "smaller all-electric production Bentley," but given the drama on display here, we can hardly wait to see how much transfers over.

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