­
Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image
Scroll to top

Top

No Comments

Why Bentley’s First Electric Car Has Three Seats and Odd Doors

Why Bentley’s First Electric Car Has Three Seats and Odd Doors

Bentley just offered a glimpse into its electric future with the unveiling of the EXP 15 concept car. While the brand’s first fully electric vehicle will not arrive until next year, the EXP 15 previews what we might expect, and it is anything but conventional. This tall, three-seat electric concept comes with an unusual door layout—two on the left, one on the right—and a shape that walks the line between coupe and sedan.

Inspired by the 1930 Speed Six “Blue Train” racer, the EXP 15 merges past and future in a bold way. The driver sits on the right side, with a single seat behind and another seat positioned diagonally to the left rear. Bentley even included a bespoke dog bed positioned in front of the left-side rear seat, clearly catering to the luxury pet owner. At the rear, there is a tailgate that opens to reveal in-built picnic chairs, an elegant nod to polo sidelines or relaxed outdoor settings.

Under the hood—well, sort of—there is no engine. Instead, Bentley made use of the extra space to craft dual storage compartments with center-hinged panels. Since electric vehicles do not require traditional grilles, the front of the EXP 15 features a sculpted lighting design described by Bentley’s head of exterior design as a piece of “digital art.”

Inside, the dashboard is a blend of modern and classic. Screens are present, but they do not dominate. Instead, you get physical buttons for climate and steering functions, as well as fine British materials, including textiles from a 250-year-old heritage company.

The EXP 15 does not sit neatly within Bentley’s current lineup. It lives somewhere between the Continental GT, the Flying Spur, and the Bentayga. Bentley says it is a way to explore what customers want in a changing market where sedan tastes are shifting dramatically. This concept may look eccentric, but it speaks Bentley fluently—luxurious, unapologetically bold, and built for presence.

Submit a Comment