Bentley presents latest luxury vision concept

Bentley has presented its latest luxury vision concept, the EXP 15, inside its brand new design studio, which also officially opens its doors at the same time of the unveiling.

Accordingly, the five-metre-plus, full-size, physical exterior model has an iconic upright grille, a long 'endless' bonnet, and a rearward cabin reminiscent of the 1930 Bentley Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman coupe, often known as the "Blue Train".

With its ultra-modern exterior surfacing, high-tech lighting details, and active aerodynamic elements, the EXP 15 concept roots itself firmly in the now and future

The EXP 15's exterior is accented by many delightful details, both functional and aesthetic. The front head lights are made up of four ultra-slim strips towards the car's sides and positioned just inside the wheel arches to help define the car's edges. These lights also frame the large front grille, where a central light spine descending from just below the Winged B emblem separates the grille's two halves.

And the design approach to the cabin of the Bentley EXP 15 is just as forward-thinking. Created using VR software to enable customers to view a wider variety of possible configurations, it mixes familiar contemporary physical car interior features like luxury seating, a wing-shaped dashboard, and a steering wheel, dials, and switches all with futuristic digital elements that can be brought to the fore or melt away into the background.

The EXP 15's exterior sports a liquid metal satin paintwork finish called Pallas Gold, which features golden white highlights and is inspired by various nickel elements on the historic Bentley Speed Six

The package is unusual for featuring three seats and three doors (rather than four or five of both). One door on the EXP 15's driver's side opens to the driver's seat plus a cocooning rear seat behind, while twin coach doors and part of the panoramic roof open upwards on the passenger side to allow smoother entry and exit via a more luxurious and flexible passenger-side seat that can swivel 45° outwards.

Even the boot holds more potential function than as mere luggage carrier. Open the large rear hatch and two small seats can deploy alongside an atmospheric physical lamp and fridge stocked with cold drinks, which can be slid back from the rear seats.

The EXP 15's passenger seat can also be moved to different positions according to customer mood or need

Material choices feature a mix of the traditional, artisanal, and sustainable, combined with the ultra-modern, technical, and futuristic. For example, a 100% wool textile by Fox Brothers, the inventors of thorn-proof cloth, is used in a damson ombre effect on the EXP 15's interior and can be found nestling in harmony with various lightweight 3D-printed titanium finishes.

While not intended for production or sales, the EXP 15 also provides hints to the design of future Bentleys including the marque's first fully electric car due soon.