Bentley has unveiled the EXP 12 Speed 6e concept at the Geneva motor show. The new design study is effectively a fully electric and, not to mention, convertible version of the two-seater EXP 10 Speed 6 concept from 2015.

Despite hinting at the luxury brand’s electric car strategy that will see the introduction of PHEV models across the Bentley model range over the next few years, starting with the Bentayga in 2018, the EXP 12 Speed 6e has yet to be confirmed for production.

The luxury carmaker has also remained tight-lipped about the concept car’s powertrain. However, while the exact location of the battery remains a mystery, the graphics in the instrument cluster hint at a possible 300-mile range as well as a four-wheel drive system with an electric motor mounted on each axle.

Key exterior design details include the ubiquitous Bentley mesh grille, which in this instance dons a smoked finish with copper highlights that the designers claim helps identify the car as an all-electric vehicle. When the car is running the ‘6e’ logo also illuminates in a vibrant white colour behind the grille.

The front-end also gets twin bonnet scoops, which double up as heat sinks that supply additional cooling to the battery and powertrain. A pair of sleek-looking wing mirrors that are cameras rather than traditional reflective glass, and which are said to have been inspired by the shape of stealth aircraft fuselages, also add a tech touch.

The inside, meanwhile, takes on a look that is both more opulent and traditional than the exterior. For example, the entire central console is hewn from a solid piece of curved glass incorporating a high-definition OLED screen, while handmade, cut-glass sections on the steering wheel contain the controls for media, communications, navigation and car set-up. There are also two buttons featured at the top of the cut-away steering wheel, one offering an instant performance boost and the other the ability to limit speed, in urban areas for example.

To remind the occupants of the car’s electric underpinnings, copper elements feature around the gear selector, the so-called “Bentley Dynamic Drive” dial and in the door veneer panels.

“The EXP 12 Speed 6e is a concept to show that Bentley is defining electric motoring in the luxury sector, with the appropriate technology, high quality materials and refinement levels you’d expect from a true Bentley. This concept enables us to engage with luxury customers and gather feedback on our approach,” says Bentley boss, Wolfgang Dürheimer.

“Bentley is committed to offering an electric model in its future portfolio and we are interested to receive feedback on this concept,” Dürheimer concluded.

Source: Bentley

Tags: 2017 Geneva Motor Show, Bentley, car design, car interior design, concept car, electric car design, EV, EXP 12 Speed, EXP 12 Speed 6e, Wolfgang Dürheimer