Latest news with #RobinPage
Courier-Mail
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Courier-Mail
Bentley's EXP 15 concept previews luxury brand's electric future
Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News. Bentley's drive for the future is as bold as its vehicles. A daring new concept car, the EXP 15, paves the road ahead for a brand that has juggled tech and tradition for decades. Though Bentley originally planned to release its first EV in 2025, we are still waiting to see what form that car will take. Like many brands, Bentley has pushed back its electrification plan to make sure it delivers something customers are ready for. Bentley's EXP 15 concept. Picture: Supplied Bentley factory in Crewe. (Picture: Supplied) MORE: Jet pilot tech tested for drivers The company is now focusing on a new goal of offering a complete line-up of electric vehicles by 2035. A key detail in the company's strategy is to ensure that the Bentley Dream Factory in Crewe is fully operational for EV production by the time they start rolling out their first EV product. X Learn More SUBSCRIBER ONLY Bentley has recently opened a new paint shop and an 'Excellence Centre for Quality and Launch', marking a significant milestone in transforming the 85-year-old site for a new era of electrification. Bentley says the new facilities aim to set a new benchmark in next-generation, digital, flexible, and high-value manufacturing operations. it is now shifting its focus to constructing a new logistics centre, with the completion timeline aimed for later this year. We still don't know much about the new full-electric vehicle being launched in 2026, except that it is a luxury urban SUV. Bentley's factory in Crewe. Picture: Supplied The brand prides itself on attention to detail. Picture: Supplied Bentley recently revealed the EXP 15 concept electric vehicle, which gives us the best idea yet of what the brand's first EV might look like. The EXP 15 draws design inspiration from the marque's renowned 'Blue Train' Speed Six of 1930 and features an all-electric, all-wheel-drive powertrain that will ultimately replace its iconic V8 and W12 engines. Bentley's EXP 15 concept points to an electric future. Picture: Supplied The EXP 15 concept has bold styling. Picture: Supplied MORE: Luxury vans to shock Australia With its radical three-door layout and emphasis on tactile controls, the EXP 15 offers an exciting preview of Bentley's commitment to performance and luxury in an electric era. Bentley's design director Robin Page said the car is an opportunity to explore new approaches. 'It's clear the SUVs are a growing segment, and we understand the GT market (through four generations of Continental GT), but the trickiest segment is the sedan because it's changing,' he said. X Learn More SUBSCRIBER ONLY 'Some customers want a classic 'three-box' sedan shape, others a 'one-box design, and others again something more elevated. 'The EXP 15 falls somewhere in between, with raised ride height and a sloped fastback-style roof line, but many familiar elements from Bentley's two-door and four-door models.' At the front, slim vertical LED lights frame a bold new take on Bentley's iconic upright grille. Bentley has chosen to retain the upright grille as a way to maintain one of its most iconic design elements. Although electric vehicles do not require a grille for cooling, Page noted that the grille would evolve into a form of 'digital art.' EXP 15 concept. (Picture: Supplied) Behind it, it retains Bentley's signature 'endless' bonnet line, but rather than hiding a combustion engine, it conceals two luggage compartments beneath piano-hinged covers inspired by the 1930 Bentley Gurney Nutting coupe. The top of the bonnet also debuts Bentley's new logo. At the back of the car, the pillars beside the rear window taper inward, giving it a sleek 'boattail' shape that enhances the wide rear wheel arches. The tailgate features two high-mounted spoilers that connect seamlessly to slim, C-shaped tail-lights. These lights frame a new design element known as the 'Prestigious Shield,' which showcases the Bentley badge. Inside, the EXP 15 features a radical three-door, three-seat layout, which takes inspiration from the one-off 'Blue Train' Speed Six. EXP 15 concept. (Picture: Supplied) MORE: The best car of the 21st century There's a single door on the driver's side in true coupe style, while the passenger side gets a two-door saloon set up. How does this configuration make logical sense? Well, according to the brand, it does. Here's why. Bentleys are traditionally bought by people who like to drive themselves and occasionally be driven. The least important seat in the car is the front passenger's, so it's been replaced with a luxury pet bed or additional luggage storage space. EXP 15 concept. (Picture: Supplied) The dashboard is shaped like the Bentley wings and includes physical tactile switches, as customers are increasingly tired of digital buttons and prefer the responsiveness of physical controls. Bentley has not released specific technical details about the EXP 15's powertrain, but the confirmed all-wheel-drive electric system, likely featuring two motors, suggests that Bentley's future EVs will uphold their legacy of both performance and luxury. Although the EXP 15 is just a concept and won't be arriving at any dealerships in Australia, we can expect to see features from this innovative design integrated into the luxury brand's first electric vehicle. Originally published as How Bentley is preparing for the electrified era
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Bentley unveils EXP 15 concept car
Volkswagen Group owned Bentley Motors has revealed its latest luxury concept car, the EXP 15, ahead of its first fully-electric car launch in 2026. It says the concept car embodies the company's vision for future designs, drawing inspiration from its early 20th-century Grand Tourer heritage and reinterpreting it for the 21st century. While the EXP 15 is not intended for production or sale, Bentley says it offers a glimpse into the design direction of future models of the brand, including an upcoming fully-electric car. The concept introduces an elevated sporting sedan silhouette, incorporating modern lighting technology. It offers a three-door, three-seat configuration that prioritises passenger comfort and includes storage solutions for luggage and pets, as well as tailgate seating for outdoor events. Created using virtual reality (VR) software, the interior of the EXP 15 is a blend of tactile switches and digital interfaces, which can be customised according to the driver's preferences. Bentley has also introduced a new 'Winged B' emblem, while the brand's signature interior diamond quilt pattern has been reimagined for both interior and exterior applications. The exterior is finished in a liquid metal satin paint known as Pallas Gold, featuring golden white highlights inspired by the Bentley Speed Six. The paint incorporates a new ultra-thin aluminium pigment, enabling it to be used in front of safety radar devices without compromising signal quality and ensuring visibility to Lidar (light detection and ranging) systems used by autonomous driving technologies. While primarily a design concept, the EXP 15 is envisioned with a fully-electric, all-wheel-drive powertrain, promising long-range and fast recharging capabilities. However, technical specifications and platform details remain undisclosed as the focus remains on the design concept. The company noted that EXP 15 is not a direct preview of the smaller all-electric production it expected in 2026, but it does incorporate subtle design cues and showcases digital and technical interior ideas that may become a reality in Bentley's future models. Bentley Design director Robin Page said: 'It's clear that SUVs are a growing segment and we understand the GT market – through four generations of the Continental GT – but the trickiest segment is the sedan because it's changing. 'Some customers want a classic 'three-box' sedan shape, others a 'one-box' design, and others again something more elevated. So this was a chance for us to talk to people and get a feeling.' Prior to this development, Bentley Motors announced a strategic collaboration with Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) to expand its expand its presence in the Indian market. "Bentley unveils EXP 15 concept car" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Iconic British car brand to begin ‘new era' with ‘urban SUV' to be launched next year – and includes bold new logo
It's seen as a potential successor to a model that was discontinued in 2020 GEARING UP Iconic British car brand to begin 'new era' with 'urban SUV' to be launched next year – and includes bold new logo Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BENTLEY has given fans a first look at its new era with the unveiling of a stylish concept car that's said to preview the future direction of the brand's design and technology. The British car brand, headquartered in Crewe, Cheshire, but under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, has shown off the EXP 15 which blends elements of a saloon, SUV and grand tourer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Bentley have unveiled the EXP 15 concept car - whih blends elements of a saloon, SUV and GT Credit: Bentley 5 The stylish concept car that's said to preview the future direction of the brand's design and technology Credit: Bentley 5 Bentley's design director says the brand aims to modernise their design language Credit: Bentley 5 The car is the heiht of luxury includes a champagne cooler, picnic seats and a bespoke dog carrier Credit: Bentley Headlined as their first electric vehicle, the motor is an urban SUV that's set to launch next year - and also includes their bold, new logo. According to Autocar, the EXP 12 is seen as a potential successor to the Mulsanne flagship, which was retired in 2020, and will sit beneath the Bentayga in their line-up. Bentley's design director, Robin Page, has said he aims to modernise the company's design language - all the while staying true to its heritage. 'It's still in that linear line of Bentleys, but it's a fresh start - a new design language,' said Page. 'The point is to make a bit of a bang: next chapter. 'It's also given us a chance to try a new, modern design language - more monolithic, stronger and cleaner in its surfaces and not too over-complicated.' Bentley aims to address changing customer preferences, which has included a growing demand for elevated seating positions and SUV-like designs. The EXP 15 achieves this with a high-riding saloon that offers a fresh alternative to traditional luxury saloons, showcasing Bentley's five overarching design themes. These five themes draw inspiration from one of Bentley's earliest and most iconic GT cars: the 1928 Speed Six. The first theme, upright elegance, is evident in the bold and imposing front end, a departure from the low-slung, aerodynamic fronts typically seen on modern electric vehicles. Vintage Bentley left abandoned for 60 years At the rear, the prestigious shield introduces a striking light signature inspired by Bentley's iconic 'B' emblem and pays homage to the luggage carriers of vintage Bentleys, seamlessly blending tradition with modern innovation. The car's overall proportions evoke the resting beast, likened to a tiger poised with latent power in its muscular shoulders and rear arches, conveying strength and readiness. Lastly, the grille as art reimagines Bentley's signature front grille as a decorative centrepiece, adorned with intricate diamond motifs and crystal-like LED lighting that exudes elegance and innovation. Together, these themes represent a bold evolution in Bentley's design philosophy, honouring its heritage while paving the way for a progressive and modern identity. LUXURY TOUCHES Sporting a three-seat layout, with the nearside passenger seat sliding and rotating for elegance, the EXP 15 features the very best in luxury that you'd come to expect from Bentley. Our customers are basically telling us that 300-350 miles is that sweet spot. Beyond that, they'll use the private jet Robin Page, Bentley's design director This includes a champagne cooler, picnic seats and a bespoke dog carrier. The car even features a central roof section that opens out to allow passengers to stand before exiting, creating an 'art of arriving' experience, while the dashboard moves away from full digitalisation, with analogue controls and a rotating physical dial for key functions. In terms of functionality, Bentley isn't seeking to build the best EV in terms of mechanics - with a range set between 300-350 miles. Page added: 'We're finding that there's a sweet spot in terms of range. 'Our customers are basically telling us that 300-350 miles is that sweet spot. Beyond that, they'll use the private jet.' While the EXP 15 is primarily a design showcase, its viable package and platform mean it could go into production. Bentley is set to monitor market reactions to determine whether a high-riding saloon could succeed alongside its Flying Spur and other models. NEW LOOK Earlier this month, Bentley also unveiled a simplified version of its familiar 'Winged B' logo, marking only the fourth time they've rebranded their look since they were founded, Much like the look of their concept car, the new logo is said to headline a "new era of Bentley design language'. The company's original logo was designed in 1919 and has only been updated three times since - in 1931, during the 1990s and in 2002. The latest iteration has been dubbed 'the biggest change to the instantly recognisable mark in more than a century of history". The core elements of the winged B emblem remain the same, but eagle-eyed fans will spot the wings have been simplified and stylised with a diamond pattern. Furthermore, the feathers below the central B have been removed entirely for the first time. According to the design team, the sharper shape is "reminiscent of the angled wings of a Peregrine Falcon".
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Iconic British car brand to begin ‘new era' with ‘urban SUV' to be launched next year – and includes bold new logo
BENTLEY has given fans a first look at its new era with the unveiling of a stylish concept car that's said to preview the future direction of the brand's design and technology. The British car brand, headquartered in Crewe, Cheshire, but under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, has shown off the EXP 15 which blends elements of a saloon, SUV and grand tourer. 5 Bentley have unveiled the EXP 15 concept car - whih blends elements of a saloon, SUV and GT Credit: Bentley 5 The stylish concept car that's said to preview the future direction of the brand's design and technology Credit: Bentley 5 Bentley's design director says the brand aims to modernise their design language Credit: Bentley 5 The car is the heiht of luxury includes a champagne cooler, picnic seats and a bespoke dog carrier Credit: Bentley Headlined as their first electric vehicle, the motor is an urban SUV that's set to launch next year - and also includes their bold, new logo. According to Autocar, the EXP 12 is seen as a potential successor to the Mulsanne flagship, which was retired in 2020, and will sit beneath the Bentayga in their line-up. Bentley 's design director, Robin Page, has said he aims to modernise the company's design language - all the while staying true to its heritage. 'It's still in that linear line of Bentleys, but it's a fresh start - a new design language,' said Page. Read more Motors News 'The point is to make a bit of a bang: next chapter. 'It's also given us a chance to try a new, modern design language - more monolithic, stronger and cleaner in its surfaces and not too over-complicated.' Bentley aims to address changing customer preferences, which has included a growing demand for elevated seating positions and SUV-like designs. The EXP 15 achieves this with a high-riding saloon that offers a fresh alternative to traditional luxury saloons, showcasing Bentley's five overarching design themes. Most read in Motors These five themes draw inspiration from one of Bentley's earliest and most iconic GT cars: the 1928 Speed Six. The first theme, upright elegance, is evident in the bold and imposing front end, a departure from the low-slung, aerodynamic fronts typically seen on modern electric vehicles. Vintage Bentley left abandoned for 60 years At the rear, the prestigious shield introduces a striking light signature inspired by Bentley's iconic 'B' emblem and pays homage to the luggage carriers of vintage Bentleys, seamlessly blending tradition with modern innovation. The car's overall proportions evoke the resting beast, likened to a tiger poised with latent power in its muscular shoulders and rear arches, conveying strength and readiness. Lastly, the grille as art reimagines Bentley's signature front grille as a decorative centrepiece, adorned with intricate diamond motifs and crystal-like LED lighting that exudes elegance and innovation. Together, these themes represent a bold evolution in Bentley's design philosophy, honouring its heritage while paving the way for a progressive and modern identity. LUXURY TOUCHES Sporting a three-seat layout, with the nearside passenger seat sliding and rotating for elegance, the EXP 15 features the very best in luxury that you'd come to expect from Bentley. Our customers are basically telling us that 300-350 miles is that sweet spot. Beyond that, they'll use the private jet Robin Page, Bentley's design director This includes a champagne cooler, picnic seats and a bespoke dog carrier. The car even features a central roof section that opens out to allow passengers to stand before exiting, creating an 'art of arriving' experience, while the dashboard moves away from full digitalisation, with analogue controls and a rotating physical dial for key functions. In terms of functionality, Bentley isn't seeking to build the best EV in terms of mechanics - with a range set between 300-350 miles. Page added: 'We're finding that there's a sweet spot in terms of range. 'Our customers are basically telling us that 300-350 miles is that sweet spot. Beyond that, they'll use the private jet.' While the EXP 15 is primarily a design showcase , its viable package and platform mean it could go into production. Bentley is set to monitor market reactions to determine whether a high-riding saloon could succeed alongside its Flying Spur and other models . NEW LOOK Earlier this month, Bentley also unveiled a simplified version of its familiar 'Winged B' logo, marking only the fourth time they've rebranded their look since they were founded, Much like the look of their concept car, the new logo is said to headline a "new era of Bentley design language'. The company's original logo was designed in 1919 and has only been updated three times since - in 1931, during the 1990s and in 2002. The latest iteration has been dubbed 'the biggest change to the instantly recognisable mark in more than a century of history ". The core elements of the winged B emblem remain the same, but eagle-eyed fans will spot the wings have been simplified and stylised with a diamond pattern. Furthermore, the feathers below the central B have been removed entirely for the first time. According to the design team, the sharper shape is "reminiscent of the angled wings of a Peregrine Falcon". 5 Bentley have also recently debuted their new logo, with a change to the design's wings Credit: Bentley
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Iconic British car brand to begin ‘new era' with ‘urban SUV' to be launched next year – and includes bold new logo
BENTLEY has given fans a first look at its new era with the unveiling of a stylish concept car that's said to preview the future direction of the brand's design and technology. The British car brand, headquartered in Crewe, Cheshire, but under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, has shown off the EXP 15 which blends elements of a saloon, SUV and grand tourer. 5 5 5 5 Headlined as their first electric vehicle, the motor is an urban SUV that's set to launch next year - and also includes their bold, new logo. According to Autocar, the EXP 12 is seen as a potential successor to the Mulsanne flagship, which was retired in 2020, and will sit beneath the Bentayga in their line-up. Bentley's design director, Robin Page, has said he aims to modernise the company's design language - all the while staying true to its heritage. 'It's still in that linear line of Bentleys, but it's a fresh start - a new design language,' said Page. 'The point is to make a bit of a bang: next chapter. 'It's also given us a chance to try a new, modern design language - more monolithic, stronger and cleaner in its surfaces and not too over-complicated.' Bentley aims to address changing customer preferences, which has included a growing demand for elevated seating positions and SUV-like designs. The EXP 15 achieves this with a high-riding saloon that offers a fresh alternative to traditional luxury saloons, showcasing Bentley's five overarching design themes. These five themes draw inspiration from one of Bentley's earliest and most iconic GT cars: the 1928 Speed Six. The first theme, upright elegance, is evident in the bold and imposing front end, a departure from the low-slung, aerodynamic fronts typically seen on modern electric vehicles. Vintage Bentley left abandoned for 60 years At the rear, the prestigious shield introduces a striking light signature inspired by Bentley's iconic 'B' emblem and pays homage to the luggage carriers of vintage Bentleys, seamlessly blending tradition with modern innovation. The car's overall proportions evoke the resting beast, likened to a tiger poised with latent power in its muscular shoulders and rear arches, conveying strength and readiness. Lastly, the grille as art reimagines Bentley's signature front grille as a decorative centrepiece, adorned with intricate diamond motifs and crystal-like LED lighting that exudes elegance and innovation. Together, these themes represent a bold evolution in Bentley's design philosophy, honouring its heritage while paving the way for a progressive and modern identity. LUXURY TOUCHES Sporting a three-seat layout, with the nearside passenger seat sliding and rotating for elegance, the EXP 15 features the very best in luxury that you'd come to expect from Bentley. This includes a champagne cooler, picnic seats and a bespoke dog carrier. The car even features a central roof section that opens out to allow passengers to stand before exiting, creating an 'art of arriving' experience, while the dashboard moves away from full digitalisation, with analogue controls and a rotating physical dial for key functions. In terms of functionality, Bentley isn't seeking to build the best EV in terms of mechanics - with a range set between 300-350 miles. Page added: 'We're finding that there's a sweet spot in terms of range. 'Our customers are basically telling us that 300-350 miles is that sweet spot. Beyond that, they'll use the private jet.' While the EXP 15 is primarily a design showcase, its viable package and platform mean it could go into production. Bentley is set to monitor market reactions to determine whether a high-riding saloon could succeed alongside its Flying Spur and other models. NEW LOOK Earlier this month, Bentley also unveiled a simplified version of its familiar 'Winged B' logo, marking only the fourth time they've rebranded their look since they were founded, Much like the look of their concept car, the new logo is said to headline a "new era of Bentley design language'. The company's original logo was designed in 1919 and has only been updated three times since - in 1931, during the 1990s and in 2002. The latest iteration has been dubbed 'the biggest change to the instantly recognisable mark in more than a century of history". The core elements of the winged B emblem remain the same, but eagle-eyed fans will spot the wings have been simplified and stylised with a diamond pattern. Furthermore, the feathers below the central B have been removed entirely for the first time. According to the design team, the sharper shape is "reminiscent of the angled wings of a Peregrine Falcon".
