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Electromobility in the luxury segment does not have to be a contradiction in terms. This is shown by the concept vehicle EXP 12 Speed 6e from Bentley. An electric vehicle should find its place in Bentley's future portfolio. The luxury brand from Crewe, England, is pursuing an ambitious goal and wants to gain a foothold in the luxury electric car segment.
Even with a purely electrically powered Bentley, there should be no compromises in terms of quality, elegance and high performance. Signature Bentley attributes such as instant, effortless responsiveness and grand touring range are combined with new, highly capable technologies such as an inductive fast charging system and advanced onboard services.
“Bentley’s electric car is designed to meet customers’ needs for luxurious mobility,” said Bentley CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer.
Bentley and his luxury electric car
Bentley's philosophy is that an electric car should be elegant, impressive and exclusive. In Bentley's vision of the future, customers can benefit from short charging sessions via induction and thus have a range for longer trips. If no inductive charging station is available, the Bentley can be connected to the charging network via the connection located behind the license plate at the rear.
Bentley's goal is that one day you will be able to travel from Paris to London or from Monaco to Milan with the electric Bentley on a single charge.
Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e
The EXP 12 Speed 6e is a concept vehicle designed to show that Bentley is driving the idea of e-mobility into the luxury segment with appropriate technology, high-quality materials and the finesse that one expects from a Bentley.
The luxuriously appointed interior of the Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e combines state-of-the-art technology and exquisite materials so harmoniously that the brand's technical achievements never appear cold or unemotional. For example, the entire center tunnel is made from a solid piece of elegantly curved glass. Embedded in it is a high-resolution OLED display. All of the vehicle's key controls, such as the navigation system, on-board entertainment and air conditioning, can be controlled via it.
Electromobile luxury made by hand
The controls for media, communication, navigation and vehicle setup can be found in handcrafted glass inserts on the steering wheel. There are also two buttons on the open-top steering wheel: one provides an immediate performance boost, the other can be used to set the speed, for example in city traffic.
The front passenger, on the other hand, has their own control unit on the dashboard, which gives them access to social media, email and entertainment.
Copper elements around the shifter and Bentley Dynamic Drive knob, as well as in the veneered door panels, underscore the electric performance potential of the advanced powertrain.
The electric vehicle’s intelligent infotainment system is the central control center – the “brain” of the connected car, so to speak – which the driver can use to access many services in the analogue world via an app.
A pure electric car
The familiar Bentley matrix grille features an intricate three-dimensional geometry with a matte finish and copper accents. They identify the Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e as a purely electric automobile. While driving, the "6e" emblem lights up in a fascinatingly bright white.
Bentley's design DNA has been carefully developed and with this concept vehicle shows the direction of future development. Powerline and rear flanks reach an even more expressive level. With a short front overhang, a long bonnet, a low-lying radiator grille and a wide rear end, they emphasize the sporty proportions and athletic presence.
The double air scoops on the bonnet serve as highly effective additional cooling for the battery and drive. Cameras are used as side mirrors. The side mirrors. Their design is based on the shape of stealth aircraft.
For Bentley, too, the future belongs to e-mobility
Bentley believes this concept car will spark discussions with future luxury car buyers. Conversations in which the British luxury brand would like to gain insight into the expectations for the customer experience of the future in the field of luxury e-cars.
For the next few years, Bentley plans to equip all vehicles with plug-in hybrid technology. You want to start with the Bentley Bentayga in 2018.