One of the biggest surprises at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show last week was from British auto maker Bentley, who revealed their first-ever electric concept vehicle, a luxurious dream come true for the energy conscious. Baroque Ground reports
If all goes according to plan, British auto manufacturer Bentley will roll out its first-ever collection of electric vehicles in 2021. And to give us an idea of what this concept car will look like, they revealed the EXP 12 Speed 6e Concept convertible at the Geneva Motor Show during its first week. This is the brand’s first pure-electric concept vehicle for production, a completely different project from the hybrid Bentayga SUV that is in the works and is due out next year. But this new concept convertible, if it is well received by the experts, could reach the production line in four years’ time.
The vehicle that is currently on display is not for sale or for people to test drive, as it is one-of-a-kind. It is purely an indication from Bentley that it is an example of what an electric vehicle would look like if they decide to produce it: luxurious, refined and energy-conscious, all in one package. A luxurious, all-electric sports car that can drive for 310 miles on one tank. A zero emissions chargeable model to gauge customer interest.
The design of this two-seater car is a genius combination of modern and classic – with an edge. In some cases, contemporary touches are disguised as vintage ones, like the round cameras that are used instead of side mirrors, which resemble old stealth-aircraft fuselages. Adjusting settings of the air vents on the front dash is done manually – a tongue-in-cheek nod to days of yore, whilst the rest of the dashboard buttons are used via an ultra-modern touch screen. There’s also a state-of-the-art high-definition OLED screen controlling navigation, entertainment and climate control.
Of course, this Bentley, like every other in the brand’s collection, boasts an interior full of fine leather, wood and carpeting. At the unveiling in Geneva, Bentley Motors Chairman and Chief Executive Wolfgang Dürheimer had this to say: “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.”
At this stage, Bentley isn’t telling us the range, size or capabilities of the car’s motor, but it’s guaranteed to be high-caliber like every vehicle that comes from this legendary British auto maker. Regarding the electric capabilities of the car – according to Bentley, this will include both rapid inductive charging for which does not involve a cable, and an AC power supply (through a special outlet in the back, hidden under the license plate).
The vehicle on display in Geneva was a convertible without a top, but if it goes into production, it will feature a ragtop, just like all the other Bentley convertibles. As this is a concept car, some of the features have been exaggerated and will not be included if the car should go to production. Regardless, the idea alone is enough to get one’s adrenaline spiking.