EXP 15 tests water for design of Bentley's EVs

Concept could influence look of the Luxury Urban SUV, a Mulsanne limo replacement and other models

- Phil McNamara

THE future of Bentley is hiding in plain sight, Auto Express can reveal. The recent EXP 15 concept's clean surfacing, striking details and interior flourishes hint at the design of the Luxury Urban SUV, the electric model that will go public next year.

But longer term, the high-riding saloon concept is testing the water for a bodystyle to replace the Mulsanne, the traditional limousine that rivalled the Rolls-Royce Phantom until it went out of production in 2020.

The electric EXP 15, only the 15th experimental car in Bentley's 106-year history, has almost the same footprint as the old Mulsanne EWB, measuring 5.5 metres in length with a 3.5-metre wheelbase. But the show car is 6cm higher because of its sizeable ground clearance, with its ride height rising on tough terrain or lowering at speed to improve aerodynamics.

Auto Express was given a sneak preview at the official opening of Bentley's new design studio at its Crewe factory, just before customers were ushered through to take a look.