Bentley has introduced just their 12th concept car in nearly 100 years and they expect this one to really generate a charge. The Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e is an open top, two-seat electric grand tourer.
The new roadster has inductive charging, because a Bentley owner doesn't want to worry about handling dirty plugs. But it can be plugged in to charge as well if necessary. Bentley doesn't quote a range figure, but they do mention being able to drive between London and Paris or Milan and Monaco on a single charge. That would put range somewhere near 500 km.
In classic Bentley style, there is no power figure given either. Just the assurance of an "immediate, effortless surge of torque." The EXP 12 Speed 6e name refers to it being their 12th EXP, or experimental car. The e in 6e refers to the electric power.
The dramatic exterior styling has vents and grilles to help cool the motor and battery. It strongly resembles the EXP 10 Speed 6 from 2015 and carries over that car's light-up 6 in the front grille.
Inside there is as much luxury as you would expect in a Bentley show car. the center stack is one massive piece of glass with an OLED screen. There is copper woven around the gear selector, a reference to the electric powertrain. The passenger has their own control screen for access to entertainment or email. The steering wheel has glass panels housing screens with media controls. There is also hand stitched leather in burgundy and cream, with hand polished wood throughout.
So will Bentley make a production version of the EXP 12 Speed 6e? They've said that their first EV will be a plug-in hybrid Bentayga next year, so if they do, it will likely be a while.
