Bentley’s EXP12 Speed 6e roadster concept runs only on electricity

• Published On: 14 March 2017
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The luxury convertible concept reinforces Bentley’s growing interest in electric cars.

Designed by design director Stefan Sielaff, the EXP12’s body brings together trademark Bentley design factors such as its mesh grille and the strong rear haunches; but with much lower nose proportions. The mesh grille is set low at the front of the car, with a wide air scoop below that runs right across. The bonnet’s familiar ‘sighting’ crease down the centre line helps keep aerodynamic drag in check.

Though nothing official has been revealed about the powertrain, evidence from the car’s instrument graphics suggest a 483km range and a four-wheel-drive powertrain, consisting of a pair of motors mounted between the wheels – front and back. The battery location is not yet known but the low seating position and high centre console suggest a T-shape, running down the spine of the car and then across it right behind the car’s occupants.

Diamond-shaped pieces of copper are mounted at every intersection of the grille’s mesh pieces. A symbol of the car's electric powertrain, these were also used less prominently on Bentley’s Mulsanne hybrid, according to John Paul ‘JP’ Gregory, head of exterior design. “It’s right for an electric Bentley,” said Gregory. “It’s a precious material and an authentic one. We’ve used copper in little details all over the car,” he added.

The seat patterns are 'kilted' (a diamond stitching style mirroring the grille shape and setting the mood for the door inners). In the centre console, there’s a multi-function rotary switch that selects motion (forward, neutral, reverse) plus a little copper paddle above that determines the driving mode. For now, Bentley has revealed no production details about the EXP12 Speed 6e roadster but only say that its customers will help decide what happens next.