When Bentley unveiled its futuristic EXP 15 concept, the automotive world went wild. Some praised its bold innovation, while others felt it strayed too far from Bentley’s classic luxury roots. Among those critics was legendary car designer Frank Stephenson — the creative genius behind icons like the Mini Cooper, Ferrari F430, and McLaren P1.
His verdict on Bentley’s new concept? A blunt “NOT.”
But why did he think so? And what does this concept mean for Bentley’s electric future?
Let’s dive into the design, the controversy, and what this debate reveals about how luxury brands are redefining themselves in the electric era.
🚗 What Exactly Is the Bentley EXP 15 Concept?
The Bentley EXP 15 isn’t just another show car—it’s a statement about where the brand is heading as it transitions into the electric vehicle (EV) world.
This futuristic machine combines classic Bentley grandeur with modern-day technology. Inspired by the 1930 Speed Six ‘Blue Train’, the EXP 15 reflects Bentley’s heritage of grand touring but through the sleek lens of an EV future.
Key Highlights of the EXP 15 Concept:
Feature Description
Design Inspiration Based on the 1930 Bentley Speed Six “Blue Train” heritage model
Seating Layout Unique 3-seater setup for luxury and flexibility
Powertrain Fully electric (concept model)
Exterior Color “Pallas Gold” paint designed to allow radar and sensor transparency
Interior Design Mix of handcrafted wood, digital glass panels, and futuristic instrument dials
Front Grille Oversized illuminated design inspired by Bentley’s heritage identity
Purpose To showcase Bentley’s future design direction for upcoming electric models
Bentley designed the EXP 15 as a “visionary design model,” meaning it’s not meant for direct production but instead offers a glimpse of what their first all-electric Bentley might look and feel like.
🎨 Frank Stephenson’s Honest Verdict: “Not Hot Enough”
When Top Gear asked Frank Stephenson what he thought of the EXP 15, his critique was both detailed and ruthless.
Stephenson, known for his design precision and balance, found several issues that, in his view, made the EXP 15 visually confusing and off-brand.
Let’s break down his main criticisms:
- That Massive Front Grille
Stephenson found the front grille “too enormous and theatrical.”
In the past, Bentley’s grilles served a purpose — cooling the powerful engine behind them. But in an EV, there’s no need for such an opening. For him, Bentley exaggerated this detail to keep up appearances rather than evolve the brand gracefully into the electric era.
His words in essence: “It’s not grandeur; it’s overkill.”
- Losing the Iconic Bentley Headlights
Bentley’s signature round headlights are instantly recognizable. But the EXP 15 replaces them with thin, vertical LED strips — something Stephenson calls a “generic design trend.”
He believes this move erases one of Bentley’s most timeless features, blending the car into a crowd of modern EVs rather than standing apart.
- A Confused Side Profile
Stephenson described the side view as “unsure of its own identity.”
While the rear haunches are bold and muscular, the front looks upright and static. This imbalance, he says, breaks Bentley’s traditional sense of flow and proportion. A true grand tourer should look confident, not conflicted.
- Uninspired Wheels
Even the wheels didn’t escape criticism. Stephenson noted that Bentley chose an even-numbered spoke design, which visually kills the illusion of motion. Odd-numbered spokes typically create a feeling of speed and dynamism—even when the car is standing still.
- A Generic Rear End
Finally, Stephenson found the rear design too plain and forgettable. The taillights, he said, lack the emotion and bold identity that Bentley’s cars are known for. For a brand built on presence and prestige, that’s a major red flag.
⚙️ Bentley’s Side of the Story: “We’re Redefining Luxury”
While Stephenson’s critique is sharp, Bentley’s design team had a clear vision: to blend heritage craftsmanship with future technology.
The EXP 15’s interior celebrates Bentley’s artisan roots while showcasing advanced design thinking. Its cabin combines hand-polished wood veneers, digital displays hidden under glass panels, and a “Mechanical Marvel” dial that bridges tradition with innovation.
In short, Bentley wants to show that luxury in the EV era isn’t just about silence and speed — it’s about emotional experience and modern craftsmanship.
💬 So, Who’s Right — Stephenson or Bentley?
Both sides make valid points.
Stephenson’s argument is rooted in brand integrity. He believes a Bentley should evolve naturally, without losing its distinct DNA. Oversized grilles and LED gimmicks, to him, cheapen the timeless elegance of the marque.
Bentley, however, is facing a new reality. EV design comes with new proportions — shorter hoods, battery-heavy bases, and different aerodynamics. To stay relevant, the brand must reinvent itself, not just repeat the past.
The truth? Bentley’s EXP 15 may not be perfect, but it’s bold enough to start a conversation — and that’s what great design should do.
📰 Public & Media Reactions
The EXP 15 triggered a mix of admiration and confusion.
Car enthusiasts loved its daring concept and craftsmanship.
Traditionalists felt it drifted too far from Bentley’s DNA.
Automotive media described it as “a glimpse of the future wrapped in nostalgia.”
Here’s how the sentiment roughly split:
Audience Type Reaction Summary
Design Experts Appreciated innovation but agreed with Stephenson on proportion issues
Luxury Car Fans Divided between excitement and disappointment
Press & Journalists Mixed reactions — “audacious but polarizing”
Younger EV Enthusiasts Loved the futuristic styling and bold grille
Classic Bentley Owners Felt it lacked traditional charm and warmth
🧠 Why This Debate Matters
This isn’t just about one car. The Bentley EXP 15 debate captures a bigger story — how iconic brands survive the electric transformation without losing their soul.
Stephenson’s comments act as a wake-up call for designers: “Innovation must respect identity.”
Bentley’s concept, on the other hand, reminds us that “Luxury must evolve with time.”
It’s a tension every heritage brand must navigate in the EV age.
💡 Final Thoughts: Hot, Not, or Somewhere In-Between?
So, is the Bentley EXP 15 hot or not?
The answer depends on what you expect from the brand.
🔥 Hot: If you value bold experimentation, sustainability, and reimagining luxury for the electric future.
❄️ Not: If you believe Bentley should stay faithful to its timeless design cues and conservative elegance.
In truth, the EXP 15 is a brave prototype that dares to challenge perceptions. Whether you love it or hate it, one thing’s certain — Bentley has everyone talking, and that’s the real sign of impactful design.
What is the purpose of the Bentley EXP 15 concept?
The EXP 15 serves as Bentley’s vision for its future electric vehicles. It’s not a production model but a design experiment showcasing how the brand could merge luxury craftsmanship with modern EV technology.
Why did Frank Stephenson criticize the EXP 15?
Stephenson felt the design strayed too far from Bentley’s traditional DNA — with an oversized grille, generic lighting, and confused proportions that diluted the brand’s elegance.
Will Bentley produce the EXP 15?
The EXP 15 won’t go into production. However, several of its design elements and concepts are expected to influence Bentley’s upcoming all-electric luxury cars.