GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Bentley goes electric

Bentley has stunned Geneva motor show-goers by revealing a battery-powered drop-top that previews the British luxury brand's next-generation Continental convertible and its future range of plug-in hybrid models.

Shedding its pipe-and-slippers image in one fell swoop, the "effortless, exclusive and exhilarating" Bentley EXP12 Speed 6e concept blends classic olde-worlde styling themes with a cutting-edge interior and exterior design and an all-electric powertrain.

Officially, Bentley says sleek, open-top show car "brings luxury ownership experience to EV sector", "showcases future Bentley exterior and interior design direction" and "gauge[s] public and customer feedback to shape Bentley’s future luxury strategy".

In reality, borrowing heavily from the Volkswagen Group's electrification and platform portfolio, the two-door EXP12 Speed 6e concept is likely to be based on the same new Porsche-developed MSB platform as the latest Panamera and powered by a version of the Porsche Mission E concept's EV drivetrain.

Bentley says its EV vision "is for customers to benefit from high-speed inductive charging and provide a range sufficient for grand touring requirements.

"An electric Bentley would, for example, be able to drive between London and Paris or Milan and Monaco on a single charge and the on-board experience will be enhanced for both driver and passenger thanks to the integration of state-of-the-art technology."

In the near-term, however, Bentley's electrification strategy will include the introduction of plug-in hybrid models across its range "over the next few years", starting in 2018 with the Bentayga SUV, a limited-edition Mulliner version of which was also seen for the first time in Geneva.

“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. This concept enables us to engage with luxury customers and gather feedback on our approach," said Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors.

“Bentley is committed to offering an electric model in its future portfolio and we are interested to receive feedback on this concept."

The Volkswagen-owned brand says an all-electric Bentley "will not compromise the quality, refinement and high performance levels expected of the luxury brand. These renowned Bentley characteristics such as immediate, effortless surge of torque and grand touring range will be combined with new high performance technology such as rapid inductive charging and state-of-the-art on board concierge-style services for an effortless ownership experience.

"Bentley believes that the concept will open discussions with luxury car buyers of the future – millennials, members of Generation C and the rising affluent in developing economies -- to understand the desired expectations from a future electric luxury car ownership experience."

Identifying the EXP 12 Speed 6e as a fully electric vehicle is a Bentley mesh grille featuring complex 3D geometry and a smoked finish with copper highlights. When the car is running the white ‘6e’ logo is illuminated, while twin bonnet scoops supply additional cooling to the battery and powertrain.

"When rapid inductive charging is not available, EXP 12 Speed 6e can be connected to a mains AC power supply via the auxiliary charging point, subtly concealed behind the rear number plate," said Bentley.

Other tech details include sleek mirror-shaped side cameras "inspired by the sculptural form of stealth aircraft fuselages".

Inside the opulent cabin, the entire centre console is hewn from a solid piece of curved glass encompassing a high-definition OLED screen -- on which all of the car’s navigation, entertainment and climate controls are accessible -- while copper elements around the gear selector, Bentley Dynamic Drive dial and in the door veneer panels aims to "highlight the electric performance potential of the concept’s advanced new powertrain".

Handmade, cut-glass sections on the steering wheel contain the controls for media, communications, navigation and car set-up, while buttons on top of the cut-away steering wheel deliver "an instant performance boost" and limit vehicle speed when not required.

Front-seat passengers are treated to their own control panel to access social media, email and the car's infotainment system, which is "the central brain to access many real world services using connected-car apps".

Meantime, the limited-edition Bentayga Mulliner is Bentley's new flagship SUV, adding a number of exclusive high-end features such as a new Mulliner Bottle Cooler, unique 22-inch wheels, new veneer concept, a bespoke Mulliner interior colour split with contrast embroidery and optional Duo Tone paintwork.

Naturally, the top-shelf Bentayga is powered by Bentley's 447kW/900Nm 6.0-litre W12 engine, delivering 0-100km/h acceleration in 4.1 seconds a 301km/h top speed, making it the world's fastest SUV, claims Bentley.

"Produced in very limited numbers due to the highly complex, handcrafted nature of the Bentayga Mulliner’s luxurious interior features, this new flagship model will be available to order [in Europe] in Spring 2017," said Bentley.