Last fall saw the release of Bentley’s new Continental GT design, leaving us thinking that grand touring couldn’t possibly become any more luxurious. But this year, on July 10, the luxury automotive brand exceeded our expectations, celebrating its 100-year birthday with a preview of the EXP 100 GT, imagined for the world of 2035.
Introduced by Chairman and CEO Adrian Hallmark alongside Head of Design, Stefan Sielaff, the anniversary model was previewed to an exclusive group of influencers and journalists at Bentley’s Crewe headquarters in England.
“The Bentley EXP 100 GT represents the kind of cars we want to make in the future. Like those iconic Bentleys of the past, this car connects with its passengers’ emotions and helps them experience and safeguard the memories of the really extraordinary journeys they take,” said Sielaff.
Taking its place at the forefront of sustainable innovation, the EXP 100 GT is completely electric and has a predicted range of over 400 miles with a zero emissions powertrain. The car also features sustainable and environmentally friendly materials like 5,000-year-old copper infused wood, exterior paint made from recycled rice husks, British Farmed Wool carpets and embroidered cotton, and 100% organic leather-like material yielded from wine making.
For the exterior, aluminum and carbon fiber have been imagined into a futuristic take on the classic Bentley look, including the choice of a new exterior color, Compass. Rounded headlights, an illuminated matrix grill, and the iconic flying B are accompanied with a streamline aesthetic, a horseshoe section with a 3D OLED screen, and butterfly doors that pivot upwards, allowing easy (and stylish) access to the car’s pristine cockpit.
Inside, modular seating can be reconfigured to fit two, three, or four passengers and, at the center of the main console, the Bentley Personal Assistant—made with illuminated crystal from Cumbria, England—includes features like a biometric monitor that tracks the occupant’s well-being and artificial intelligence that allows the driver to relive their most exciting adventures.
Other noteworthy details include the car’s 100% autonomous abilities (which still allows the owner to enjoy the thrill of driving as desired) and its ability to reach an 80% of battery capacity in just 15 minutes of charging—something always handled by the Bentley Personal Assistant.
