Electric cars are the future (or a big part) of the personal automobile; that much is a universally accepted fact which we are all quite aware of. Some car companies, such as Tesla, have been founded upon the very idea that electric power is not only a bankable but also a practical solution to the various challenges that are facing the automotive industry right now. With emission laws becoming stricter and global warming becoming more serious with each passing year, electricity comes out as a clean, efficient and renewable source of energy. Of course, as we are all aware by now, electric-powered cars are all that and can even be a hoot to drive.
Bentley, the debonair British automaker, recently celebrated its 100th birthday. Given that it’s such a momentous occasion, the proud company decided to gift itself a brand-new car. However, this was no ordinary car. The anniversary also provided Bentley a chance to showcase what it believes the future of the Bentley grand tourer would be like - it is called the EXP 100 GT - it is electric, can seat four and is capable of doing 300 km/h.
Exterior
Ok. So for what is a two-door, four-seat grand tourer, the 2019 Bentley EXP 100 GT Concept is unarguably vast in size. It spans 5.8 meters in length, is 2.4 meters wide and has a curb weight of 1.9 tons. Apart from its sheer size, the exquisite design of the EXP 100 GT means that it will leave you speechless as it silently drives past. Viewing it head on, the enormous illuminated matrix grille (with 6,000 individual LEDs) and the intricately-styled LED headlights of the EXP 100 GT instantly grab attention. The grille also wears a brilliant copper strip that runs right down the middle, all the way into the lower apron.
The unmistakable ‘Flying B’ Bentley ornament sits atop the hood, trailed by a silver/LED strip running the whole length of the hood. The long and graceful side profile of the EXP 100 GT with its sloping roof, distinctive ‘Active Aero’ alloy wheels really draw one’s attention. At the same time, the exquisite usage of copper and silver garnish all around gives this Bentley a certain flair that’s lacking in most grand tourers. The haunched rear fenders lead straight to the sophisticated backend of the EXP 100 GT that boasts swooping curves along with some sharp features as well.
The splendid LED tail lamps look really futuristic by way of their 3-D design and the inclusion of an OLED screen in the middle. The design of the lower rear of the Bentley EXP 100 GT incorporates structures which aid in air-flow management, whilst the front grille sports active intakes to help cool the electric motors. Even the magnificent but ecologically-sound ‘Compass’ paint stands out.
Interior
The massive glass canopy means that the interior of the 2019 Bentley EXP 100 GT Concept remains well-lit and maintains the sense of spaciousness all the time. The beautifully-crafted cabin sports some of the most premium yet eco-friendly leather, wood, wool, aluminum and even copper -- there’s no doubt that this is one of the most contemporary and comforting cabins so far. The EXP 100 GT further gets the Bentley Personal Assistant which comes to life via an illuminated crystal placed in the center console, while the ‘Adaptable Biometric Seating’ offers optimum levels of comfort for all occupants.
The on-board intelligent personal assistant makes brilliant use of the Bentley EXP 100 GT’s vast array of sensors and its computational capabilities to ensure that the occupants’ don’t feel fatigued. The system can flipped through five different modes such as Enhance, Cocoon, Capture, Re-Live and Customise. Users can even select one of two cabin fragrances (that are also created in an eco-friendly manner) - fresh moss and sandalwood. Overall, not only is this cabin dripping with technology, superb materials and brilliant craftsmanship, it also manages to do all without upsetting environmentalists.
Engine and performance
Despite its near-two-ton mass, don’t discount the 2019 Bentley EXP 100 GT as just another captivating concept. Motivation for this leviathan comes by means of a battery-electric powertrain and utilizes the latest-gen traction drive motors on all four corners. The result is a stunning 1,500Nm of torque, all-wheel drive, 0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds, top speed of 300 km/h and a maximum range of 700 kilometers. Theoretically, with fast charging, the Bentley EXP 100 GT’s batteries can be juiced to 80 percent in just 15 minutes!
Verdict
It’s clear that the 2019 Bentley EXP 100 GT Concept is one of the most visually, technically and ideologically impressive grand tourers in a long time. Of course, don’t expect to see one of these in a Bentley showroom anytime soon. However, that was never the point with this concept as it’s more of a representation of where the company sees itself heading in the near future.
