Geneva Motor Show Special: Bentley brings luxury into electric vehicles

Bentley Motors is seeking to redefine the electric vehicle arena by introducing the aspect of luxury into a sector that has so far seen either eco-friendliness or outright performance. The EXP 12 Speed 6e that was unveiled at the ongoing Geneva International Motor Show is an all-electric concept. Bentley says that the usual characteristics of immediate surge of torque and grand touring range will be preserved in this eco-friendly luxury tourer.

To ensure that the brand’s use of technology doesn’t become emotionless, Bentley has used a fusion of cutting-edge tech and exquisite materials to create a luxuriously appointed cabin. The entire central console, for example, is hewn from a solid piece of elegantly curved glass encompassing a high-definition OLED screen. All of the car’s principle onboard controls are accessible from here, including navigation, entertainment and climate control.

Handmade, cut-glass sections on the steering wheel contain the controls for media, communications, navigation and car set-up. There are also two buttons featured at the top of the cut-away steering wheel, one offering an instant performance boost and the other the ability to limit speed, in urban areas for example.

The passenger, meanwhile, has their own control panel on the front fascia with access to social media, email and entertainment. The wing mirrors – which are cameras rather than traditional reflective glass – are exceptionally sleek and were inspired by the sculptural form of stealth aircraft fuselages. 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.

While the EXP 12 Speed 6e was the cynosure of all eyes at the Bentley stall, the iconic British marque also unveiled the new Continental Supersports and Supersports Convertible. Both are powered by a 700bhp engine featuring torque vectoring. The Bentayga also ups the ante with a Mulliner edition that promises even more sophistication and so does the Hallmark Series by Mulliner of the Mulsanne. The list of unveils was rounded off with the new Flying Spur W12 S , which is the first four-door Bentley to drive past the 200mph (320kmph) mark.