Bentley EXP 100 GT concept debuts – AI-enhanced EV with 700 km range; 1,500 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 2.5s

In line with its 100th anniversary celebrations, Bentley has unveiled the EXP 100 GT concept, a fully electric vehicle with range of up to 700 km, aimed at showcasing what luxurious motoring in the mold of a grand tourer could be like in 2035.

The battery electric powertrain comprises of four electric motors with a maximum torque figure of 1,500 Nm, propelling the EXP 100 GT concept from 0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h, according to Bentley. The luxury marque from Crewe claims that future battery technology will enable an 80% charge in just 15 minutes, while helping to keep weight to 1,900 kg.

Measuring 5.8 metres long and nearly 2.4 metres wide, the car is built from aluminium and carbon-fibre, with further decorative elements made from copper and aluminium. ‘Compass’ is the name given to the EXP 100 GT’s exterior colour, created using a special pigment that is synthetically made using rice husk ash (a harmful by-product) remanufactured for use on the EXP 100 GT, to reduce the amount that goes to landfills.

Besides the special paint, other sustainable innovations include the use of a 5,000-year-old Copper Infused Riverwood, 100% organic leather-like textile, British farmed wool carpets and embroidered cotton interior surfaces. All these, Bentley says, enhance the appeal of a grand touring car of the future.

The car’s front end features an illuminated matrix grille which responds when a person approaches the car, where light plays across the grille, through the mascot and along the bonnet’s central spine, then into the car’s cabin. Meanwhile at the rear, a horseshoe section of the boot is comprised of a three-dimensional OLED screen where lighting effects blend in with the car’s rear lamps.

The EXP 100 GT employs artificial intelligence for Bentley’s take on grand touring of the future, which takes the form of the Bentley Personal Assistant that can ‘curate personal driving experiences’, with points of information along a given route, as well as journey suggestions and available luxury experiences nearby.

Further elements which tailor the occupants’ feel for the journey include active aero wheels which dynamically adjust to deliver efficiency or a performance-biased feel, while intelligent Pirelli tyres adapt their contact patches based on weather conditions or driver demand.

Inside, Adaptable Biometric Seating can also be configured in three different ways, says Bentley, depending on whether the owner is driving or using autonomous mode. Temperature, passenger position and environmental conditions are monitored to help deliver optimal comfort in all conditions.

Here, the Bentley Personal Assistant learns and adapts to its occupants’ needs based on its knowledge. Reactive seat surfaces respond to passenger position while driving, and automatically offer improved support where necessary, says Bentley. Biometrics are also employed here to track eye and head movements as well as blood pressure to further tailor the cabin environment.

Occupants interact with the Bentley Personal Assistant via hand gestures to the front or rear Cumbria Crystal interfaces which interpret commands, and offers five modes with their own characteristics: Enhance, Cocoon, Capture, Re-Live and Customise. Enhance draws input from the outside environment such as light, sound, smell and air, in order to simulate open-top motoring from within the glass canopy.

Cocoon employs air purification while glass areas turn opaque for privacy, while Capture records events from both within and outside the vehicle which then becomes ‘part of your car’s unique history.’ Re-Live is a highlight reel of sorts from one’s journey, while Customise combines elements of the various modes as selected by the driver.

An example of gesture control is an occupant, such as a child, looking out the window of the EXP 100 GT and then gesturing to reveal content with information on what they are seeing. Additionally, a cartridge system within the EXP 100 GT can also deliver luxury items and services, says Bentley. This can deliver items from under the bonnet storage area into the cabin.

Much about the Bentley EXP 100 GT is futuristic, to say the least. Which elements of this concept takes your fancy the most?

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