Much like Aston Martin, Bentley is going through a massive overhaul that will see a range of new vehicles and technologies hit the streets over the next couple of years. Bentley has already managed to reinvent itself by launching the Bentayga SUV, but the process is far from over and it's set to continue with the next-generation Continental. Additionally, the British firm is working on both a new design language, as well as developing its first ever electric vehicle. The EXP 12 Speed 6e concept that just broke cover at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show previews both.

Essentially an evolution of the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept from 2015, the EXP 12 drops the coupe configuration in favor of a convertible body style and adopts a range of new features inside and out. As sleek and sporty as its predecessor, the EXP 12 is identical to the EXP 10 save for the missing top and the redesigned rear bumper, which no longer includes exhaust pipes. Since this concept was envisioned with an electric drivetrain, tailpipes are no longer necessary.

The interior is also pretty much identical to the EXP 10, featuring the same central console that's made from a solid piece of curved glass encompassing a high-definition OLED screen. It can be used to control everything from navigation and entertainment to climate control, while the two buttons at the top of the steering wheel offers access to either an instant performance boost or a speed limiter for urban area.

The main novelty is the electric drivetrain. In fact, I should say Bentley's ambitions to offer an EV in the future, because the EXP 12 doesn't have an electric motor yet. In the company's own words, the goal 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."

London and Paris on a single charge? That's almost 290 miles, which is definitely doable with the current technology, but a 300-mile range is necessary for a carefree trip. With Tesla already offering a 335-mile range, it's definitely achievable on a large scale, but it remains to be seen how long it will take Bentley to put it into practice. The British company also claims that an all-electric Bentley "will not compromise the quality, refinement and high performance levels expected of the luxury brand," so it's not exactly a walk in the park.

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Why it Matters

Bentley has a lot of work to do to deliver a vehicle as good as it wants it to be, but it's great to see that more and more brands are jumping on the all-electric wagon. It will probably take a few years to see it on the road, but a concept car to receive feedback for is definitely a great start. Granted, luxury enthusiasts with pockets deep enough to buy a Bentley will get excited about the EXP 12 Speed 6e, but it remains to be seen if Bentley can actually deliver a state-of-the-art convertible that can travel more than 300 miles on a single charge.