Elysium
Monterey Car Week & Bentley’s Grand Return
Monterey Car Week is an internationally renowned series of events, including the Monterey Concours d’Elegance, The Quail Motorsports Gathering, Bonhams auctions, and more. In 2025, the spotlight turns to Bentley Monterey Car Week, where the manufacturer returns to California with bold reveals, design‑driven exhibits, and immersive experiences that fuse heritage and innovation.
Bentley’s presence at Monterey Car Week is more than just a showcase—it’s a strategic exhibition of the brand’s future vision, design philosophy, and bespoke craftsmanship, positioning Bentley at the forefront of luxury car events in 2025.
EXP 15 Concept: Bentley’s Design Future Emerges
At the heart of Bentley’s Monterey presence is the EXP 15 concept, unveiled to the public for the very first time on 17 August 2025 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance concept lawn. This five‑metre‑plus design vision car explores future Bentley aesthetics with a tall grille, elongated bonnet, and rearward passenger cabin—drawing inspiration from the iconic 1930 Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman Coupe, widely known as the “Blue Train.” The EXP 15 concept offers a vision of how Bentley’s luxury, modern technology, and refined lines may evolve in future electric or hybrid flagship vehicles.
Continental GT Speed & New Paint Technology at The Quail
During The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering on 17 August, Bentley introduced the US public debut of the new Continental GT Speed, featuring Mulliner’s innovative ombre paint technology—a personal commissioning option blending two colors seamlessly from front to back. This cutting‑edge finish underscores Bentley’s commitment to bespoke craftsmanship and customization for luxury car events in 2025.
Bentayga Speed: High‑Performance Hybrid Arrives in the US
Also making its US debut at The Quail was the Bentayga Speed, powered by a newly developed High Performance Hybrid Bentley drivetrain delivering 650 PS and 930 Nm of torque. It’s the first time this variant has been available in the US market and highlights Bentley’s advanced hybrid focus in 2025.
Test Drives of Fourth‑Gen Models: Continental GT & Azure Hybrid
Beyond display, Monterey Car Week offered test drives of Bentley’s fourth‑generation Continental GT and Azure Hybrid, allowing guests to experience firsthand the blend of performance, technology, and comfort. These models mark the arrival of Bentley’s High Performance Hybrid Bentley powertrain, pairing a 4.0‑litre V8 with a powerful electric motor to produce 680 PS and a maximum torque output of 930 Nm.
Mulliner’s US Debut of the Batur Convertible
Bentley’s bespoke Mulliner division made waves with the Batur Convertible, showcased for the first time in the United States. Combining handcrafted bodywork, luxurious interior finishes, and bespoke personalization options, this coach‑built model exemplifies Bentley’s ongoing expansion of customization experiences at major events like Bentley Pebble Beach.
Bentley Surfboard Bonhams Auction: Style Meets Charity
At a special Bonhams auction, attendees had the opportunity to bid on a one-off handcrafted Bentley surfboard, made from Koa veneer sourced from Bentley’s woodshop. The auction proceeds benefit SurfabilityUK, a pioneering adaptive surf school in the UK that empowers individuals with life‑changing conditions to enjoy the ocean—and even compete in global para-surfing competitions.
Bentley Heritage: Blue Train Coupe & Mark‑V Corniche
For the first time on UUSsoil, Bentley brought the 1930 Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman Coupe, widely known as the “Blue Train Coupe”, to Monterey Car Week. Additionally, the painstakingly reconstructed Mark V Corniche—rebuilt from rescued 1939 chassis and restored using original drawings—debuted outside the UK and France for the first time in 2025.
Home of Bentley Monterey: Craftsmanship, Co‑Creation & Immersion
Located adjacent to the Pebble Beach Lodge, the Home of Bentley returned as the immersive hub for Bentley fans and clientele. The pavilion showcased Bentley’s craft heritage, live artisan demonstrations, and offered a co‑creation space where customers could collaborate with Bentley designers on bespoke commissions.
Bentley Monterey Debut Highlights & Public Engagement
Bentley offered dedicated press days and public access throughout the week, enabling attendees to explore new models, design exhibits, and heritage pieces. Social media buzz and coordinated coverage amplified moments like test drives, paint‑technology reveals, and surprise heritage car appearances.
Why Bentley Monterey Car Week Matters for Luxury Car Events 2025
As one of the first major automotive showcases of 2025, Monterey Car Week allowed Bentley to lead conversations around next‑generation luxury—electric hybrid models, cutting‑edge paint technology via Mulliner, bespoke coachbuilding, and narrating a legacy through its Bentley Heritage Collection.
Bentley Heritage Collection: Showcasing Past and Future
Presenting the Blue Train Coupe and the Mark V Corniche reinforced Bentley’s respect for its history, anchoring the brand’s modern direction in craftsmanship, design legacy, and storytelling. These heritage icons reinforced the narrative of future models like the EXP 15 concept and high‑performance hybrid variants.
Bentley Test Drive 2025: Bridging Past & Future Performance
Hands‑on experience with Continental GT and Azure Hybrid during Bentley test drive 2025 let clients appreciate the refinement of the electric‑assisted V8 powertrain. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, citing smooth torque, whisper‑quiet EV mode, and seamless transitions between electric and combustion power.
Mark V Corniche & Blue Train Coupe: Legacy on Display
The public debut of both heritage icons marked a historic moment. Tour d’Elegance visibility and concours‑day presence created magical occasions where observers could compare pre‑war craftsmanship with modern Bentley aesthetics.
Bentley Mulliner Paint Technology & Personalisation
Mulliner’s ombre paint, showcased on the Continental GT Speed, represents the next level of exterior personalization. Combined with coach‑built offerings like the Batur Convertible, Mulliner’s capabilities signal Bentley’s intention to offer ultra‑personalised luxury experiences.
Luxury Car Auctions 2025 & Boutique Items at Monterey
Bentley participated in Bonhams’ luxury car auctions in 2025, including high‑profile auctions of rare collectibles and bespoke pieces like the Bentley surfboard. This approach underscores the crossover appeal between luxury autos and lifestyle art collectibles.
Emerging Trends: Electric Hybrid & High‑Performance Models
Bentley’s introduction of multiple hybrid powertrain models marks a defining shift in electric hybrid models for high-end performance in 2025. The technology combines electric driving for sustainability and responsive torque for performance.
Bentley Monterey Debut: Strategic Impacts & Future Directions
Bentley’s strategic message at Monterey Car Week is clear: heritage informs the future, and innovation is rooted in craftsmanship. The brand is repositioning itself as a leader in high‑performance hybrid luxury, with bespoke personalization and design experiences fueling growth.
FAQs
What is the EXP 15 concept?
Bentley’s futuristic design vision car was unveiled at Monterey Car Week 2025. It showcases Bentley’s stylistic future, referencing the Blue Train Coupe.
Which Bentley models debuted in the U.S. at Monterey 2025?
EXP 15 concept, Continental GT Speed with ombre paint, Bentayga Speed hybrid, and the Mulliner‑built Batur Convertible.
What is the new Mulliner paint technology?
An ‘ombre’ finish developed by Bentley Mulliner that blends two colors seamlessly front‑to‑back.
Will the Azure Hybrid be available globally?
Yes, Bentley plans a global rollout for both the Azure Hybrid and Continental GT Hybrid.
What is the Bentley Heritage Collection’s significance?
It includes historic models like the Blue Train Coupe and Mark V Corniche, reinforcing Bentley’s brand legacy.
How can customers participate in test drives?
At Monterey, guests scheduled test drives through the Bentley lounge or the Home of Bentley pavilion.
Bentley Monterey Car Week: Gateway to the Future
Bentley Monterey Car Week was a defining moment in luxury car events in 2025. From the EXP 15 debut, Mulliner’s paint tech, to heritage legends like the Blue Train Coupe, Bentley delivered a cohesive message of legacy and leadership in luxury.
