ADRIAN HALLMARK, CHAIRMAN AND CEO, BENTLEY

How real is this car?

“It’s a statement of intent. It shows the direction of travel we believe our customers want us to go at the beginning of the second century. It gives our idea of the future of luxury and the future of luxury mobility, in a sustainable way.”

Will Bentley customers want electric cars? “They’re definitely becoming more open to the idea. According to our research, two years ago around 10% of Bentley prospects said they’d consider an electric car, whereas now the figure is 25%.”

You mentioned hydrogen fuel cell propulsion in your launch talk. Is this car electric or fuel cell?

“It’s a BEV, but we absolutely believe that a combination of batteries and fuel cells is the solution for large luxury cars in the medium to long term. There’s room in the rear of the concept for either a big battery or for a fuel cell stack to recharge it.”

You’ve taken an optimistic view of battery progress. What’s your evidence? “Our group has a joint venture with one of Europe’s most advanced researchers into solid-state batteries. They have a pretty good view of what’s coming – smaller, lighter batteries, longer ranges, much quicker recharging.”

What do your customers want?

“The expectations of customers for luxury products are changing fast. They want extraordinary journeys, delivered with a sense of purpose by sustainable vehicles from a company with impeccable ethics.”

What makes you think customers will want a car as big is this in 2035? “Well, it’s about the same size as our extra-longwheelbase Mulsanne and there’s a reliable market for that model. We designed this car from the inside out to be spacious, versatile and have revolutionary equipment.”