Bentley Motors’s concept of a high-performance two-seater sportscar drove off with a Gold award at this year’s German Design Awards.

The German Design Council selects a panel of international design experts to judge the entries, and the awards are among the most prestigious in their field.

They selected the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept car for the Gold award in the Transportation category as a result of its timeless, iconic Bentley design, clever use of new materials and aesthetic dynamism.

Leading members of Bentley’s design team attended the ceremony in Frankfurt to collect the award. Director of Design Stefan Sielaff was joined by SangYup Lee (Head of Exterior Design), Romulus Rost (Head of Interior Design and Colour and Trim) and Head of Modelling and Design Operations, Kevin Baker, at the award ceremony.

Panel judge Johannes Barckmann commented: “The designers of the EXP 10 Speed 6 achieved a fantastic reinterpretation of the British legend. This is particularly apparent when looking at the interior. The door panels are not covered with leather, but instead with high-quality wood.”

Sielaff added: “EXP 10 Speed 6 is a thoroughly modern British interpretation of a high-performance two-seater sportscar. It showcases the future direction of luxury and performance using the finest materials and advanced hybrid technology – a powerful, exquisite and individual concept.”

The Bentley Flying Spur and Continental GT Speed – both refreshed in 2015 with a complement of new interior features and exterior styling cues – also received special mentions from the German Design Awards judging panels.

Bentley Motors is one of the most sought after luxury car brands in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production of the company’s three model lines, Continental, Flying Spur and Mulsanne. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. 

The German Design Award is the top international prize of the German Design Council and is one of the most well respected design competitions in the world. The Gold award stands for international design excellence. This particular title is only awarded to the best of the best in each category of the German Design Award. The distinction Special Mention is awarded to works whose design features particularly successful sub-aspects or solutions – an award that honours the commitment of companies and designers.