Geneva Show – Bentley’s SUV breaks cover

On the eve of the Geneva Motor Show Bentley has revealed a likely highlight – its long-expected SUV.

Currently the brand is describing the car as a concept and a production version is apparently yet to win board approval.

However it is thought highly likely that the SUV will be heading for showrooms, Bentley’s Director of Design Dirk van Braeckel enthusiastically describing the concept, dubbed EXP 9 F, as “the absolute pinnacle of the sport utility sector, setting a new benchmark for this type of vehicle.”

The enthusiasm is shared by his boss, Bentley Chairman and CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer. ““We are very excited by the potential of a high performance, ultra-luxury Bentley SUV,” he says.

“We know that many Bentley customers already own SUVs, admiring their style, luxury, performance and versatility – with EXP 9 F, Bentley is making a clear statement of intent that we have both the expertise and desire to meet and exceed their expectations.”

Power to the concept comes from the 6-litre twin-turbo W12 engine already familiar in current Bentleys. However the car’s designers insist that the recently-launched 4-litre twin-turbo V8 or a hiybrid would be equally at home in the SUV.

The brand also promises that the new model would offer all the luxury of the existing Mulsanne and Continental lines and full all-wheel-drive off-road ability.

No timeframe has been suggested for the EXP 9 F to proceed to production, Bentley merely saying that it will analyse customer reaction to the concept.

Words by: Andrew Charman