Bentley Motors has a very limited line-up – currently just three models – Arnage, Continental and Flying Spur – but that is set to grow with the addition of an SUV to the range.
The German-owned firm today confirmed that it will proceed with the development of the Bentley SUV. The first SUV in the marques history will be made in Crewe and will go on sale in 2016.
According to the official press release the SUV will be a thoroughbred Bentley, true to the brand hallmarks of luxury, performance, quality and craftsmanship. The styling will set it apart from any other SUV on the road and will be true to the Bentley design DNA. The firm has also made the lofty claim that it will be the most luxurious and most powerful SUV in the market. The response from customers to a Bentley SUV has been extremely positive in the last 16 months.
This initial design sketch shows the profile but little else. Some may recall that Bentley revealed the EXP9 concept at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. The reaction to that model’s controversial styling was not favourable, to say the least, and it slid off the show car circuit with little fanfare.
Shortly after taking over the reins of Bentley design, Luc Donckerwolke – of Lamborghini Gallardo and Murcielago fame – has announced that the EXP9 design has been scrapped and that he and his team will start with a blank sheet. Supposedly, the new model will be a sportier and more contemporary interpretation of an SUV.
