Bentley’s first announced its plans about making a luxurious SUV back in 2011. The British carmaker even showcased the EXP 9F concept SUV at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The concept unfortunately didn’t really receive much in the way of accolades due to its controversial design.
The production-spec model, however, which is due on sale in 2016, is expected to feature a far more traditional design. The vehicle is expected to be powered by a 6-litre, W12 petrol engine developing around 600bhp and over 800Nm of torque. A little more sensible (if once can call it that) alternative will be the 4.2-litre V8 diesel engine sourced from the Porsche Cayenne diesel. The same engine could also power the next-generation Audi Q7. Bentley even plans to sell a plug-in hybrid version which will be introduced in 2017.
According to Auto Express, Bentley already has 2,000 pre-orders for the upcoming SUV with customers not knowing much on the pricing or the styling of the vehicle.
Bentley CEO Dr Wolfgang Schreiber has been reported saying: “Since the concept we’ve worked hard on the exterior and interior, and it’s now ready for final development. It looks more like a Bentley; more modern.”
Bentley plans to sell 3,000 to 4,000 SUVs a year, making this new model a crucial part of the brand’s aim to improve annual sales from 8,510 last year to 15,000 cars by 2018.
Source: AutoExpress
