After the controversial Exp 9 F Concept (2012), Bentley is back in charge, with what will be the first glimpse of a future new SUV, based on the also future joint platform of the VW group.
Bentley's future SUV will go on sale in 2016. The Crewe brand has decided, to the delight of its fans, to launch a teaser of this model.
Against the Exp 9 F Concept, the differences are obvious. Bentley opted to soften all the shapes of the Exp 9 F, and endow the future SUV with a more consensual image, in the style of the Continental GT, with the traditional set of double front optics.
Although only part of the front section can be seen, it appears that the rest of the design can be maintained, undergoing little change.
As for the exotic name of the previous concept, which did not live up to any of the brand's traditions, where the baptism of models extends to the names of the famous curves of the La Sarthe circuit, technical innovations, such as the case of the Turbos, or simply names of taste and elegance like the Continental and Flying Spur.
But the Falcon name already appears to have been advanced, despite Ford holding the rights to that designation.
In terms of market positioning, Bentley claims that it will be the most luxurious SUV ever, with proposals for propulsion which will include the 4.0 V8 biturbo blocks and the colossal 6.0 liter W12. The offer of a “plug-in hybrid” engine and a diesel option is in the equation.
As we emphasize, the new Bentley SUV will receive a new platform from the VW group, which will also be common to other group synergies, such as the new generation of the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Tuareg and the SUV by Lamborghini.
The Bentley plant in Crewe was chosen to house the production of the new SUV, and the re-dimensioning and infrastructure investment plan will amount to more than 8.6 million euros over the next 3 years.
Bentley is quite optimistic about advancing sales numbers, the brand hopes to have a return with the flow of 3000 units annually to the main markets. As for prices, these still remain in the design of the gods, but as it appears the values will not be lower than those requested by the Continental GT.