Bentley SUV Confirmed For 2016

While the 2016 estimated time of arrival of the new Bentley SUV may not seem like anything to get excited about, the story is one we are keeping an eye on after something of a false start at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

The Bentley EXP 9 F was condemned by many for its awkward styling. Bentley then said they’d go back to the drawing board, but that they wouldn’t give up on the exclusive end of the luxury SUV market. Plans to remedy the SUVs styling included softening of the lines, a revision of the ‘roulette-style’ alloy wheels, as well as smaller headlights set closer together for a less bulky appearance.

Along with confirmation that the Bentley SUV will enter production in the coming years, the British manufacturer has released a design silhouette (above), which illustrates a far smoother roofline than that of the EXP 9 F concept. The nose and tailgate area are noticeably absent from the sketch, which means doubts as to whether they too have been redesigned to avoid an awkward mix of classic Bentley and contemporary SUV.

Bentley has said they already have 2 000 orders for the SUV, with Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn, saying: “Bentley fans all around the world are looking forward to the brand’s first SUV. Together we will make this new Bentley another true Bentley – powerful, exclusive and successful.” The new ultra luxurious SUV is expected to create around 1 000 jobs when it goes into production at Bentley’s plant in Crewe, U.K.

Little is known about the make-up of the SUV itself, but logic suggests the existing twin-turbocharged V8 and W12 petrol engines will do duty beneath the dominating bonnet. By the time 2016 rolls around, however, we imagine these powerplants will be even more efficient and a diesel and/or hybrid option could be possible too.

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