- David Hort
Bentley hints at future SUV
Bentley has revealed an enormous SUV concept in the form of the EXP 9 F, a luxury off-roader designed to take on the likes of Porsche and Range Rover.
The Bentley EXP 9 F is a huge ultra-luxury SUV that stands 200mm longer than the Range Rover and is so big that it sits on 23-inch alloy wheels. In terms of scale and appearance, it’s similar to the equally huge Mulsanne saloon, although the EXP 9 F isn’t quite as tall as the Range Rover.
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The overall impression is of a jacked-up Mulsanne, designed to show what Bentley is capable of in terms of expanding its model line-up.
While there is no confirmation that the EXP 9 F – one of the more unwieldy model names at Geneva – will ever make it into production, the luxury 4x4 is expected to influence future Bentley models and possibly bring an off-road derivative of the Mulsanne, or more likely the Continental into production; something that has been rumoured for a while.
Under the bonnet the Bentley EXP 9 F comes with an enormous W12 6.0-litre engine worth 600bhp and it generates 590lb-ft of torque.
That’s enough for it to challenge the Porsche Cayenne Turbo for the fastest SUV in the world title, says Bentley, however the Crewe-based manufacturer has yet to confirm official sprint times and top speeds for the monstrous SUV.
Inside, the EXP 9 F is luxuriously kitted out, in-keeping with Bentley’s brilliant reputation in terms of interior quality, equipment and technology.
Bentley phrases the driver and entertainment options as ‘near-infinite’ with a 3D navigation system available along with three different driving modes comprised of Comfort, Sport and Off-Road options.
The usual blend of wood, leather and high-quality metals litter the interior along with silk wool floormats.
Rear seats are individually catered for with passengers able to choose between a business or reclined position which comes with a powered footrest, drinks table and an infotainment screen for films.
Reaction to the Bentley EXP 9 F SUV has mirrored the initial reaction towards the Porsche Cayenne, when journalists slated the high-speed behemoth for its appearance.
However, the Cayenne has proved a massive success for the German sportscar manufacturer in terms of sales and margins; something Bentley will hope to emulate if it goes ahead with its own SUV.