The Bentley SUV is finally here!
Real #NewBentley SUV: Above
EXP 9F Concept: Below
After a long gestation period to overhaul the EXP 9F’s exterior, Bentley today revealed the first official image of its upcoming 2015 SUV model.
Originally tagged the EXP 9F concept, we strongly predict the 2015 production model will be dubbed the Bentley Falcon. It builds on the more-youthful and less-polarizing style of the Bentley Continental V8 S significantly.
2012 EXP 9F Gallery
This name speaks to broad global interest in predatory animal names for car models — as well as a popular sporting bird in key markets. The official name is still unconfirmed even with today’s announcement and SUV image debut.
Trademark issues (Remember the Ford Falcon?) that were previously unclear may now be resolved. This may now allow the Falcon name to be attached to Bentley, or it could snag another name altogether. How about the InterContinental?
What we do know are four things for certain:
— The annoucement of the SUV came with confirmation that Crewe, England will become the W-12 engine plant hub for the Volkswagen Group in total.
— The Bentley SUV will achieve a “minimum of 3000 units” sold annually, with a volume cap not set in this release
— While the exterior receives a huge revamp versus the vile EXP 9F’s nose — that concept’s lavish and ‘King’ Range Rover’ cabin were nearly complete and very well-received.
— The Bentley SUV will be the most powerful on the market, ensuring a hefty hike from the current champ: the Cayenne Turbo S with 550 horsepower.
Stay tuned for all the breaking details as the Bentley SUV takes flight, and see the official details below from #NewBentley.
FIRST GLIMPSE OF BENTLEY SUV
(Crewe/London, 19 March 2014) Bentley Motors today releases the first picture of the Bentley SUV, due to hit roads in 2016.
It will be the most luxurious and powerful SUV on the market, setting it apart from any other SUV, true to the brand hallmarks of luxury, performance, quality and craftsmanship.
Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive at Bentley Motors, commenting at a press conference in London, said: “It will create a completely new segment in the SUV market.”
The SUV forms part of Bentley’s £800 million investment in new model and facilities development in the next three years. The company anticipates a minimum annual sales volume of 3000 SUVs.
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