Bentley’s first SUV, the EXP 9 F was officially unveiled in Geneva, and even though the British brand calls it a concept, we could be talking about a third model that might join the Continental and Mulsanne ranges.
The EXP 9 F is certainly something else in terms of appearance if we compare it to the current luxury SUVs, and even though some of you might call it awkward or strange, Bentley says it a bold reinterpretation of Bentley design cues in a spacious, versatile and high performance SUV.
You will surely notice the Mulsanne inspired front fascia and the rear section which from our point of view it somehow reminds of Land Rover.
The car also represents a fusion of contemporary, crafted luxury, advanced in-car technology, commanding driving position and all-terrain capability, with a 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine under its bonnet, linked to an 8-speed transmission.
Wolfgang
Durheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors said "We are very excited by the potential of a high performance, ultra-luxury
Bentley SUV. We know that many Bentley customers already own SUVs,
admiring their style, luxury, performance and versatility. With EXP 9 F,
Bentley is making a clear statement of intent that we have both the
expertise and desire to meet and exceed their expectations."
Bentley does not give to much information in terms of what the EXP 9 F is capable of in terms of performance, but it does mention that its W12 6.0-litre powertrain could produce 600 bhp and 800 Nm of torque, and that its 0 to 60 mph sprint time could set new benchmarks in the SUV sector.
At the interior the EXP 9 F features a 4+1 seating layout, and the company said it has faced some challenges it making sure that the cabin combines luxury with utility.
"The result
is a light and airy environment with a commanding view of the road and a
versatile layout which showcases Bentley’s craft and design language in
an innovative and contemporary way."
Video: Geneva Press Conference :
