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Bentley considering chopping new Bentayga into a crossover coupe

Like it or not, crossover coupes are gaining traction. BMW lead the march with the X6 and has since followed up with the X4, rival Mercedes has already showcased its new GLE Coupe, and Audi is expected to be following suit as well. So who's next? According to Top Gear, that'd be Bentley. The British luxury automaker is (like Jaguar and Maserati) preparing to launch its first SUV in the form of the upcoming new Bentayga. But it isn't likely to stop there. After speaking with Bentley CEO Wolfgang Durheimer, who pointed towards the growth in the luxury crossover segment at the expense of coupes, convertibles and sedans, Top Gear is convinced that the Flying B marque is weighing the possibility of a slant-backed coupe version. If BMW's experience is anything to go by, reconfiguring the roof and styling of the Bentayga to give it a more rakish profile would be a relatively low-cost, straightforward way to give Crewe another crossover model to offer. But by the same token, we wouldn't expect it to lose any doors in the process as that same Bavarian rival did with the Mini Paceman. With the Bentayga set to debut next year, it may not be until 2019 that the coupe version would arrive. That's if it's given the green light in the first place, with Bentley expected to decide "within the next year and a half," according to TG. What isn't clear at the moment, however, is whether the Bentayga crossover would stand in place of the smaller crossover Bentley was said to be considering, or the four-door coupe or sports car projects that were said to be on the table as well.

Bentley introduces Bentayga First Edition at VIP event in LA

The first customers to place their orders for the new Bentley Bentayga will get a special First Edition model. Each is outfitted with unique trim inside and out, and comes with a special wristwatch. Bentley just unveiled the new Bentayga First Edition at a special VIP event ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show opening this week. The Bentley Bentayga First Edition features 22-inch two-tone wheels, special Union Jack badging, and illuminated treadplates. Inside it benefits from unique diamond quilted leather, embroidered seats, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting. Along with those specifications, this initial run will be limited to just ten exterior colors. Those fortunate first customers will also get their choice between one of three timepieces crafted by Breitling: one with a multifunction electronic movement, another with an integrated emergency transmitter, and a third automatic designed for women. All told, only 608 examples of the First Edition will be offered. The quantity is a reference to the metric output from the 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine, which produces 600 horsepower – or 608 ps. That's enough to rocket the luxury off-roader to 60 in 4.0 seconds flat and on to a top speed of 187 mph, making this the fastest and most powerful SUV currently on the market. Related Video: BENTLEY DEBUTS BENTAYGA FIRST EDITION AT EXCLUSIVE VIP CUSTOMER EVENT - First 608 Bentaygas to be exclusively designed and highly equipped - Bentayga is the most powerful, most luxurious, most exclusive and fastest SUV in the world - Limited edition celebrates the creation of an all-new luxury SUV market segment - Each owner to receive one of three special-edition Breitling chronographs (Los Angeles/Crewe, 16 November 2015) Bentley Motors is debuting the Bentayga First Edition to a select group of VIP customers tonight at the iconic Sunset Marquis Hotel, Los Angeles. The exclusive limited edition of the most powerful SUV in production is restricted to just 608 cars globally. The eye-catching specification with exclusive details and unique components demonstrates the Bentayga's abilities to the fullest. The First Edition's unique design includes Union Jack badging, illuminated treadplates and 22" black painted and polished wheels. Just ten exterior colours are offered, highlighting the exclusivity of the model.

Here's the Bentley Bentayga actually going off-road

There might not be many opportunities to see a Bentley Bentayga getting dirty off-road, but Bentley is making sure its upcoming crossover can perform capably when off the beaten path. This video demonstrates the Bentayga's all-wheel drive system, and you can see the wheels braking when needed. While the SUV's exterior is covered in cladding, you get an idea of the vehicle's general shape. A small skid plate is also visible underneath. It is not set to go on sale until 2016, but the Bentayga has been spied testing all over the world. Bentley also already offered a good look at the interior. Most recently, the model showed up on the highways around Dubai, likely for hot-weather evaluation. Laps around the Nurburgring should also help keep the SUV relatively light on its feet. With 4,000 interested customers lined up as of earlier this year, the Bentayga should be a success for Bentley. After launch, a diesel V8 version and a plug-in hybrid are reportedly on the way in 2017. Later, a smaller crossover might be in the cards, too. Related Video: