Bentley SUV sheds some camo

Tue, 07 Oct 2014

Bentley keeps itself busy and on our minds with ever-faster versions of the Continental family and even, most recently, of the Mulsanne. While a new coupe is said to be around the corner, the biggest project Crewe has going on at the moment is its new SUV. And this is our clearest look at it yet.

Spied with less camouflage than ever before while undergoing testing near the Nürburgring, Bentley's as-yet unnamed sport-ute is being based on the same new platform that will underpins the next Volkswagen Touareg, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and – if finally approved – the production version of the Lamborghini Urus concept.

Bentley's is sure to be one of the higher-end models to be based on that platform, opening up a new segment soon to be populated as well by the upcoming Maserati Levante, Range Rover Sport SVR and other potential ultra-high-end SUVs and crossovers from the likes of Land Rover, Aston Martin Lagonda and Daimler's restrategized Maybach.

Expect the production version of the EXP 9 F concept (which hinted that the production nameplate could be Falcon) will enter production late next year as a 2016 model, with a variety of powetrains to include a potential hybrid version and one that will be capable of hitting 200 miles per hour in serene luxury.

By Noah Joseph