Bentley SUV Confirmed For Production

Bentley CEO Wolfgang Schreiber has confirmed that the Bentley SUV will go into production in three years’ time, after completion of design and prototype tests.

Yes, Schreiber confirms that the production model will borrow very few elements from the EXP 9F concept and will follow the current design language that is seen in the current Continental GT and Mulsanne. That’s one thing for people who are still interested in the project to celebrate about, given the fact that the EXP 9F wasn’t really one of Bentley’s greatest creations. Schreiber promises that the new design will be instantly recognizable as a true Bentley, meaning it wouldn’t look anywhere close to the ugly EXP 9F Concept.

Design aside, Schreiber also gives us an insight as to what sort of powertrain will drive the large Bentley. The SUV will be powered by the same 4.4-liter V-8 engine from the Continental GT V8 but with fewer horsepower. Also on the cards is a top-of-the-range W-12 engine, though we figure that it’s unlikely to make it into the production model. What we can expect, however, is a diesel powertrain for the European market and a hybrid powertrain.

With the Bentley SUV receiving a green light for production, will its close cousin, the Lamborghini Urus, see the light of day any time? We don’t know. But, customers looking for a Range Rover counterpart can finally look forward to one in their nearest showrooms, three years from now.