Bentley SUV Concept EXP 9 F revealed

Bentley SUV EXP 9 F Concept

Just as predicted, the Bentley SUV Concept – EXP 9 F Concept – arrives at Geneva with plenty of bulk and a 6.0 litre W12.

Bentley did say that if they were going to do an SUV it was going to be the best SUV…in the world. Whether this Bentley EXP 9 F qualifies as the best luxury SUV there will be remains to be seen, but it’s here at Geneva.

Looking a bit like a Bentley Mulsanne that’s been rear-ended and jacked-up, the Bentley SUV is just a Concept, but it’s a clear indication that Bentley are serious about adding a third line top production at Crewe.

Powered by a 6.0 litre W12 – at least in the EXP 9 F Concept – the luxury SUV may not exactly be a looker, but the interior is rather appealing. And the exterior will grow on us.

Bentley say they’ve incorporated much of what identifies Bentley Motor Cars with stuff like the Matrix Grill, big round headlamps, strong powerline and haunch along each side. And they’re right, in the same way as Porsche were right that the Cayenne took Porsche’s design language off-road – under the same Wolfgang Dürheimer who now runs Bentley.

Dirk van Braeckel, Bentley’s Director of Design, said:

EXP 9 F had to represent the absolute pinnacle of the sport utility sector, setting a new benchmark for this type of vehicle. The style had to reflect Bentley’s sporting character despite its radically different package and purpose together with sculptured, flowing surfaces in keeping with the Bentley tradition.

We haven’t seen it in the flesh yet, but that’s for tomorrow.

(9 photos – click any thumbnail for full gallery)

By Cars UK