Bentley SUV: Redesign already under way

Bentley SUV already being re-thought

It seems the reception for the EXP 9 F – the Bentley SUV ‘Truck’ – has already got Bentley designers back to the drawing board for a redesign.

The Bentley SUV at Geneva – the EXP 9 F Concept – was a real let-down. It was as if Bentley’s designers had been given a single line brief from history and tasked to make Ettore Bugatti’s criticism of Bentleys as ‘The World’s fastest trucks’ come to life.

We talked to a number of Bentley owners and dealers about the SUV earier this week and the reaction was unanimous; the Bentley SUV is just plain wrong. Instead of trying to evoke the not very loved Mulsanne with an enormous shed on wheels, Bentley should have instilled dynamism and a sportier, lighter design touch with Continental cues.

It seems Bentley may have been listening - as, to be fair, they said they would – and have revealed to What Car that they’re already working on the EXP 9 F’s design and have admitted the current design is too heavy handed.

Unfortunately, they seem wedded to the idea of the Mulsanne take for the nose – a mistake according to the owners and dealers we spoke to – and the W12 power plant. Perhaps they should hang on a few weeks and get hold of the 2013 Range Rover before they go much further?

Because the new Range Rover is going to the the Bentley SUV’s nemesis.

(15 photos – click any thumbnail for full gallery)

(9 photos – click any thumbnail for full gallery)

By Cars UK