Bentley EXP 9 F, just your everyday 600-hp ultra luxury SUV concept
After months of rumors, Bentley
revealed today a concept for its first sport utility vehicle ever: the
600-hp Bentley EXP 9 F. When it comes to vehicles for the wealthiest
people in the world, restraint is so last century.
This year's Geneva Motor Show kicking off today comes stuffed like a Toblerone with nutty luxury SUV ideas, and given the success of Porsche and BMW in selling taller, car-like off-roaders, many of the world's luxury automakers simply can't resist — even when they should. Bentley isn't committing to building a version of the EXP 9 F, and it doesn't necessarily need a new model beyond the Mulsanne and Continental cars.
But
with ultra-luxury vehicle sales rising on strong demand from China and
the Middle East, the SUV would make the most financial sense as an
addition. Given that the Continental starts around $190,000 and the
Mulsanne around $280,000, it's easy to imagine a Bentley SUV with a
sticker of about $250,000.
Powered by a twin-turbo W-12 capable of 600 hp and 590
ft-lbs. of torque, Bentley says the EXP 9 would rank among the fastest
vehicles of its kind. All that motive force gets to the ground through
an 8-speed transmission and all-wheel-drive system turning 23-inch
chrome wheels that are as bling-y as anything from Tire Rack. Inside
lies the usual assortment of hand-stitched leathers, wood veneers and
one-percentery touches like a split tailgate that folds down to reveal a
custom dining set.
Having never built an SUV before,
Bentley says its designers felt free to take a few risks, but how that
lead to a vehicle which resembles the results of a one-night stand
between a Land Rover Discovery
and a London cab isn't clear. The concept sketches show the designers
sought a lower, more raked windshield that would have resembled models
like the Range Rover Evoque,
but from the front the massive grille, circular intakes/driving lights
and square profile seem much too much. Then again, if you're worried
about excessive displays of wealth, you're clearly not in the market for
a Bentley.
