Bentley are teasing the world’s enthusiasts with a new picture of their upcoming SUV, saying the vehicle’s design has been revised from the EXP 9 F concept unveiled at the 2012 Geneva auto show. CEO Wolfgang Schreiber, speaking in London, said
“The design has changed from the side, rear and roof. It’s completely changed.” Critics said the EXP 9 F’s large grille and air intakes were ugly and unsuited to an elegant British luxury brand. The new SUV is due to be launched in 2016. It is key to the brand’s goal to increase annual global sales to 15,000 vehicles by 2018 from a record 10,120 last year.
Bentley sales head Kevin Rose says they’re shooting for annual sales of 3,500 for the SUV, a similar sales volume to the Flying Spur sedan and Continental GT coupe.
The SUV likely will debut at the Frankfurt auto show next year. It will be based on VW’s modular large SUV platform. Codenamed PL37, this will also underpin the next Audi Q7. The biggest target market for Bentley’s posh new SUV will be the United States, followed by China and the UK.
