British luxury carmaker Bentley has released a short video that showcases the styling on its upcoming SUV.
The short clip offers hints of how the exterior of the new model has taken shape. Bentley says the new SUV's body will show the "sculpted, contemporary and distinctive design… combined with the exquisite and meticulous detailing for which Bentley is renowned".
The Bentley SUV will go into production in 2016, with a range of engines – including a plug-in hybrid option for 2017 – being offered to customers.
It is understood that Bentley’s redesign of its EXP 9 F concept, which is being undertaken by new design chief Luc Donckerwolke, is driven by the desire for a 320kph top speed. This will help the SUV fit in with Bentley’s range of high-speed coupés and sedans.
The EXP 9 F, first seen at the Geneva motor show in 2012, has been in the production engineering phase for about 12 months, and a significant part of that process has been a fundamental redesign. “The concept got the idea out there, but we’ve been working on the real car and some things needed to change,” a source revealed.
With the 320kph top speed target in mind, Bentley has lowered the roofline, smoothed off the rear-end styling to create a more slippery shape and focussed on underbody aerodynamics. The lower roofline will reduce the frontal area and compensate for the wide stance of the SUV, expected at a near two-metre overall width.
Bentley has also been juggling the requirements of mainly on-road luxury use with an ability to go off-road.
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