Bentley surprised at the Geneva Motor Show by revealing the EXP 9 F concept vehicle – a full-size SUV.
Bentley being Bentley, this is no ordinary mud-digger – it’s a superlative premium SUV enjoying stunning performance from Volkswagen Group’s 450kW/800Nm 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine (the same powertrain family as fitted to the Bugatti Veyron) driving through an eight-speed transmission.
A premium SUV is the logical extension of the Bentley model range – to sit alongside the existing Mulsanne and Continental.
On the outside the EXP 9 F features the hallmark Bentley grille, but there are some remarkable new adaptations – for example the massive 23-inch alloy wheels have a racing-style central wheel nut and turbine fan blades reminiscent of the company’s 1920s racers and the LED light apertures do double duty as vented intakes for cooling air to the twin turbochargers.
Inside is the usual Bentley craftsmanship, including as glorious one-piece wood veneer panel housing the instruments, soft leather and even silk wool floormats. Rear seat passengers get a fold-down keyboard for instant internet access via iPad or tablet and the tailgate includes bespoke integrated picnic hampers which fold away when not in use.
Bentley says it will preview the EXP 9 F to potential customers both during and after the Geneva Motor Show to plan the next step.
