News: Bentley's controversial SUV gets the green light

 

First presented at last year's Geneva Motor Show, the Bentley EXP-9-F concept SUV garnered more than a fair share of controversy for its styling. But, like it or loathe it, the big Bentley is now definitely heading for production.

Speaking at last week's Detroit Motor Show, Bentley boss Wolfgang Schrieber told reporters that, in spite of rumours that the SUV had been delayed because of the continuing global economic turmoil, it was in fact underway and due to be introduced in 2016.

"The main intention was not to show the final styling but to get feedback from the market," said Schrieber. "If you saw the styling, you would say, 'That is a real Bentley.'" 

The big Bentley will share its structure with the next-generations of VW Touareg, Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, and will go on sale initially with the new 4.0-litre turbo V8 from the Continental GT and later with the mighty 6.0-litre W12.