Visually, the curiously named EXP 9 F is dominated by a prominent wire-mesh grille, massive turbine-like 23-inch wheels and a number of flowing character lines adorning the sides. Bentley says that taillights were inspired by fighter jet engines, while the mesh-covered day-time running lamp apertures also act as air intakes for the engine's charge coolers.
The latter would give the EXP 9 F an all electric range of about 19 miles and combined fuel economy of 50mpg. Despite that frugality and the EXP 9 F's enormous size, Bentley says the hybrid drivetrain would still be capable of hustling the SUV from 0-62 in under five seconds.
All engines under consideration would likely be hooked to an eight-speed automatic.
While an SUV is certainly new territory for the automaker, the interior cleaves to Bentley tradition with large helpings of wood, diamond-quilted "shoulder line' soft-touch leather and polished metals such as aluminum, bronze and gunmetal. TFT "virtual" instrumentation along with 3D navigation provide a high-tech contrast to the old-world ambiance. Rear seat passengers get ample legroom, reclining seats, internet connectivity and a cooled compartment for champagne and glasses under the center armrest.
The cargo compartment is accessed much like that "other" British luxury SUV, the Range Rover, in that a tailgate folds down, while a glass hatch raises to reveal an intricately detailed storage area complete with integrated picnic sets.
Redesign In Progress
When the British brand lifted the sheet off the concept at a Volkswagen press conference, many people were utterly shocked by its love-it or hate-it looks. Bentley apparently prepared in advance for that reaction, and it has already put its backup plan into action.
A company source quoted by England's What Car? magazine acknowledged that the SUV's design is "a little heavy handed." The unnamed source confirmed that the brand's designers are currently working on drafting up a more discreet body for the car complete with "more traditional SUV proportions and less retro surfacing."
However, a recent statement from Bentley's chief of exterior design suggested that the automaker will not revise the SUV's styling as much as previously expected due to a "incredibly positive" response to the concept from potential customers.
No word was spoken about when or where the revised concept will make its debut, but the Paris show next fall is a possibility.
Bentley CEO Wolfgang Durheimer told the English magazine that although the EXP 9 F was presented in Geneva as a concept, a production version of it is very likely to hit Bentley showrooms in about 2015.
Its base price will fall in the vicinity of £150,000 (about $236,800), and it will be primarily aimed at buyers in Russia, in the Middle East, and, of course, in China, where SUV sales are currently booming.
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