Bentley is close to making a decision on whether or not to build an SUV, according to CEO Wolfgang Schreiber.
This is the first mention of the new SUV from the Bentley camp in months. The original concept EXP 9 concept (pictured above) debuted back at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012 but, apart from the release of a few promotional images and an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Bentley has been suspiciously tight-lipped on the subject.
The concept received mixed reviews, mainly due to its unconventional appearance; however, Schrieber claims that the EXP 9 was never meant to preview the finished product.
He told Automotive News that the production-ready SUV will more resemble the rest of the Bentley range than the EXP 9, saying: "the main intention was not to show the final styling but to get feedback from the market."
He also revealed that the finished product is likely to be fitted with an eight-cylinder engine and, potentially, a W12.
Styling aside, there will always be those who find the idea of a Bentley badge on a SUV about as appealing as a Lamborghini badge on a lawnmower. But remember, the Porsche Cayenne was widely criticised when it was unveiled eleven years ago and it has since become one of Porsche's best-selling models.
So what do you think of the idea of a Bentley SUV? Will it be an interesting addition to the Chelsea tractor market or an affront to one of the most revered badges in British motoring history?
Leave your comments below.
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