The EX-Factor

When Bentley introduced the Continental coupe, the two-door luxury sports car turned heads. Now, the British luxury marque is looking to break necks with the EXP 9 F Concept; its first SUV. Featuring styling cues synonymous with Bentley: the matrix grille, rounded headlights and “haunch” around the flank, the EXP 9 F’s styling cues are designed to evoke the immediate recognition for the brand, while placing it in a new realm.

“EXP 9 F had to represent the absolute pinnacle of the sport utility sector, setting a new benchmark for this type of vehicle. The style had to reflect Bentley’s sporting character despite its radically different package and purpose together with sculptured, flowing surfaces in keeping with the Bentley tradition,” said Dirk van Braeckel, Director of Design for Bentley in statement.

The concept SUV’s powertrain is based around the Bentley 6.0 litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine, but Bentley has hinted that the recently launched 4.0 litre, twin-turbocharged V8 (as see on the Continental GT V8) or a hybrid drivetrain could meet the performance requirements slated for this SUV, should Bentley move this car into production.

Revealed today at the Geneva Auto Show, the Bentley EX 9 F is still a concept car, but if there’s a demand, it could be rolling onto the streets in the near future.