Bentley EXP 9 F hits SUV field with ugly stick

Not wanting to be left behind in the SUV craze, iconic British prestige marque Bentley has joined the fray.  The Crewe coach builder reveals its EXP 9 F all-wheel drive luxury Sport Utility Vehicle concept at the Geneva Motor Show this week. However it's turned out to be an awkward design project that -- if blinged-up not a great deal more -- could become the ostentatious bad taste icon of rap royalty.

Bentley Motors boss Wolfgang Dürheimer says they know that many Bentley customers already own SUVs. "With EXP 9 F, Bentley is making a clear statement of intent that we have both the expertise and desire to meet and exceed their expectations,'' he says.

It wouldn't be a Bentley without the full monte of luxury touches. Open the two-piece tailgate and there is a luxury picnic hamper set including silverware and pewter champagne flutes. Inside are silk wool floormats and handcrafted elements in wood and leather from their Crewe craftsmen. The interior trim also features polished aluminium, bronze and gunmetal. It's a five-seater, although it's best suited to four as the rear armrest lifts to reveal a cooled compartment for champagne and glasses.

The EXP 9 F is powered by a six-litre, twin turbocharged W12 engine married to an eight-speed transmission although the new four-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 or a hybrid drivetrain are also expected to be offered.

Although the company is not yet saying what will drive all wheels, it should be expected to use a 4Motion system from its parent company Volkswagen. Design boss Dirk van Braeckel says the EXP 9 F retains Bentley style cues such as the matrix grille, round lamps and muscular haunches.

However, there is little they can do to disguise that fat back, even with that famous "B'' badge and ultra-wide built-in chromed exhausts. Without the badge, it could easily be mistaken for a Touareg from the rear.

Design themes include the shape of turbine fans in the day-time running lamps and 23-inch alloy wheels, and fighter jet engines in the rear lights. Bentley Motors Australasia spokesman Ian Churchill says they are “keen to gain public reaction”. 

“This will determine the car’s future in the Bentley line up,” he says. “Unfortunately there are no plans just yet to bring the concept car to Australia post the Geneva show.”