- Bentley is expected to win approval from corporate parent VW on a proposed 4x4 crossover for 2014.
- CEO Wolfgang Durheimer says Bentley also will offer diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
- Durheimer, who previously headed Porsche R&D, shepherded the launch of the Cayenne.
CREWE, England — Bentley is working on a 4x4 utility vehicle, CEO Wolfgang Durheimer has confirmed. The big SUV, if approved this year by corporate parent Volkswagen, could reach the market in 2014.
Speaking at a private media dinner here, Durheimer told several British publications, including Car and Top Gear, that the British luxury maker is working on its own derivative of the next-generation Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7 and VW Touareg.
"'If Bentley were able to sell an SUV with the same level of craftsmanship as a Continental or Mulsanne, we could have an interesting success on our hands," Durheimer told Car. "With an SUV, Porsche doubled in size."
Durheimer previously headed Porsche R&D and helped shepherd the development and introduction of the Porsche Cayenne.
Top Gear said the Bentley SUV could get the 6.0-liter V12 turbodiesel developed originally for the Audi Q7, while Car said the Bentley also would likely use the new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 gasoline engine that will debut early next year in the 2012 Continental GT, as well as a plug-in hybrid powertrain, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Bentley SUV reportedly will share the modular MLB architecture that underpins the next-generation Cayenne, Q7 and Touareg, including a lightweight aluminum spaceframe.
Car described the Bentley SUV as "a five-door shooting brake — a luxurious yet sporty four- or five-seater which features all available mod cons from air suspension to a complete set of driver assistance systems." The Bentley will be priced higher than a Cayenne or a Range Rover, the magazine said.
Inside Line says: The Bentley soft-roader could help redefine the segment — particularly the plug-in hybrid variant.
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pathos says:
11:23 PM, 08/15/2011
Come on, let's sing along: "Money, money, money... Money!".
Seriously though, I'm always surprised how many Bentley's I see around here in the middle class neighborhoods of Cali. These are pretty seriously expensive cars. It's the most common $150K+ car I see around (Newport Beach-ish and Bel Air-ish areas may be different, but don't go really go there).
lolxd says:
11:04 PM, 08/12/2011
They should make it look more like a Jacked up Estate version of the Mulsanne. Just like how the Bentley Dominator Concept looked like a Jacked up Estate version of the Arnage.
Otherwise, it would just be another one of those Modified Volkswagen Beetles with a tuxedo (Bentley Continental Model Range).
mk40 says:
06:38 PM, 08/12/2011
Good idea to offer the wealthy another prestigious British branded SUV other than LR.
cz_75 says:
04:48 PM, 08/12/2011
"There was no Bentley based off the Phaeton. Where are you getting that from. It shared components w/ the Audi A8."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Phaeton
"The Phaeton's platform, the Volkswagen Group D1 platform, is shared with the Bentley Continental GT and Bentley Continental Flying Spur. Certain systems, such as the automatic transmission and some engines, are also shared with the Audi A8. The D1 is a stand-alone steel platform, and was specifically developed for the Phaeton and Bentley Continental. It is commonly confused with Audi's D3 platform, which is an all-aluminium-based, instead of the D1's steel platform."
davyj0nes says:
10:22 AM, 08/12/2011
I think why Volkswagen is so successful at badge engineering is that they leave enough space between the brands price wise. Another thing too is that this SUV built on a competent chassis. Regardless what i think of SUV's in general, i believe this is going to be a hit. Although we should define what a "hit" for Bentley is. If they sell 100 a year, 100 during the entire run, build and sell just 100???
gsxrbean says:
10:09 AM, 08/12/2011
A Bentley SUV, should be a huge monster of an SUV (think uber high end Suburban) defiantly not a midsized SUV.
autoadviseorg says:
09:01 AM, 08/12/2011
When Porsche came out with Cayenne, this is how most folks felt. Porsche makes sports cars (mostly 2 doors) why an SUV? Today it is known to be a successful move!. That is not necessarily true for Bentley. But I think there are enough cash rich folks who will buy it just to write it off in depreciation for taxes or even show off that they have excess money. Hey, you never know may be the Bentley SUV will star in a James bond movie against AM where it could go into woods and rivers and show some dirt on fenders!
jscion says:
08:29 AM, 08/12/2011
I don't understand this at all. What is the purpose of a Bentley version of an SUV that is already stretched between three brands. A Bentley version would be what, an entry-level Bentley??? Seems stupid!
a1c_scg says:
07:43 AM, 08/12/2011
There was no Bentley based off the Phaeton. Where are you getting that from. It shared components w/ the Audi A8.
And this is a smart move from a business perspective, but it's still a stupid vehicle to exist.
ddark13 says:
07:35 AM, 08/12/2011
its the second VW to be rebadged as a bentley... but at least the phaeton started at like $80k and not $45k like the touraeg