The mere mention of an SUV built by Bentley is usually sufficient to raise eyebrows and attract the odd sigh…not always in a positive sense, either. Indeed, purist have been against the idea of a Bentley SUV ever since the idea was first floated quite some time ago – most of whom are fairly outspoken to say the least.
Nevertheless, super-luxury brands from all corners are slowly but surely crossing the threshold into SUV production and it’s long-since seemed like it’s only a matter of time until Bentley follows suit.
And in 2016, follow suit is precisely what they’ll do.
Joining the ranks of Rolls-Royce, Maserati, Porsche, Lamborghini and several others besides, Bentley has confirmed that its very first commercial SUV is in the pipeline and rolling our way in the near future. Board member Kevin Rose made the announcement that’s likely to have broken as many hearts as it warmed, though he did at least promise improvements on earlier outings.
Cast your mind back to the Geneva Motor Show of last year and you might remember one hell of an ugly Bentley SUV concept that went down like a lead balloon with the punters. Mercifully, Rose reassured the world that the project has been taken back to the drawing board and took the opportunity to voice his own dissatisfaction with the earlier concept.
At least we can rule out a repeat performance therefore, or so we hope.
But here’s the question so man are still asking – why is Bentley choosing the SUV route at all? It’s not hard to figure out – there’s a ridiculous amount of money to be made by those getting it right and demand has never been higher.
So there it is, officially set in stone – the Bentley SUV of your dreams/nightmares will be heading your way within the next three years or so. And if this isn’t to your liking, you better spend the next three years enjoying Bentley as it is today as come 2016, you’ll be looking at a changed brand.