Geneva 2012: The Bentley SUV Concept, AKA EXP 9 F: Comments

[William Maley]

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William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

March 5, 2012

Once upon a time, the only luxury SUV you could get your hands on was the Range Rover. Now, it seems every luxury automaker aside from a few, offer an SUV.

Now, Bentley is showing their new SUV. Called the EXP 9 F (No, that isn't the license plate on the car), this concept previews what could be the third vehicle in Bentley's lineup.

Design is well... um.. unique. The front end borrows many cues from the Continental and Mulsanne. The side borrowed the doors off a Range Rover and the back end seems to be a blend of Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7.

Inside the EXP 9 F is what you would expect of a car from Crewe. The wood trim lining the doors and dash comes from a whole forest. Everything else is either trimmed in leather, chrome, and aluminum. The EXP 9 F also comes with a full picnic set, wedged in the back.

Along with the old world luxury, Bentley has fitted a lot tech into this concept. The front gets a TFT gauge-cluster screen, touch-sensitive center-stack controls, and motorized widescreen infotainment display. Back seat passengers get power-reclining seats, power footrests, and a cooled compartment. Plus, the EXP 9 F has internet connectivity.

Power comes from a 6.0L W-12 and goes through an eight-speed automatic. Bentley says the engine is producing somewhere around 600 HP. However, a hybrid powertrain and Bentley's new 4.0L twin-turbo V8 could also fit in the vehicle.

Bentley says a decision on whether to build the EXP 9 F will depend on reaction from their customers. Our guess, expect to see a Bentley SUV sometime in the next few years.

Press Release is on Page 2

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BENTLEY REVEALS EXP 9 F – A PINNACLE LUXURY PERFORMANCE SUV DESIGN CONCEPT

• EXP 9 F all-wheel drive luxury Sport Utility Vehicle concept revealed at Geneva Motor Show
  
• Potential for third Bentley model-line alongside Mulsanne and Continental ranges
  
• Bold reinterpretation of Bentley design cues in a spacious, versatile and high performance SUV
  
• A fusion of contemporary, crafted luxury, advanced in-car technology, commanding driving position and all-terrain capability
  
• 6.0 litre, twin turbocharged W12 engine and 8 speed transmission
  

(Geneva, 5 March 2012) Bentley is offering a vision of the future with a dramatic new Sport Utility Vehicle concept, EXP 9 F, at the Geneva International Salon d’Auto. The Company’s designers and engineers have created a compelling new take on the Grand Touring Bentley - a vehicle that feels equally at home at an opera gala performance, on the sand dunes and the overtaking lane of the autobahn.

Unmistakably a Bentley – yet a Bentley like none before it – the EXP 9 F could herald a third Bentley model-line alongside the bespoke Mulsanne and the high performance Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur.

Today a global luxury brand with a network of 160 dealers from Shanghai to Beverly Hills, Bentley has an increasingly diverse customer base spanning every continent. For many customers, a dramatically styled, Bentley all-wheel drive SUV which combines a spacious, versatile cabin and commanding driving position, with Bentley’s hallmark power, performance, advanced technology and hand crafted luxury, would be a natural choice both on and off-road.

“We are very excited by the potential of a high performance, ultra-luxury Bentley SUV. We know that many Bentley customers already own SUVs, admiring their style, luxury, performance and versatility. 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.” Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.

BOLD, DYNAMIC, SPORTY DESIGN

• Key Bentley styling cues re-interpreted for EXP 9 F with innovative detailing
  
• Sculptured flowing surfaces emphasise power, muscularity and robustness
  

From a designer’s perspective, EXP 9 F was a dream project, the chance to create a completely new type of Bentley. From the very beginning, the design team had a clear vision for the new Bentley SUV, as Dirk van Braeckel, Director of Design, explains:

“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.”

A new class of Bentley allowed the styling team to adopt a more progressive design approach. The exterior is a bold, dynamic statement, combining clean, muscular surfaces with signature character lines, while retaining the qualities of luxury and power – a pure Bentley.

Key Bentley cues such as the matrix grille, round lamps and the strong power-line and haunch along each flank are reinterpreted for EXP 9 F. The ‘hewn from solid’ design language and innovative detailing, emphasise the robust character of this high-luxury SUV.

The designers were inspired not only by the more functional nature of EXP 9 F but by the ‘visible engineering’ of the famous Blower Bentleys. For example, the day-time running lamp apertures also act as the charge cooler air intakes for the twin-turbo W12 engine, each with a dramatic, mesh-covered turbine fan design and ‘rifled’ inner surface finish.

The turbine theme continues with the stunning 23-inch alloy wheels, the design of which complements the sculptured coachwork. The multiple spokes are reminiscent of the shape of turbine fan blades while the centrally mounted wheel nut is a visual reference both to Bentley’s Le Mans racers of the 1920s with centre-lock spinner and to the single nut found on the modern-day Speed 8’s high-tech racing alloys.

At the rear, the swooping lines of the tailgate avoid utilitarian overtones in favour of a distinctly sporting profile, while the ultra-wide, two-part split tailgate offers a high level of versatility when grand touring. The bold design language of EXP 9 F is complemented by twin exhaust tailpipes with ‘rifled’ inner surfaces, their elliptical shapes echoing those of the rear light clusters.

The rear lights are inspired by the forms and details of fighter jet engines, uniquely designed so that they glow from within, spreading their light outwards.

INTERIOR – A FUSION OF LUXURY WITH UTILITY

• Light, airy, contemporary cabin design with exquisite British ‘sporting’ luxury craft detailing
  
• Contemporary use of touchscreen and tailored interface technologies
  
• Fresh interpretation of traditional handcrafted materials with highly durable surfaces
  
• High degree of practicality including versatile rear cabin layout and full-width, two-piece tailgate
  

Bentley is renowned for its fusion of extremes – technology and craftsmanship, luxury and performance – and the interior of EXP 9 F expresses the resolution of apparent opposites in its use of materials, techniques and technology, as Dirk van Braeckel explains:

“The challenge for the interior design team was to create a cabin which provides a blend of luxury and utility. The result is a light and airy environment with a commanding view of the road and a versatile layout which showcases Bentley’s craft and design language in an innovative and contemporary way.”

Traditional handcrafted elements such as wood, leather and polished metals such as aluminium, bronze and gunmetal are used to create a sense of British luxury, yet the way they are used sets a fresh and contemporary interior ambience. Soft-touch leather contrasts with highly durable surfaces with the concept car design experimenting with the use of saddle leather for the seat backs, top roll and loadspace – while analogue bezels and dials are paired with TFT ‘virtual’ instrumentation.

Even the luxurious silk wool floormats are reversible – with one side finished in durable, ribbed saddle leather for use when the driver and passengers are dressed for the great outdoors.

The upright dashboard design features a full-width, one-piece wood veneer with a subtly negative surface and instruments with a configurable display. Traditional Bentley ‘bulls eye’ vents have a ‘rifled’ gunmetal inner surface for a more contemporary and functional appearance. The centre console is a blend of functionality and supreme ergonomics with dynamic, architectural layers which help to create a central spine to the cabin. The frame of the console is also a structural component with integrated, sculpted grab handles.

The flowing roof design with a panoramic glass panel is inspired by the roll cages of rally cars, expressing both strength and lightness.

Rear seat passengers can chose between business mode, with generous legroom complete with fold-down keyboard and full internet connectivity via an iPad or tablet or a more reclined position with powered footrest, drinks table and an infotainment screen for movies. When the rear seats are not in use, they can be powered forward to create a larger loadspace for sports equipment or luggage.

The EXP 9 F seating is 4+1, with a rear armrest lifting to reveal a cooled compartment for champagne and glasses. Seats feature a diamond-quilted ‘shoulder line’ in soft-touch leather, echoing the traditional appearance of a British field sport jacket.

At the rear, the lower section of the two-piece tailgate may be used as a viewing bench or picnic table. Bespoke picnic hampers are stowed neatly to either side of the loadspace when not in use, but are located on rails for easy access. An awning extends over the tailgate to protect those seated there; two umbrellas fit either side of the rear luggage area for when the rain clouds sweep in.

COMMANDING DRIVING POSITION AND CONTROL ARCHITECTURE

• Inspired blend of traditional analogue and TFT touchscreen technology
  
• Bespoke interface engineering – tailored to the individual with driver-selectable instrumentation modes
  

As befits a Bentley, the EXP 9 F design concept features a near-infinite choice of driver information and entertainment options. However the design and electrical engineering teams sought to avoid creating a cluttered or confusing driver and passenger environment, presenting only the information that each user needs, when they need it.

As a result, EXP 9 F places key driver information such as 3D navigation in a central TFT panel directly in the driver’s line of sight, where it is flanked by two analogue reverse-read dials. Meanwhile controls that are shared between driver and front seat passenger, such as cabin temperature, air vents and entertainment are presented in the central touchscreen and console. The TFT screen deploys from the full-width metal trim to provide a fully integrated extension to the glass surface of the centre console

Three different driving modes – Comfort, Sport and Off-Road – are selectable according to the road environment and type of journey. Thus the driver information TFT panel would be able to switch between satellite navigation on the motorway to a ‘sump cam’ when negotiating a bumpy track.

BENTLEY POWER AND PERFORMANCE

Although the EXP 9 F concept is based around the Bentley 6.0 litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine with an 8-speed transmission, both the company’s recently-launched 4.0 litre, twin-turbocharged V8 or a hybrid drivetrain could meet the performance requirements of a pinnacle luxury SUV.

Whilst EXP 9 F is primarily intended to investigate new design territory – and all drivetrain options remain under consideration – any Bentley SUV would offer the thunderous performance the marque is renowned for. The W12 6.0 litre powertrain, for example, could develop 600bhp and 800 Nm of torque with key performance indicators like the top speed and 0-60mph sprint time all setting new benchmarks for the SUV sector.

EVALUATION, REFINEMENT AND FUTURE PLANNING

When the first generation Continental GT was unveiled in 2003 it represented the renaissance of Bentley as a global luxury icon, subsequent launches such as Mulsanne, Continental Flying Spur saloon and the new Continental GT have seen the Bentley brand growing from strength to strength.

EXP 9 F represents the chance to take Bentley values of design, craftsmanship and engineering excellence into what would be – literally – new terrain for the brand. Bentley’s experience with the all-wheel drive Continental range makes the concept of a Bentley SUV a natural progression for the company.

Customer and public reaction will be analysed following the unveiling of EXP 9 F at Geneva 2012, with the aim of refining the concept further. Above all, Bentley will be listening carefully to the reaction of customers and potential customers throughout the world, prior to making any definitive commitment to production.

“A Bentley Grand Tourer doesn’t necessarily have to be a coupé, a convertible or a saloon – it could equally well be an SUV. What’s important is that it should be true to Bentley’s brand values and in line with the desires and needs of our customers.” – Alasdair Stewart, Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing.

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[smk4565]

Seems like a Porsche Cayenne with a Range Rover looking tail end and a Continental GT engine in it. Looks ugly, and seems pointless.

[William Maley]

and people will probably buy it..

[David]

WOW, So this is what a 3way private room party produces between those three. Who says the 60' make love not war is over!

I actually do like it, now to find a sugar momma who could buy me one.

[§carlet §wordfish]

I could deal with the exterior if I could sit in that interior. Oh my.

[smk4565]

I just don't like the idea of SUVs from Jaguar, Bentley, Rolls, Ferarri, Aston Martin, Lambo, Maseratti or Porsche for that matter. What is wrong with making sports cars? It seems that auto makers want to make SUVs or FWD compacts and kill the RWD sports car.

[Chris_Doane]

It seems that auto makers want to make SUVs or FWD compacts and kill the RWD sports car.

No, they want to make a profit. Porsche makes bags and bags of money off the Cayenne, so, all the rest of them want to follow suit.

That said, there aren't enough negative words in the dictionary to describe this Bentley.

If Adele wants to set fire to something, can it be this?

[daves87rs]

It seems that auto makers want to make SUVs or FWD compacts and kill the RWD sports car.

No, they want to make a profit. Porsche makes bags and bags of money off the Cayenne, so, all the rest of them want to follow suit.

That said, there aren't enough negative words in the dictionary to describe this Bentley.

If Adele wants to set fire to something, can it be this?

Yes!

[David]

Just think about all the Hip Hop Rap stars who will buy this and then do video's about their Mega B SUV and the Bitches they take for a ride!

Enough to make you want to

[pow]

Wow, that is absolutely hideous.

[Blake Noble]

This thing is so terrible, it almost speaks for itself. And here's what it's trying to say:

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yuDJIGN7XBU" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe>

Edited March 6, 2012 by black-knight

[Robert Hall]

I like the interior.

Just think about all the Hip Hop Rap stars who will buy this and then do video's about their Mega B SUV and the Bitches they take for a ride!

Enough to make you want to

I wonder if it has enough cubbys for them to stash their drugs and guns when they are rollin' dirty.

I just don't like the idea of SUVs from Jaguar, Bentley, Rolls, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lambo, Maserati or Porsche for that matter. What is wrong with making sports cars? It seems that auto makers want to make SUVs or FWD compacts and kill the RWD sports car.

Because that is where the money is...fat profit margins.. Though as long as they funnel the money back into car development, I guess it's acceptable (like w/ Porsche). With Jaguar paired w/ the LR/RR, I can't see the point of them doing one. Surprised R-R hasn't done one yet.

Edited March 6, 2012 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[ZL-1]

If Adele wants to set fire to something, can it be this?

Yes, PLEASE! This thing is hideous!

And btw, Cadillac should be paying serious attention to this segment (besides the Escalade)

[David]

I love my Escalade ESV

[Robert Hall]

If Adele wants to set fire to something, can it be this?

Yes, PLEASE! This thing is hideous!

And btw, Cadillac should be paying serious attention to this segment (besides the Escalade)

This is going to cost probably 3-4 times what the Escalade does, though..don't think Cadillac is going after the ultra-luxury niche.

Edited March 6, 2012 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[ZL-1]

If Adele wants to set fire to something, can it be this?

Yes, PLEASE! This thing is hideous!

And btw, Cadillac should be paying serious attention to this segment (besides the Escalade)

This is going to cost probably 3-4 times what the Escalade does, though..don't think Cadillac is going after the ultra-luxury niche.

Yeah, my idea was more Cayenne-pricing than this thing's pricing which will surely be crazy expensive... But it'd be interesting to think about this type of vehicle (Omega?) besides the truck-based Escalade. To the Escalade's merit, though, it has to be an extremely high-unit-margin vehicle; the true definition of a cash-cow.

Edited March 6, 2012 by ZL-1

[Robert Hall]

If Adele wants to set fire to something, can it be this?

Yes, PLEASE! This thing is hideous!

And btw, Cadillac should be paying serious attention to this segment (besides the Escalade)

This is going to cost probably 3-4 times what the Escalade does, though..don't think Cadillac is going after the ultra-luxury niche.

Yeah, my idea was more Cayenne-pricing than this thing's pricing which will surely be crazy expensive... But it'd be interesting to think about this type of vehicle (Omega?) besides the truck-based Escalade. To the Escalade's merit, though, it has to be an extremely high-unit-margin vehicle; the true definition of a cash-cow.

I would think Cadillac would get a Lambda CUV at some point...

[smk4565]

The more I see this thing, the uglier it looks. The live photos from the show make it look even worse than the press photos that originally came out. Bentley needs to scrap this idea.

[David]

Guess I am the only one that see's the love and beauty in this SUV Baby.

It is not as bad as you all make out and trust me, there are people out there that will want this special SUV Child due to it setting them apart from everyone else.

Edited March 6, 2012 by dfelt

[ZL-1]

I would think Cadillac would get a Lambda CUV at some point...

I'd rather see it based on a large car RWD architecture, but... Could be Lambda instead...