Bentley SUV to plug in

Bentley has confirmed the production version of its polarising SUV concept will be its first plug-in in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

First revealed at the 2012 Geneva and Beijing motor shows, Bentley’s ungainly EXP 9 F crossover concept attracted attention for all the wrong reasons but has since been confirmed for production by 2016.

Bentley has previously revealed its is considering three powertrain options for its first SUV – the firm’s new twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 and 6.0-litre W12, plus a V6 plug-in hybrid system – but Bentley chairman and chief executive Wolfgang Schreiber confirmed to motoring.com.au at the Frankfurt show last week that the production version will be the British brand’s first PHEV.

“You know that we use to date two different engines -- the W12 turbocharged engine and V8 turbocharged engine. I expect at least at the beginning we will see exactly those engines in play.

“A hybrid is definitely in development as well, because that supports one part of our DNA -- the performance part as well -- and therefore I'm absolutely sure that will be the first car in the Bentley portfolio which also gets a plug-in hybrid.”

Expect the as-yet-unnamed Bentley SUV to employ the same V6 petrol-electric PHEV system as Porsche’s new Panamera S E-Hybrid, which combines an Audi-sourced supercharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 with a 70kW electric motor and 9.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack to deliver a combined power output is 306kW.

In the 2095kg Panamera PHEV, which consumes a Toyota Prius-beating 3.1L/100km and can run on electrical power for up to 36km at speeds of up to 135kn/h, that’s enough to hit 100km/h in 5.5 seconds on its way to a 270km/h top speed.

Dr Schreiber said the production model -- which will create 1000 job at Crewe, where Bentley will invest £800 million ($A1.3b) over the next three years -- will look significantly different to the striking EXP 9 F concept.

“No, it will look different,” he said. “It will look like a real Bentley. Because the concept showed us that the feedback wasn't very positive from the customers but also from you and your colleagues.

“And now we have completely redesigned the style -- exterior and interior as well. And now it's much, much closer to a new Bentley... certainly it looks sportier. But on the other hand, it looks powerful as an SUV too. I think you will love it.”

The Bentley Motors global chief said the historic UK brand’s fourth model line, which it touts as the world’s most luxurious SUV -- would bear a name in keeping with other Bentley models.

“Now we are first of all focussed on development, so that car will enter the market in 2016, and therefore we still have a lot of time to think about the name. And I am absolutely sure the rich history of Bentley will guide us to a name and we will come up as soon as we think it would make sense and to let you know what name it will have.”

Dr Schreiber said the EXP project is predicated on 3000 sales per year, but expects to sell more. That means the SUV will be one of Bentley’s most popular models, accounting for at least 35 per cent of total sales. Bentley sold 4279 cars in the first half of this year – up nine per cent on the same period in 2012.

“Numbers will not be limited. Our calculation numbers are 3000 per year, on average. That's what our business model is based on. My personal impression is that there's room for more.”

Russia and the Middle East are expected to be its biggest markets, although Bentley has also forecast strong interest in Australia, which could even host the Asia-Pacific regional launch in 2015.

“Australia is also a growing market for us. And the SUV I also hope will be very successful in Australia.”

Bentley has sold 76 vehicles in Australia to August this year – up more than 70 per cent on last year.

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