First official video: Bentley SUV takes shape

Bentley has released a video that reveals more design secrets of its first-ever crossover, which it claims will be the "world’s most powerful and luxurious SUV".

The British luxury car maker says the new model will "set new standards in bespoke craftsmanship and performance" and is also expected to rip to 100km/h in less than five seconds, and on to a top speed of 305km/h.

The new video confirms that Bentley has been hard at work on the car's aerodynamics as previously reported, with ex-Lamborghini designer Luc Donckerwolke brought in to iron out the car's controversial edges.

When Bentley first showed the EXP 9 F concept at the 2012 Geneva motor show, it was panned by all and sundry for its unattractive design.

Confirming earlier reports the vehicle will not be a radical departure from the company's current design DNA, the snapshots from the video show Bentley's highly recognisable grille design, along with the British brand's trademark quad headlight treatment.

Bentley says its bold new SUV features a "sculpted, contemporary and distinctive design" that will be blended "with the exquisite and meticulous detailing for which Bentley is renowned".

Other details revealed in the teaser video include sporty five-spoke wheels, while ventilated front guards hint at the firepower lurking beneath the bonnet.

Bentley has not said what engines will power the unnamed SUV, which is due for production in 2016, but has confirmed that a plug-in hybrid version will be available from 2017.

It's certain Bentley will take advantage of its V8 engines, and has previously said it was considering three powerplants: a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that bangs out 373kW, a 6.0-litre W12 and the aforementioned V6 plug-in hybrid.

To be built at Bentley's Crewe plant in the UK, its first SUV has already attracted deposits from customers in the Middle East, China and North America, and is expected to become the company's best-selling model.

Bentley insists the SUV will not dilute the company's exclusive brand value and has released the video in part to quell fears the new model will not look like the EXP 9 F concept. Right now Bentley only builds saloons, coupes and convertibles.

Based on the Volkswagen group's upcoming SUV architecture, which will also underpin Audi's redesigned 2015 Q7 and Lamborghini's all-new 2017 Urus, the car will be a big and imposing force on the road, measuring around two metres wide and weighing up to 2.5 tonnes.

Although the Bentley SUV will be all-wheel drive, it's not expected to challenge the likes of the Range Rover in terms of off-road prowess, instead focussing on luxury and power.

The latest video is part of a drip-feed campaign that started in March with a single image of the SUV's front-end and the launch of a new teaser website, NewBentley.com. The Volkswagen-owned company will promote its first-ever crossover via social media with the hashtag #newBentley, ahead of its first showing, possibly a pre-production concept, in 2015.

"The coming months will see the refinement of a car that has been two years in the making," says Bentley. "A vehicle designed from the outset to take luxury to new heights -- and change forever the way the world sees the SUV."