Bentley Crossover Set to Debut in 2015

CEO Wolfgang Duerheimer tells Bloomberg News that Bentley Motors Group will introduce a production version of its EXP 9 F concept crossover vehicle in 2015.

Bentley, which has been hinting for months about adding an ultra-luxury crossover to its lineup, is finalizing a business plan for the vehicle now, according to Duerheimer.

The Volkswagen AG Group unit debuted the EXP 9 F to mixed reviews at the Geneva auto show last month. The imposing vehicle also is on display in China the brand's biggest market at this week's Beijing auto show.

The all-wheel-drive concept is powered by VW's 6.0-liter W-12 engine. Bentley says it is considering two other powertrains for the production crossover: a 4.0-liter, 500-hp twin-turbocharged V-8 and a V-6 plug-in hybrid.

The company estimates the EXP 9 F's hybrid powertrain could propel the vehicle from zero to 100 kph in less than 5 seconds, power it in electric-only mode for about 30 km (19 miles) and emit a relatively low 130 g/km of carbon dioxide.

Duerheimer says Bentley expects the vehicle to generate annual sales of about 3,000 units worldwide. Earlier this year he opined that demand could eventually reach as high as 25,000 units per year. Duerheimer estimates the EXP 9 F will sell for $210,000-$264,600.

Bentley's biggest sales year was 2007, when it sold 10,000 vehicles worldwide. About 36% of its current volume is in China.