Bentley Nears Decision on Crossover Styling

Volkswagen AG's Bentley Motors Group will select the final design for its ultra-luxury crossover vehicle from among three contenders within a few months, according to Autocar, which cites unnamed sources. The company said in April the vehicle will go into production in 2015.

Bentley unveiled a crossover concept, the EXP 9 F, at the Geneva auto show in March to strongly mixed reviews. The final design will share its platform with VW's Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne crossovers.

CEO Wolfgang Duerheimer said earlier this year that the $210,000-$264,600 EXP 9 F could account for annual sales of at least 3,000 units by the end of the decade and eventually as many as 25,000 units per year.

Bentley's historic sales peak was 10,000 cars in 2007. More than one-third of the brand's current demand is in China.