Bentley Says New SUV Will Help Boost Sales 80%

Volkswagen AG's Bentley Motors Group predicts its upcoming ultra-luxury SUV will help propel the unit's annual sales from a record 11,000 units in 2014 to 20,000 by 2020.

Wolfgang Duerheimer

CEO Wolfgang Duerheimer tells reporters in London the new model will be unveiled in production form this year, perhaps at the Geneva auto show in March. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2016.

Bentley currently offers three models: the Continental GT coupe and Flying Spur and Mulsanne sedans.

Duerheimer promises an "extraordinary" level of luxury in the new model, describing the vehicle as the world's most expensive and exclusive SUV. The car reportedly will be priced at about €180,000.

But Bentley may soon face an even more exclusive rival. On Tuesday BMW AG's Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unit said it will decide this year whether to develop its own SUV.