Bentley EXP 9F

Unveiled in Geneva, the EXP 9 F is the brand new 4×4 vehicle from Bentley. A first for the luxury car maker who has been manufacturing luxury tourers only for over a century now, the off-roader boasts of a top speed of 185mph. The official went on display at the recently inaugurated Geneva Motor Show and is expected to be one of the stars of the event this year. The giant off-roader is being shown as a prototype and Bentley is putting its best foot forward with the vehicle which features a discreet cooled compartment for glasses and champagne hidden under the rear seat’s armrest divider.

The interior boasts of the vehicle is covered with soft-touch leather that is diamond-quilted for a more traditional look resembling a British field sport jacket. For a sophisticated day-trip away from the city, vital essentials can be stored is the luxuriant car boot and for customers who want to have their car match their home, a new furniture line might be in the works with wood and leather craftsmen from Bentley are even being asked to offer a customization package unlike any other in the luxury off-roader segment.

Full internet connection, a fold-down keyboard, an information and entertainment screen, drinks table and powered footrest that pop up when the rear seats are reclined will be offered as a part of the passenger selectable ‘business mode’ in the new vehicle.

The vehicle also features a split tailgate that can be used as a picnic table or a viewing bench when folded down. Covered in tough saddle leather, the tailgate makes picnicking in the country a posher affair as well. Custom made picnic hampers are also offered with the luxury off-roader that can swung across on interior rails and stowed to either side of the tailgate. Alongside the Mulsanne and Continental ranges, the production version of the newly launched EXP 9F will be the third grand tourer in the Bentley stable.

The AWD Bentley EXP 9 F is powered by a 600 bhp 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine that is mated to an 8-speed trans that offers the vehicle a top speed of 185 mph and goes from 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds. Bentley has revealed that a ‘hybrid’ four-liter V8 engine could also be offered for customers who want a more frugal powertrain.

The Bentley EXP 9 F hopes to take on the likes of Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover and hopes to sell the premium luxury off-roader to posh clients from the Royal Family as well as high flying footballers from the EPL.

Key markets outside the UK including U.S., China and Germany will receive a part of the 3,500 units Bentley hopes to offer during the initial production stage. The vehicle will be priced at around £140,000 and will go on sale from 2015 onwards.