Bentley's EXP 9 F reappears at Goodwood

Bentley has released fresh images and video footage of its EXP 9 F concept, which followed up its Geneva motor show reveal with an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The winged brand claims the new press material “reaffirms the concept’s innovative fusion of contemporary, crafted luxury, advanced technology, commanding driving position and all-terrain capability”.

It’s interesting to note that some of the accompanying images show the big Bentley driving on the soft shoulder, because that’s probably as far off road as most are ever likely to venture.

Bentley says the EXP 9 F also highlights its intent to build the fastest and most luxurious SUV in the world – no mean feat with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and BMW X5M/X6M to butt heads against.
 
According to the company, the concept’s appearance at Goodwood is part of a “systematic and comprehensive process of gauging customer and public reaction to the idea of a Bentley SUV”.

The concept’s next appearance will be at August’s Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California, which is a haven for ultra-rare collectibles and ultra-premium debutants.

As per its Continental GT/Flying Spur siblings, the EXP 9 F is powered by the brand’s familiar 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 petrol engine, developing 448kW and 800Nm, channelled to all four wheels by an eight-speed close-ratio transmission.

A range of other engine options is also under consideration, including the recently launched 4.0-litre petrol V8 and a V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain.

With a potential 30km range in full electric mode and CO2 emissions of 130g/km, the V6 hybrid would still be capable of a 0-100km/h sprint time of less than 5sec, claims Bentley.

As you’d expect in a vehicle wearing the winged badge, the EXP 9 F’s cabin is swathed in traditional handcrafted elements such as wood, leather and polished metals such as aluminium, bronze and gunmetal.

In a novel touch, the luxurious silk wool floormats are reversible – with one side finished in durable, ribbed saddle leather for use when the driver and passengers are braving the elements.

The EXP 9 F concept features 4+1 seating with a rear armrest lifting to reveal a cooled compartment for champagne and glasses. Seats feature a diamond- quilted shoulder line in soft-touch leather, echoing the traditional appearance of a British field sport jacket.

When the rear seats are not in use, they can be powered forward to create additional load space for sports equipment or luggage. At the rear, the lower section of the two-piece tailgate may be used as a viewing bench or picnic table.

As for the exterior styling, it’s probably most diplomatically described as polarising, even though it does retain traditional Bentley cues such as the matrix grille, round lamps and the strong power-line and haunch along each flank.

If and when it does eventually make it to production, the EXP 9 F could provide a handy boost to Bentley’s sales volumes, which have flourished in recent times.

The brand’s global sales for Q2 in 2012 increased by 32 per cent with 3929 cars delivered to customers, with growth in every region. Sales in the US increased by 25.7 per cent (1140 vehicles delivered), while China also saw strong growth, up 55.7 per cent (1059 deliveries).

A similar sized increase was recorded in the Middle East (47.9 per cent) with 346 cars delivered, while in Europe results were up 22.9 per cent with 607 deliveries.

That said, Bentley has gone backwards (slightly) in Australia, with 25 vehicles sold during the first half of this year, compared to 30 sales for the same period last year.

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