Bentley Confirms SUV for 2014 Launch Under Durheimer
Bentley’s new chief Wolfgang Durheimer has confirmed the marque will launch a luxury SUV by 2014, targeting the top end of the segment with W12 power and a price around £150,000.
Bentley will enter the luxury SUV market by 2014, company chief Wolfgang Durheimer has confirmed. The new model will mark the British marque’s first foray into the segment, with Bentley aiming to set a new standard for luxury and performance among high-end SUVs. The move comes after months of speculation about Bentley’s expansion beyond its traditional saloon and coupé offerings.
Bentley Confirms Entry into Luxury SUV Market
Confirmed Details and Expected Features
Durheimer, who previously oversaw the launch of the Porsche Cayenne, stated that the SUV will be positioned at the very top of its class, with a price tag of around £150,000. This pricing puts the Bentley SUV in direct competition with other high-end luxury SUVs, such as the Range Rover and future offerings from brands like Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce. Bentley is targeting markets where petrol engines remain popular, with the flagship model expected to use the brand’s W12 powerplant delivering up to 1,000 Nm of torque (738 lb-ft).
Inside, the SUV is expected to showcase Bentley’s renowned craftsmanship, featuring luxury wood and leather trim, along with advanced technology sourced from the Volkswagen Group. Bentley is aiming for a unique design identity to distinguish its SUV from rivals, both in appearance and in the level of luxury on offer. The company intends this new SUV to be the most luxurious in its class, offering a blend of traditional Bentley materials and modern technology.
Platform and Technical Development
Bentley has not yet confirmed the SUV’s platform. Durheimer indicated that the architecture could be shared with the next-generation Audi Q7, reflecting the wider Volkswagen Group’s approach to modular development. No final decision has been announced, but the shared platform would allow Bentley to leverage proven technology while focusing on delivering the highest levels of interior craftsmanship and bespoke features. This approach would enable Bentley to maintain its standards of quality while benefiting from the economies of scale and engineering expertise within the Volkswagen Group.
The technical details, including engine options for markets where diesel engines are more popular, have not been specified. However, the focus for the initial launch appears to be on the powerful W12 petrol engine, which aligns with Bentley’s emphasis on performance and prestige. The SUV’s expected torque output of 1,000 Nm suggests strong towing capacity and effortless acceleration, characteristics valued by luxury SUV buyers.
Market Ambitions and Segment Context
Durheimer expressed confidence in the long-term prospects of the luxury SUV segment, citing his experience with the Porsche Cayenne as evidence of sustained demand. Bentley’s move follows similar strategies from other luxury brands, including Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce, which have weighed or confirmed SUV models of their own. The company expects its SUV to appeal to both existing Bentley owners and new customers seeking a combination of prestige, performance and practicality.
The luxury SUV market has seen significant growth in recent years, with buyers increasingly seeking vehicles that combine high performance, comfort, and advanced features. Bentley’s entry into this segment is seen as a response to this trend and as a way to broaden its customer base beyond traditional luxury saloon and coupé buyers. The new SUV will be the brand’s first all-new model line since the introduction of the Continental GT, marking a significant step in Bentley’s modern era.
Development Timeline and Next Steps
Official images and further technical specifications have not yet been released. The company is expected to reveal more details as development progresses, with production and sales planned to begin in 2014. Industry observers are watching closely for updates on the SUV’s final design, platform choice, and the range of features that will be available at launch.
As Bentley moves forward with its SUV project, the company is likely to provide additional information through official channels and automotive events. The anticipation surrounding the new model highlights the importance of the luxury SUV segment and Bentley’s ambitions to become a key player within it. For more on Bentley’s SUV project as it moves towards production, see related articles such as "Bentley SUV is close to production" and "Bentley SUV coming with new W12 gasoline engine."
Summary Table: Bentley SUV Key Information
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2014 |
| Expected Price | £150,000 |
| Engine | W12 petrol (markets where petrol is preferred) |
| Torque | Up to 1,000 Nm |
| Platform | Not finalised; next-gen Audi Q7 under consideration |
| Interior | Luxury wood, leather, VW Group technology |
| Target Segment | Luxury SUV |
| Key Competitors | Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce (future models) |
