Bentley SUV Looking Very Likely

The Range Rovers, BMW X5s and Audi Q7s are about to be displaced. If we're to believe the latest reports, the long-rumored Bentley SUV is very close to reality. If true, the Bentley model may kick off a new era of ultra-luxury SUVs.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Bentley chief Wolfgang Durheimer expressed confidence in a greenlight and said that a decision is expected in the first quarter of this year. While Durheimer has publicly supported the SUV, the final decision rests with Volkswagen, Bentley's corporate owner.

Durheimer promised that a Bentley SUV would be above and beyond anything currently available, stating, "If we bring this to the market it will be positioned significantly above the vehicles that are currently available in this segment."

Last fall, Durheimer said that one of the things that will distinguish Bentley's take on a utility vehicle is 12-cylinder engines. He told Autocar in October: "We will be first to use a 12-cylinder petrol engine in a luxury SUV. I like this idea; it makes clear whose car is the boss."

Durheimer has also said that any Bentley SUV will be styled like other Bentley models, sharing elements like the grille and tailpipes.

In addition to the SUV, Bentley, which expects to see possible double-digit sales growth this year, is considering adding several new Continental models. The move will be similar to what Porsche did in expanding the 911 line.

While the Bentley SUV would occupy a single-model market if launched today, it might get its first competitor from within VW AG. Lamborghini is expected to offer a top-end luxury SUV of its own and should make an announcement on the model within the same timeframe as Bentley. Land Rover is also expected to move the Range Rover upmarket when it introduces a new model later this year.