BENTLEY COULD BUILD A 4X4 SUV

Bentley could join stablemate Porsche in departing from what is seen as its roots by building an SUV. Yes folks, there is possibly a Bentley 4x4 crossover in our future and it could be approved as soon as before April! Bentley recently announced it had sold a record 7 003 cars in 2011, up 37% on 2010 sales.

The biggest markets are the United States, China and Germany. December sales were 1 059 (up 69% on the same month in 2010), the best month since Bentley’s pre-recession record of 2007 and the second best month ever, according to the company.

The top seller of the range is the two-door Continental GT, which sold 2 404 units in total last year. Sales will accelerate even more over the coming years, thanks to the new, less pricey V8 model. In addition, three or more other new shapes are being rumoured, including the SUV. As far as competition, the Range Rover (big body) is currently the only one in the super-luxury segment. Maserati is also rumoured to be developing an SUV, so who knows. Rolls-Royce and Bugatti too?