Keeping our ear to the ground as usual, we have started to track an exciting development in the heart of Cheshire, which may yield what could quite possibly be the first entrant in a super-luxury SUV segment.
At Crewe, in the depths of the Bentley factory, a team of engineers and designers are apparently ‘deeply involved’ in an experimental project. So important is this project to the legendary British marque that the new head of Bentley, Wolfgang Durheimer, together with design chief Dirk van Braeckel and lead engineer Uli Eichhorn are key members of the team. It is quite possibly no coincidence that Durheimer has been brought to Bentley, given that he lists the launch of the Cayenne as ‘one of my proudest achievements’ whilst at Porsche.
What is known of what can be expected of the vehicle nicknamed the ‘Cross Continental’ is that it will not only rival the offerings of the Cayenne, Range Rover models, and Touareg but set a whole new benchmark in this now-established market segment.
What most do not know is that Bentley already has some experience in this sector, having custom-built a Range Rover-based all-road vehicle called the Dominator for a wealthy celebrity in the past.
Tapping into the ever-strengthening 4×4 market, it can be expected that the Cross Continental will be the model of Bentley styling, with an exquisite interior crafted from the best woods and hides available. It should be like nothing seen before in similar on-road off-road vehicles.
Technically, it is thought that the Cross Continental will be based on the next generation of Touareg-Cayenne platform. Bentley drive train, chassis, and power units will partner this foundation. One engine format is likely to be the 6.0 litre Twin Turbo W12 engine from the Bentley Continental GT which delivers 560 HP. This would ensure petrol compatibility across all markets where the vehicle would be sold, since diesel quality around the world is still not uniform. The most interesting development however reflects Durheimer’s advocacy that Bentley implement a diesel engine for the first time. The immense power of the Audi V12 TDi could well lend itself to powering the Cross Continental. Other components of the Q7 platform currently under development could also find their way into the design studio at Crewe.
This will certainly assist in supplying the promised 1000Nm of torque that Durheimer would like to see this 4×4 produce. Figures such as this ensure that the vehicle will fit effortlessly into the Bentley marque.
One of the most interesting aspects about the timing of the launch of the Bentley, is that it is likely to coincide with that of Aston Martin’s anticipated Lagonda 4×4. The race for the title of the world’s most luxurious 4×4 is thus heating up. Whilst Bentley’s all-road vehicle is yet to be approved by the Board, given such market demand it is highly likely this will be a mere formality.
Saloon cars and coupes from Bentley form an integral part of the portfolio at Signature Car Hire. As do those from Aston Martin. So, where will the world title go, to the Aston Martin Lagonda 4×4, another contender to join our fleet, or to the Bentley Cross Continental? Either way, the choice of 4×4 to hire for luxury self drive in the future looks inviting.