Bentley forging ahead with SUV development

Bentley has a whole mess of new models in the pipeline, including a completely new coupe, two-door and high-performance versions of the Mulsanne and an even more hard-core version of the Continental GT3-R. But the most vital product under development at Crewe is its upcoming new SUV, and that's what our spy photographers have caught undergoing testing.

This prototype appears to be the same one we spotted a couple of months ago, although this time the NewBentley.com stickers appear to have been taped over (presumably to call less attention to itself) and the whole thing is riding lower to the ground to better test its brakes and cooling systems.

While the form clearly shares much with the EXP 9 F concept that previewed its development at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the design has clearly been worked over with a front end and tailgate that are easier on the eyes and more in keeping with the company's styling language.

Riding on the same platform that will eventually underpin the next Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg, the as-yet unnamed Bentley crossover is expected to arrive late next year as a 2016 model. Expect a range of engines including hybrids, V8s and W12s to drive the British automaker's first production SUV up to 200 miles per hour in top spec.