Bentley’s secret 4x4 revealed

It’s the famous British marque that has won the Le Mans 24 Hours, raced against locomotives and produced some of the best luxury cars in the world. But now Bentley is heading into uncharted territory... by going off-road.

Although bosses at the Crewe firm continue to deny the existence of a super-SUV, thanks to exclusive insider information, Auto Express can reveal that not only is a 4x4 on the drawing board, but it could be officially unveiled – badged Cross Continental – in 2007.

The case for the new model is stronger than ever. As Porsche’s Cayenne has shown, demand for luxury SUVs worldwide isn’t slowing down – and Bentley can’t afford to stay away from the off-road marketplace.

In the past, the company has produced one-off cars such as the Range Rover-based Dominator for its wealthy customers. Yet until now, there hasn’t been a dedicated SUV wearing the famous badge.

But with Lamborghini axing plans for an off-roader and parent company VW looking to expand Bentley’s range, the field is clear for the launch of the Cross Continental.

As you can see from these pictures, the new machine shares its distinctive quad headlights and honeycomb grille with the Continental GT and Flying Spur. However, the squared-off tailgate and raised ride height show that this is no ordinary Bentley.

Under the skin is a stretched version of the new platform that will also be employed by the next-generation Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg. Dev-elopment of the platform is currently ongoing, using existing Cayenne mules.

A revised four-wheel-drive transmission borrowed from the Flying Spur will appear, so the Cross Continental’s dynamics will be biased towards sportiness and on-road comfort, although it will still be capable in the rough stuff.

A key part of this adaptability is the air-suspension. It will be more complex than the system in the Continental GT and Flying Spur, and allow drivers of the Cross Continental to change the car’s ride height and stiffen or soften the dampers to suit conditions.

Under the bonnet, the 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 from the Continental GT will appear. It develops in excess of 560bhp, and is mated to the same six-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters.

The combination of tougher suspension components, larger wheels and a bigger body means the Cross Continental will tip the scales at more than two-and-a-half tonnes, but it should still cover 0-60mph in less than six seconds. Poor aerodynamics will reduce the car’s top speed, yet the SUV is expected to hit a maximum in excess of 155mph.

A spacious five-seat layout is set to be used inside, with the rear bench mounted far back to maximise legroom. Of course, the new model will be luxuriously trimmed in the highest-quality leather and wood.

The Cross Continental is tipped to appear at the Frankfurt Motor Show in late 2007, with sales starting 18 months after. Expect a price tag of £120,000.