When Bentley revealed its EXP 9 F SUV concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, we’d be kind to say that it met with “mixed reviews.” Most in attendance panned the go-anywhere Bentley as being too plain, while some were downright critical of the concept’s controversial styling.
That hasn’t swayed Bentley from giving it another go, so the luxury automaker opted to roll out its EXP 9 F for the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Following the show, Bentley took the opportunity to shoot stills and video of the truck in motion, hoping it would play better to a critical public in the wild than on an auto show podium.
In Bentley’s words, the new footage “reaffirms the concept’s innovative fusion of contemporary, crafted luxury, advanced technology, commanding driving position and all-terrain capability.” Bentley also wants the public to know it’s serious about building an SUV, whether or not that’s the EXP 9 F.
Bentley calls the Goodwood showing part of a “systematic and comprehensive process of gauging customer and public reaction to the idea of a Bentley SUV.” In other word, Bentley will proceed with the EXP 9 F unless enough prospective buyers step up and say, “we won’t buy one.”
If you’re on the fence about the EXP 9 F’s styling and want to see it for yourself, your next opportunity will be at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August.
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