Ever since Bentley unveiled the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept almost two years ago at Geneva, we’ve been hoping a production version is on the way. Then we learned not so long ago that, because of the upcoming Brexit, plans for the grand tourer were uncertain. Reason being is that grand touring coupes aren’t strong sellers compared to sedans and SUVs. Oh man, especially SUVs, whose profit margins are much higher for automakers in general. But Automotive News now reports a production EXP 10 Speed 6 is looking less likely than ever.
Speaking with Bentley CEO Wolfgang Durheimer, the news outlet confirmed that Bentley not only wants to expand its SUV lineup, but also its desire to have an EV. The most logical solution? A small SUV EV slotted below the Bentayga. "I can assure you that Bentley - on the long term view - will not stay with one model only in the SUV lineup," stated Durheimer. "We have clear indications that a smaller Bentayga as a Bentley SVV would find great acceptance." This isn't the first time we've heard that a small SUV could replace the EXP 10. However, a smaller SUV needs to be special in its own way in order to distinguish it from the Bentayga, and making it an EV does the trick. How would this likely smaller SUV EV negatively affect the EXP 10?
Bentley simply doesn’t have the resources to develop both in the wake of its parent company, Volkswagen Group, recovering from Dieselgate. Budgets were cut across the board and Bentley has no choice but to go with the model that’ll have the greatest return. Is the EXP 10 Speed 6 completely dead? As of right now, no. But in light of everything, its future is looking less and less likely, sad to say.
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