Bentley to Build the World's Most Expensive SUV

Long known for some of the most luxurious automobiles in the world, Volkswagen‘s Bentley is set to build what is being touted as “the world’s most expensive SUV” as the EXP 9 F SUV concept – unveiled last summer – has seen the green light for production. On tap for a release in 2016, the SUV will require more than $1.23 billion USD of investment and will create upwards of 1,000 new jobs in the UK as Bentley looks to increase its profitability – Bentley accounted for less than 1% of VW’s reported $3.09 billion USD first-quarter earnings in 2013. While it remains to be seen how close the design of the SUV – Bentley’s first – will be to that of the original concept vehicle, the automobile will likely be positioned to compete against the likes of Lamborghini’s forthcoming Audi-backed Urus SUV, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and the Jeep-based Maserati Kubang. Bentley’s SUV is expected to retail for upwards of €150,000 EUR (approximately $198,000 USD) when it launches in the years ahead.