Bentley planning big model expansion

Bentley are planning to extend their model range – in addition to the new Bentley SUV – with more Mulsanne models and an all new model.

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We already know that the Bentley SUV is on the way shortly to take on the might of the new Range Rover, and it seems certain there’s about to be Bentley Mulsanne Speed as Bentley rolls out its ‘Speed’ moniker to its most prestigious car. But there’s more to come.

When we reported the Mulsanne Speed was on its way last week, we noted that if Bentley were adding a Speed version of the Mulsanne to their range to expand it then it surely made sense to launch a Mulsanne Coupe and Convertible too. And that seems to be on the cards.

In conversation with Auto Express, Bentley boss Wolfgang Dürheimer has come as close to admiiting the Mulsanne Coupe and Convertible are on the way as possible by referring to the Bentley Azure, noting the Mulsanne Convertible Concept from Pebble Beach in 2011 and saying a Mulsanne Coupe would be the logical extension of a Mulsanne Convertible.

Interestingly, Dürheimer actually said “…if we do the Azure, the Brooklands comes automatically”, clearly indicating both coupe and convertible are in the works. But whether he meant the Azure and Brooklands badges are to be revived we’re not sure.

But it’s not just an extension of Mulsanne offerings – and the Bentley Continental GT range too – as it seems Bentley are currently developing designs for a car to sit between the Continental and Mulsanne, which could either be an open 2-seater of even a four-door coupe and probably powered by Bentley’s latest 4.0 litre V8 turbo.

No decision on that will be made until preliminary designs are complete, but it looks likely we’ll start to see concepts in 2016, after the new Bentley SUV launches.

It looks like Bentley’s plans to increase sales are going way beyond the launch of the SUV. Which is just fine by us.