Bentley to launch the Bentayga, its first SUV

Like Jaguar, Bentley is taking advantage of the media attention ahead of NAIAS to announce its first ever SUV, the Bentayga.

The idea behind the new off-road vehicle, according to Bentley, is to combine luxury and performance. Due for unveiling later this year ahead of a 2016 launch, the Bentayga will have at least 600hp under the hood, according to the manufacturer.

To build buzz around its announcement, Bentley uploaded a video in which the SUV glides with ease across the desert and climbs steep dunes.

Bentley's announcement follows a similar one from Jaguar, who recently informed of the 2016 launch of its first crossover, the F-Pace, based on the XC-17 concept presented in Frankfurt in 2013. These forthcoming luxury off-roaders will follow in the footsteps of the Maserati Levante and pave the way for the future Rolls-Royce SUV.