Bentley considering SUV to slot in underneath Bentayga

Rolf Frech, Bentley's engineering chief, told Autocar that a crossover smaller than upcoming Bentayga (below) is "a possibility". Frech did emphasise, though, that no decision had been reached on such a vehicle.

He also said that if it was to be approved, this smaller SUV could be "a different kind of car". In all likelihood that's coded talk for a high-riding "coupe" SUV in a mould similar to that established by the BMW X6 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.

Regarding smaller, luxury SUVs, Wolfgang Durheimer, chairman and CEO of Bentley, told the British publication: "There are other SUVs on the market that show the potential in that area. This derivative is definitely one of the ideas we have, but our store of ideas gets bigger and bigger."

Any sub-Bentayga crossover would be built on top of the Volkswagen Group's MSB modular component matrix for front-engine, rear- and all-wheel drive vehicles, development of which is being led by Porsche.

The MSB architecture will serve as the basis of the Porsche Panamera, as well the Bentley Continental coupe and convertible, and Flying Spur sedan.

Bentley is currently in the process of increasing its production capacity at Crewe, with a view to building around 20,000 vehicles a year there by 2020. It also expanding its research and development facilities, as well as adding extra engineering staff to its payroll.