2015 Bentley SUV

WHAT IT IS: The first super-premium crossover, positioned and priced well above the Porsche Cayenne and the Land Rover Range Rover. Like other Bentleys, the CUV will offer extensive customization options.

WHY IT MATTERS: It will probably only matter to the one-percenters who need a SUV to haul the kids to Aspen for a weekend of fun in the white stuff. And skiing.

PLATFORM: The Bentley will ride on a stretched and modified version of the next VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne platform.

POWERTRAIN: Engines will be shared with the Continental GT, so bank on a twin-turbo W-12 and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic will connect to an all-wheel-drive system.

COMPETITION: None, unless you count a sedan chair.

WHAT MIGHT GO WRONG: A European financial crisis, a slumping U.S. economy, political unrest in the Middle East, and possible Chinese restrictions on large sport-utilities may keep the Bentley CUV from flying off of showroom floors.

ESTIMATED ARRIVAL AND PRICE: Expect to see it in late 2014 as a 2015 model, at a price of about $200,000.