It's still two years away from the start of production, but the countdown to the arrival of Bentley's first SUV has begun. Crewe has released a teaser video showing how the exterior of the new car is taking shape.

"Sculpted, contemporary and distinctive design is being combined with the exquisite and meticulous detailing for which Bentley is renowned," the British luxury brand says, adding that its craftsmen, designers and engineers are now completely dedicated to creating the "world's most powerful and luxurious SUV".

"The coming months will see the refinement of a car that has been two years in the making. A vehicle designed from the outset to take luxury to new heights, and change forever the way the world sees the SUV," Bentley adds.

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First previewed by the EXP 9 F Concept from 2012, the Bentley SUV will go into production in 2016 with a range of engines, including a 12-cylinder engine and plug-in hybrid option for 2017. The latter was previewed by the Bentley Hybrid Concept at Auto China 2014.

Bentley also recently announced that it is creating over 140 new jobs at its headquarters in Crewe. Recruitment includes 90 skilled engineers and 51 new apprentices, the biggest single intake in ten years. 40 of the new apprentices will be part of a new dedicated manufacturing scheme focused on strengthening core skills as Bentley builds up to the introduction of the SUV.