If it wasn’t for an awful design that caused a lot of controversy, the Bentley SUV, previewed a couple of years ago with the EXP 9F concept, would have been in production by now. But the car received so much negative feedback that Bentley binned it and started over. Now they have revealed that a new, totally redesigned version is on track for 2016 launch.

The new Bentley SUV has a different design alright, but don’t expect to be blown away by its beauty. In fact, judging by the sketch they’ve released, it is hardly prettier than the one that went before. But at least it doesn’t look like some posh monster anymore, and it has a strong resemblance to the ultra-successful Continental GT.

To be built at Bentley factory in Crewe, England, the new Bentley SUV will get the same engine lineup as the Continental, including a W12 and a V8. But according to the company’s officials, a plug-in hybrid version is being considered, as well as a power diesel engine borrowed from Audi. Prices for the 4×4 Bentley will start from 100,000 GBP.

CEO Dr Wolfgang Schreiber told Auto Express: “We already have 2,000 pre-orders without customers knowing the price or styling. Since the concept we’ve worked hard on the exterior and interior, and it’s now ready for final development. It looks more like a Bentley; more modern.”