China loves its luxury goods

Chinese women walk past the Van Cleef & Arpels store on June 11, 2012 in Beijing, China.

After months of rumors, Bentley revealed today a concept for its first sport utility vehicle ever: the 600-hp Bentley EXP 9 F. When it comes to vehicles for the wealthiest people in the world, restraint is so last century. With ultra-luxury vehicle sales rising on strong demand from China and the Middle East, the SUV would make the most financial sense as an addition. Given that the Continental starts around $190,000 and the Mulsanne around $280,000, it's easy to imagine a Bentley SUV with a sticker of about $250,000. Powered by a twin-turbo W-12 capable of 600 hp and 590 ft-lbs. of torque, Bentley says the EXP 9 would rank among the fastest vehicles of its kind. All that motive force gets to the ground through an 8-speed transmission and all-wheel-drive system turning 23-inch chrome wheels that are as bling-y as anything from Tire Rack. Inside lies the usual assortment of hand-stitched leathers, wood veneers and one-percentery touches like a split tailgate that folds down to reveal a custom dining set.

BEIJING, CHINA - JUNE 11: Chinese women walk past the Cartier store on June 11, 2012 in Beijing, China. According to the World Luxury Association 2011 annual official report , China is expected to replace Japan as the world's top consumer of luxury goods by 2012 with an expected luxury goods sales value of 14.6 billion U.S. dollars due to China's growing demand and declining consumption in Japan. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)

Guests take snapshots of a gold bathtub at the 2006 Millionaires' Fair at the Shanghai Exhibition Center April 28, 2006.

A man films a gold-plated Infiniti G37 at a jewelry store in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, March 31, 2011.

A Ferrari 458 Spider is loaded onto a truck after being bought by a young Chinese at its showroom in Shenzhen May 28, 2012.