In an open letter from chairman, Peter Schwarzenbauer, and chief executive, Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, the company said this as-yet-unnamed model was in response to demand from its customer base and would live up to the high standards the marque was renowned for.

The SUV will feature a weight-reducing all-aluminium structure, as used on the Phantom saloon, and takes the brand’s concept of “effortless luxury” across any terrain, according to early details. Powertrains could also include a plug-in hybrid version, as in the Bentley.

‘This car will embody all the values and capabilities that drove our two Founding Fathers to secure Rolls-Royce’s reputation, early last century, by taking top honours in rigorous overland adventures such as the Scottish Reliability Trials, the London to Edinburgh event and the Alpine Trials,’ the letter said.

‘Rolls-Royces conveyed pioneers and adventurers like Lawrence of Arabia across the vastness of unexplored deserts and over mountain ranges. In other parts of the world including Australia, India and the Americas, Rolls-Royces carried their owners over challenging terrain with absolute reliability and comfort.’