With only 18 fortunate owners set to embark on a personalised journey of automotive excellence, the Bentley Batur represents a harmonious fusion of tranquillity and power, a testament to Bentley’s dedication to crafting exceptional vehicles for the most discerning connoisseurs.
In a thrilling adventure last month, we had the privilege of joining Bentley on the island of Tenerife for an exclusive test drive of their highly anticipated masterpiece, the Bentley Batur. Accompanied by two pre-production development vehicles, aptly named Car Zero and Car Zero-Zero, we were granted a rare glimpse into the unrivalled craftsmanship that awaits the fortunate owners of the forthcoming 18 customer cars.
Car Zero, resplendent in its bespoke Purple Sector exterior finish, illustrates Bentley’s high gloss Natural Fibre treatment on the front splitters, side skirts, and rear diffuser, as well as the mesmerising Gloss Dark Titanium matrix main grille with its contrasting chevrons in a captivating horizontal ombré pattern. Riding on bespoke 22″ wheels, where Gloss and Satin Black Crystal spokes merge in an artful display of shadow and light, the Satin Titanium finish gracefully accentuates the iconic ‘endless bonnet’ line.
Not to be outshone, Car Zero-Zero captivated us with its equally striking Marina Teal finish. This extraordinary specimen showcases exclusive components, including one-of-a-kind LED headlamp units that exemplify Bentley’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and setting new automotive design standards.
TRANQUILLITY BASE
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail by Bentley’s renowned in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division, Mulliner, the Batur follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Bacalar. The Bacalar redefined coachbuilding at Bentley, giving birth to 12 individually tailored Barchettas. Now, the Batur carries this legacy forward, pushing the boundaries of design and personalisation even further.
Inspired by the mesmerising Lake Batur, a serene crater lake nestled beneath Mount Batur, Bali’s most active volcano in Indonesia, this grand tourer exudes an aura of tranquillity and power. It pays homage to the harmonious relationship between nature’s beauty and engineering prowess, capturing the essence of an extraordinary design journey.
With deliveries set to commence shortly, each of the 18 Batur models has already found its fortunate owner, who will now embark on a personalised design odyssey in collaboration with Mulliner’s in-house team. This unparalleled level of customisation allows customers to specify the colour and finish of nearly every surface, ensuring their Batur becomes a true embodiment of individuality. Every vehicle will undergo meticulous handcrafting over several months within Mulliner’s workshop, located within Bentley’s carbon-neutral factory in Crewe, England.
FUTURE FORWARD
The Batur provides an exclusive glimpse into the design principles shaping Bentley’s future models, including the debut of its highly anticipated first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in 2025.
Redefining Bentley’s iconic design DNA, which has left an indelible mark on the Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga families, the Batur’s design effortlessly combines strength, muscularity, and inherent grace.
The car’s profile, aptly described as the ‘resting beast stance,’ presents a new interpretation of the classic Bentley power line and haunch. It evokes imagery of a poised lion or tiger, crouched low in the grass, ready to unleash its power at a moment’s notice. The Batur is the embodiment of power in repose.
Emphasising the car’s prestige, the elongated bonnet takes on a sleek line that extends gracefully along the length of the car, giving birth to what Bentley refers to as the ‘endless bonnet’. This elongation creates a visual weight shift towards the rear, enhancing the impression that the Batur firmly sits on the rear axle, accentuating its muscular haunches.
At the front, the iconic Bentley grille has undergone a modern transformation. Lower and more upright, it exudes a commanding presence and a more assertive aura. Flanking the grille are newly designed headlights, an evolution of the renowned Bacalar design, featuring singular large headlight units on each side. The rear of the Batur showcases elegantly crafted tail lamps that embrace a deployable spoiler, adding a touch of grace to its athletic profile.
UNMISTAKABLY MULLINER
Guided by Mulliner’s in-house design team, each new Batur owner embarks on an exclusive customisation journey. With the specially created Mulliner visualiser at their fingertips, every element of the Batur becomes a playground for personal expression, from the harmonious colour schemes to the exquisite surface finishes. This bespoke experience embraces the integration of unique materials, infusing texture and personality into every detail. From the sweeping exterior paint to the intricate air vents, every facet of the Batur is meticulously tailored to their exact specifications. The result? A symphony of one-of-a-kind designs that bring to life the imaginative visions of each discerning customer.
The vast palette of paint choices knows no bounds, offering the full spectrum of Mulliner colours while transcending into the realm of fully bespoke and even hand-painted graphics for those seeking to make an indelible statement.
Aerodynamic enhancements, such as the front splitter, side skirts, and rear diffuser, are expertly crafted from lightweight carbon fibre or Bentley’s new Natural Fibre composite, showcasing Bentley’s commitment to performance and environmental responsibility.
In the realm of exterior brightware, a captivating array of possibilities awaits. The interplay of light and dark, satin and gloss, and the allure of titanium offer endless opportunities for personalisation. Drawing inspiration from Car Zero, an enticing option presents itself – a graduated contrast colour to the front grille, bestowing upon the Batur a vibrant ombre effect that mesmerises onlookers.
Commanding attention on the road, the Batur confidently rides on distinctive 22″ wheels with a Black Crystal finish, accentuated by bright machined and polished accents. For those seeking a darker allure, there is a tantalising combination of dark gloss faces and satin spokes. And for those who desire the pinnacle of individuality, body-matched wheels – with or without a contrasting finish – beckon, while the realm of possibility expands further into entirely different contrasting colours, limited only by the imagination.
SUSTAINABLE BESPOKE LUXURY
At the heart of the Batur cabin is a selection of sustainable interior materials, each chosen to ensure a low carbon footprint without compromising luxury. Leather options include low-carbon leather sourced from Scotland, or sustainable tannage leather from Italy, available in a stunning palette of five distinct colours. For those seeking a luxurious alternative to traditional leather, there is the option of eco-friendly Dinamica – a suede-like material that leaves a minimal ecological impact.
Introducing a new era of veneer craftsmanship, the Batur offers a sustainable option: Natural Fibre composite. And regardless of the chosen veneer, the passenger fascia panel is adorned with a bespoke etching, capturing the essence of the W12 engine’s distinctive audio signature. Customised etchings are available for those who desire an even more personal touch, ensuring a cabin that resonates with individual allure.
The carpets are crafted from recycled yarn for the first time in Bentley’s history. These carpets, thoughtfully matched to luxurious leather, embody the spirit of responsible luxury, where opulence and sustainability coexist in harmony.
In line with Bentley’s commitment to sustainability, all the gold used in the Batur’s 3D-printed parts is sourced from 100% recycled materials, repurposed from old jewellery.
Embracing cutting-edge technology, the extraordinary Mulliner by Nairn Audio system envelops the cabin with an unrivalled sonic journey. This audio masterpiece elevates the auditory experience to new heights with its exclusive configuration and finely tuned 20 Focal speakers. Each note, each nuance is faithfully reproduced, immersing occupants in a world of unparalleled sound quality and musical bliss.
THE ELEGANCE OF 3D-PRINTED GOLD
As a testament to Bentley’s unwavering pursuit of luxury and innovation, this exceptional grand tourer offers the option of exquisite 3D-printed gold accents.
At the heart of this extraordinary cabin lies the mesmerising Charisma Dial, encircling the start/stop button and serving as an elegant control for driver mode selection. Crafted with precision and grace, this remarkable dial seamlessly complements the Batur’s striking front grille, creating a harmonious and sophisticated aesthetic.
Bentley’s iconic Organ Stop vent controls on the dashboard take on a new level of allure, adorned with delicate gold accents that radiate refinement and exclusivity. Even the steering wheel features a subtle gold insert marker that discreetly emphasises its status as a true masterpiece of automotive design.
As an additional mark of distinction, parts manufactured in 2022 receive the coveted Jubilee hallmark, commemorating the Platinum Jubilee year of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
UNPRECEDENTED POWER
The Batur proudly claims the title of the most powerful Bentley ever created. Beneath its sculpted hood resides the beating heart of the Bentley Batur – a hand-assembled 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine that exudes sheer power and exhilaration. This awe-inspiring engine delivers an astounding 552 kW of power and an earth-shattering 1,000 Nm of torque, propelling the Batur from standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 3.4 seconds, with a top speed reaching a formidable 337 km/h.
From the moment your foot touches the accelerator pedal, you are instantly captivated by the indomitable might of the Bentley W12 engine. A series of meticulously engineered enhancements has catapulted this legendary powerhouse to new realms of performance. With a thoughtfully designed intake system, upgraded turbochargers, advanced intercoolers, and extensive recalibration, the W12 engine unleashes a level of performance that leaves all expectations shattered.
Paired with Bentley’s ultra-smooth eight-speed double-clutch transmission, the W12 engine in the Batur roars to life, accompanied by an exhilarating soundtrack that resonates deep within the soul. The entire exhaust system, crafted from lightweight titanium, ensures optimal performance and delivers a reassuring and immersive auditory experience.
As the W12 engine nears the final phase of its illustrious lifespan, with production set to conclude in April 2024 as part of Bentley’s ambitious Beyond100 transformation journey towards full electrification, the Batur stands as a monumental celebration of the W12’s unrivalled power, torque, and refinement.
DYNAMIC SUSPENSION
Beyond its raw power and exclusive luxury, the driving experience unleashes a relentless assault on the senses, delivering an unparalleled fusion of exhilaration and control. The chassis and suspension system surpasses all expectations of comfort, precision, and heart-racing thrills.
At the core of its agility lies the ingenious adaptive three-chamber air springs, equipped with three switchable chambers that dynamically adjust the volume and effective stiffness of the air springs. Within the centre console, the four-mode Drive Dynamics Control allow you to finely tune the delicate equilibrium between ride comfort and body control. From the spirited engagement of Sport mode to the refined Bentley mode, the serene tranquillity of Comfort mode, and even the personalised touch of Custom mode, the Batur grants you the freedom to tailor the driving experience to your exact preferences.
The Drive Dynamics Control extends its influence beyond these modes, as it ingeniously transforms the behaviour of the groundbreaking 48V electric active anti-roll control system. This revolutionary system instantly unleashes an astonishing 1,300 Nm of anti-roll torque within a mere 0.3 seconds, effectively disconnecting the wheels at each end of the axle, as and when needed. With the ability to independently adjust the roll stiffness from front to rear, the Batur exhibits unparalleled agility, delivering razor-sharp turn-in response and exceptional balance in Sport mode. This remarkable capability empowers you to command every twist and turn with unwavering confidence, forging an unbreakable bond between driver and machine.
To maximise traction and elevate cornering prowess, the Batur employs an electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD), complemented by torque vectoring by brake. This intelligent system subtly applies precise brake pressure to the inside rear wheel during turn-in, augmenting the response from the front axle. On corner exit, it gently brakes both inside wheels, transferring power to the outside wheels, ensuring unrivalled traction and control. As we experienced first-hand on the exhilarating ascent and descent of Mount Teide, the inactive volcano on Tenerife, this symphony of control and precision creates an extraordinary driving experience that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.
As breathtaking speed meets the challenge of sharp corners, reigning in this automotive masterpiece demands the exceptional stopping power of Bentley’s renowned CSiC (Carbon-Silicon-Carbide) braking system. Anchoring the Batur are massive 440 mm front and 410 mm rear discs, accompanied by impressive 10-piston front and four-piston rear callipers. With this formidable combination, the Batur commands a relentless stopping force, ensuring complete mastery over its performance.
Shod with high-performance Pirelli tires, every road becomes your personal canvas, inviting you to explore the boundaries of exhilaration with every journey.
LAST WORD
As our unforgettable test drive unfolded, the Batur’s sheer power and exquisite luxury left an everlasting imprint, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary experiences that lie ahead for the privileged few who will possess this automotive masterpiece.
Behind the wheel of the pre-production Baturs, Car Zero and Car Zero-Zero, we bore witness to power and control as it converges to create a harmonious symphony of precision and exhilaration, delivering an extraordinary driving experience that transcends the ordinary.
The Batur represents the pinnacle of grand touring, as it flawlessly combines the exceptional W12 engine with the most advanced Bentley chassis ever conceived. The Batur embodies the epitome of performance, handling, and driving pleasure with its speed-tuned air suspension, electric active anti-roll control, eLSD, four-wheel steering, and torque vectoring.
Building upon the foundation laid by the Mulliner Bacalar, the Bentley Batur stands as a resounding testament to the unmatched artistry of Mulliner, breathing life into the dreams of the fortunate few who will forever cherish their one-of-a-kind Batur – an exquisite masterpiece that exemplifies tranquillity, power, and the boundless spirit of personal expression.
Report by WILHELM LOOTS | Images © BENTLEY MOTORS
