Bentley Batur 2023: 18-Unit Mulliner Coachbuilt W12 Finale

The Bentley Batur represents the zenith of the British marque’s engineering prowess, serving as a heartfelt farewell to its legendary **W12 engine**. This coachbuilt grand tourer, limited to just 18 units worldwide, blends bespoke craftsmanship from Bentley’s Mulliner division with unprecedented performance, redefining luxury motoring for an elite clientele.

Genesis of an Icon: From Continental GT to Batur

At its core, the Batur evolves from the **Continental GT Speed**, but Mulliner’s vision elevates it into uncharted territory. Over 800 unique components distinguish it, including carbon-fiber bodywork that allows for sculptural freedom impossible in mass production. This isn’t mere evolution; it’s a bold statement on Bentley’s design trajectory, previewing cues that will influence future models.

Production involved rigorous testing: two prototypes endured 58 weeks of durability trials, covering more than 30,000 kilometers across diverse conditions. The **W12 engine** alone underwent a two-year development program, ensuring reliability matches its ferocity.

Design Mastery: Sculpting the Future

Bentley’s designers crafted the Batur with a nod to pre-war grandeur, yet infused with modern aggression. Key elements define its silhouette:

• Endless Bonnet Line: A seamless visual thread stretches from the cabin’s rear to the grille, evoking elongated classics while accentuating the long-nose profile.
• Upright Grille: Low and imposing, it signals intent without overwhelming the proportions.
• Resting Beast Stance: Muscled haunches over the rear wheels create a coiled, predatory posture, ready to unleash.

Carbon-fiber panels enable intricate surfacing, massaging expansive areas into fluid, three-dimensional forms. The result? A car that demands attention, with 22-inch wheels and a stance that balances menace and elegance. Interiors amplify this: hand-stitched leather, diamond-quilted accents, and personalization options numbering in the millions allow owners to imprint their legacy.

Powerhouse Heart: The Ultimate W12

No Batur review is complete without revering its **6.0-liter twin-turbo W12**. Producing **740 horsepower** at 5,500 rpm and **738 lb-ft of torque** from 1,750-5,000 rpm, it’s Bentley’s most potent engine ever. Upgrades include larger turbos, enhanced intercoolers, and redesigned intakes, boosting output by 80 hp over the GT Speed.

This powerplant doesn’t just propel; it captivates. Mid-range surge is anabolic, capable of spinning all four wheels in the wet on a rolling throttle. Yet, refinement reigns: Bentley DNA ensures velvet smoothness at cruising speeds, transforming 110 mph into a serene 75 mph illusion.

Fuel economy hovers around 20 mpg (est.), with CO2 at 311-320 g/km, figures befitting its excess.

Chassis Dynamics: GT Comfort Meets Supercar Grip

Underpinning the drama is a familiar yet refined platform: all-wheel drive, 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, three-chamber air suspension, and 48-volt active anti-roll. Additions like electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD), four-wheel steering, and carbon-silicon carbide brakes sharpen responses.

At 2,233 kg kerb weight, the Batur defies physics. Comfort mode wafts over imperfections, while Sport mode unleashes nimble handling—even in pouring rain, it feels confident and reliable. Brakes haul it down with valor, sans fuss. Road noise from massive tires intrudes above 40 mph on prototypes, but wind isolation excels.

It’s a **grand tourer** par excellence: seats are disturbingly comfortable—heated, ventilated, massaging thrones for days-long hauls. No Volkswagen undertones here; pure Bentley essence.

Exclusivity and Ownership: The £2 Million Club

Priced from approximately **£2 million** (or $2 million), all 18 units sold out pre-launch. Buyers enter Mulliner’s personalization realm, where diamond-embedded wheels or jewel-like accents become reality. This isn’t ownership; it’s commissioning art that drives.

As W12’s finale, the Batur honors Bentley’s past while heralding electrification. Mulliner’s coachbuilding renaissance promises more such visions.

Real-World Impressions: Track to Tail

Behind the wheel, predictability blends with thrill. Massive punch arrives on command, yet composure never wavers. It’s over-engined perfection: straight-line savagery, cornering poise, and highway serenity. For seven figures, it delivers unmatched completeness.

• Pros: Insane power, bespoke beauty, GT refinement, handling surprise.
• Cons: Stratospheric price, tire roar, limited availability.

Bentley Batur vs. Rivals

The Batur towers in power and exclusivity, outpacing GT siblings while matching rivals’ pace with superior luxury.

Technology and Innovation

Bentley’s tech arsenal shines: adaptive chassis, torque vectoring, and driver aids ensure accessibility. Infotainment mirrors the GT’s intuitive setup, with rotating displays and Mulliner-specific flourishes. Safety enhancements, like advanced headrest designs, prioritize crash protection without sacrificing opulence.

Sustainability in Excess?

While the W12 guzzles fuel, Bentley’s hybrid future looms. The Batur celebrates combustion’s peak, bridging to electrified horizons without compromise.

FAQs

What makes the Bentley Batur special?

It’s the most powerful Bentley (740 hp W12), coachbuilt by Mulliner, limited to 18 units, with futuristic design cues.

How fast is the Batur?

0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, top speed 209 mph.

Is the Batur based on another model?

Yes, the Continental GT Speed, but with 800+ unique parts and 40 kg lighter.

What’s the price of the Batur?

Around £2 million, all sold out.

Does the Batur handle like a sports car?

Surprisingly agile for its size, thanks to AWD, air suspension, and advanced chassis tech.