Bentley’s Mulliner division, renowned for its high-end customization, offers varying degrees of personalization. The first tier, ‘Mulliner Features,’ allows Bentley owners to enhance their vehicles with unique additions, ranging from bespoke stitching to extensive, and potentially costly, customizations.
A step above are the ‘Mulliner Collections,’ where core Bentley models receive an opulent makeover, featuring exclusive details and a higher price tag. For the ultimate expression of luxury, Bentley offers the ‘Mulliner Coachbuilt’ – a pinnacle of bespoke automotive craftsmanship.
The Batur, Bentley’s latest coachbuilt model, is a successor to the Bacalar and comes with a staggering price tag of approximately £2 million, including customizations. This model is based on the Continental GT Speed but elevates itself in price and exclusivity. What sets the Batur apart, aside from its price, is its limited production of only 18 units, its unique design featuring 800 distinct parts, and a body that shares no panels with the Continental GT.
The Batur’s interior, while reminiscent of the Continental GT, is distinguished by exclusive details such as 3D-printed gold elements and a unique carbon fibre finish. Under its bespoke exterior lies a 6.0-litre, twin-turbo W12 engine, a long-standing staple in Bentley’s lineup, which is scheduled to cease production in April 2024.
This version of the W12 in the Batur is the most powerful iteration Bentley has ever produced, offering 740bhp and 738lb ft of torque. This increase in power is not just a result of electronic tuning but is achieved through significant hardware upgrades, including new turbochargers and larger intercoolers.
Driving the Batur reveals its enhanced performance, with noticeable differences in acceleration and handling, particularly in its rear bias and all-wheel drive system’s efficiency. Despite these improvements, the W12’s sound remains a point of contention, lacking the emotive appeal of other engines like Bentley’s V8.
In terms of driving experience, the Batur largely mirrors the Continental GT, known for its blend of luxury and performance. This similarity raises questions about the justification of its high price, especially when the unique aspects of the Batur are not immediately apparent from the driver’s seat.
Nonetheless, the Batur’s allure isn’t lost on its target market. All 18 units were swiftly purchased by affluent buyers, indicating that for some, the exclusivity and bespoke nature of the Batur justify its price. Bentley’s confidence in its niche market is evident, as they believe they could have sold even more units if desired.
