Bentley’s $2M Batur: The W12’s Last Roar, Previews EV Future

Bentley has pulled the covers off its most potent and exclusive coachbuilt creation yet: the Mulliner Batur. This strictly limited grand tourer serves as both a thunderous farewell to the brand’s iconic W12 engine and a definitive preview of the design language that will shape its impending electric era. More than just a special edition, the Batur is a rolling statement of intent, blending unprecedented performance with a new, muscular aesthetic that signals a major shift for the Crewe-based automaker.

A Modern Touch to a Classic Design

The Batur immediately distances itself from its predecessors with a forward-looking design philosophy. The exterior, penned by Director of Design Andreas Mindt, introduces a cleaner, more assertive form. A revised, lower-set single-piece grille is flanked by minimalist single-headlight units, a stark departure from Bentley’s traditional twin-lamp setup. The long, unbroken ‘endless bonnet’ line and powerful rear haunches create a poised, predatory stance. Craftsmanship is elevated with options like natural fiber composites for the body kit and even 3D-printed 18-karat gold for key interior controls, offering near-limitless personalization.

Built for Strength and Adventure

At the heart of the Batur lies the most powerful iteration of the 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine ever produced. Meticulously re-engineered with new turbochargers, intercoolers, and a revised intake system, it delivers over 740 horsepower and a colossal 738 lb-ft of torque. This immense power is managed by an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and an advanced chassis featuring four-wheel steering, an electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD), and Bentley’s remarkable 48-volt active anti-roll system, ensuring both staggering straight-line speed and uncanny agility for a car of its stature.

Comfort Meets Utility

Inside, the Batur is a sanctuary of bespoke luxury tailored to each of the 18 owners. While the core architecture is familiar, the materials and execution are entirely unique. Clients can specify everything from sustainable low-carbon leathers sourced from Scotland to gloss-finished natural fiber veneers. The iconic organ-stop vent controls can be rendered in solid gold, while unique laser-etched sound wave graphics on the dashboard represent the W12’s unique audio signature. It remains the quintessential grand tourer, designed for crossing continents in absolute comfort and speed.

Why It Stands Out

In a market of track-focused hypercars, the Batur carves its own niche as the ultimate performance grand tourer. It stands apart by prioritizing immense, usable power within a package of unparalleled luxury and long-distance capability. For U.S. buyers, it represents the absolute pinnacle of Bentley’s internal combustion engineering—a highly collectible artifact that bridges the brand’s celebrated past with its electric future. Its significance lies in this duality, making it a more historically important vehicle than a typical limited-run model.

Advanced Technology & Innovations

Beyond the brute force of its engine, the Batur is a showcase of sophisticated engineering. The 48V active anti-roll control system can deliver up to 959 lb-ft of anti-roll torque in just 0.3 seconds, effectively neutralizing body roll during aggressive cornering without compromising ride quality. Torque vectoring by brake, working in concert with the eLSD, precisely manages power distribution to each wheel. A full titanium sports exhaust not only saves weight but is acoustically tuned to provide a soundtrack worthy of the W12’s final performance.

Expert Analysis

The Bentley Mulliner Batur is a masterful balancing act. It celebrates its legendary engine with a definitive power upgrade while simultaneously using its design to prepare loyal customers for a silent, electric future. This isn’t just a run-out special; it’s a carefully orchestrated transition. By decoupling its future design language from its traditional powertrain, Bentley is making a bold statement that the brand’s identity is defined by its form and luxury, not just the number of cylinders under the hood. It’s a brilliant strategy that honors the past while fully embracing the future.

Final Thoughts

As one of the final vehicles to carry the magnificent W12 engine, the Bentley Mulliner Batur is destined for automotive immortality. It is a triumphant culmination of two decades of powertrain development, wrapped in a forward-thinking design that sets the stage for the next 100 years of Bentley. For the 18 collectors fortunate enough to secure one, it offers more than just a car; it’s a piece of history and a definitive look at the soul of a brand in transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Batur’s W12 engine different from the standard version?
The Batur’s 6.0L W12 has been significantly upgraded with a new intake system, modified turbochargers, larger intercoolers, and extensive recalibration to produce over 740 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful engine in Bentley’s history.

Is the Bentley Mulliner Batur street-legal in the U.S.?
Yes, the Batur is fully street-legal and type-approved for all global markets, including the United States. It has undergone the same rigorous testing and validation as Bentley’s series production cars.

How does the Batur’s design influence future Bentley models?
The Batur’s design language, particularly its reinterpreted grille, new headlight signature, and more muscular proportions, serves as the official design blueprint for Bentley’s forthcoming range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) set to debut in the coming years.

With only 18 units produced, is it possible to still purchase one?
No. All 18 examples of the Bentley Mulliner Batur were pre-sold to established Mulliner clients and long-standing Bentley customers before its public unveiling. The entire production run is spoken for.