As the sun sets on Bentley’s legendary W12 engine, a new chapter begins with the Batur Convertible—an ultra-exclusive, handcrafted Grand Tourer that encapsulates the epitome of luxury and engineering. Created by Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke division, the Batur Convertible embarks on its final phase of testing, symbolising both the end of an era and the dawn of a new design philosophy that will shape the marque’s future.
Strictly limited to just 16 examples, the Batur Convertible represents the last opportunity for discerning customers to own a Bentley powered by the iconic W12 engine, which was retired in July 2024. Each of these vehicles is set to feature the most powerful iteration of the 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine, delivering an astounding 750 PS, making the Batur Convertible the most powerful drop-top in Bentley’s illustrious history.
The Ultimate Open-Air Grand Tourer: Final Testing Underway
In preparation for its highly anticipated release, two development versions of the Batur Convertible have embarked on a rigorous 120-test development program. This exhaustive process spans over a year and includes everything from high-speed durability testing to the meticulous inspection of minute details, such as the surface finish of the gold “organ stop” ventilation controls.
The road to perfection for the Batur Convertible begins with a gruelling 3,000-kilometre journey across Europe, traversing Germany, Italy, France, Monaco, and Spain. This real-world drive allows Bentley engineers to assess the vehicle’s performance, safety, and reliability under a variety of conditions, including mountain passes, urban streets, and highways. Chief Technical Officer for Mulliner, Paul Williams, explains the importance of this stage: “This stage is critical for identifying potential issues, validating system integration, and ensuring the vehicle meets regulatory standards and customer expectations.”
Following this initial road test, the Batur Convertibles will undergo seven weeks of high-speed and durability assessments at Spain’s Idiada proving ground. These tests are designed to push the cars to their limits, ensuring that Bentley’s exacting performance, handling, and refinement standards are not only met but exceeded.
A Masterpiece of Bespoke Craftsmanship
Every Batur Convertible is more than just a car; it’s a statement of personal luxury. Mulliner, the world’s oldest coachbuilder, offers customers the opportunity to co-create their own Batur Convertible through an exclusive visualiser that allows complete customisation of every surface, both inside and out. From bespoke colours to unique materials, the Batur Convertible reflects the limitless imagination of its owner.
The engineering prototype, known as Batur Convertible Car Zero, showcases a striking two-tone Vermillion Gloss over Vermillion Satin paint job, complemented by high-gloss carbon fibre detailing. Its grille is a work of art, featuring a horizontal ombré pattern of chevrons that transition from Beluga black at the centre to Vermillion at the edges. The 22-inch wheels mirror this bold design, finished in Gloss and Satin Black Titanium with Vermillion Gloss accents.
A second development car, the ‘Engineering Car’, offers a completely different aesthetic with Midnight Emerald exterior paintwork and a high-gloss carbon fibre body kit. Its tri-tone wheels and the sophisticated interior, trimmed in Cumbrian Green and Porpoise leather with Mandarin accents, further highlight Mulliner’s ability to create truly unique, tailor-made vehicles.
The Final Hurrah for the W12 Engine
The Batur Convertible not only celebrates Bentley’s revered W12 engine but also serves as a bridge to the future, encapsulating the design DNA that will influence the marque’s next generation of vehicles. With its 750 PS engine, this is the ultimate expression of Bentley’s engineering prowess, and it will be the last Bentley ever to feature this iconic powertrain.
Complementing its formidable performance is a convertible roof that transforms the Batur from a sleek coupe to an open-air Grand Tourer in just 19 seconds, at speeds of up to 30 mph. Bentley’s engineers have fine-tuned every element of the roof system, ensuring that it offers both sound insulation and a cossetting interior environment, whether raised or lowered.
A Glimpse into Bentley’s Future
The Batur Convertible represents the final chapter for the W12 engine, but it also offers a preview of Bentley’s design future. Crafted with the utmost attention to detail, each Batur Convertible is a personalised masterpiece that blends exquisite craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. As Bentley continues its journey toward sustainability and innovation, the Batur Convertible stands as a proud testament to the brand’s enduring legacy of luxury, performance, and bespoke excellence.
With only 16 examples being built, the Batur Convertible is not just a car—it’s a collector’s dream, a piece of history, and the ultimate embodiment of Bentley’s storied engineering tradition. For those fortunate enough to own one, it will be a final farewell to an engine that has powered Bentley’s success for over two decades, and a bold statement about the brand’s future.
