Bentley Batur

FIRST DRIVE Million-jpound limited edition marks a crossroads in British firm’s history

- Adam Towler

YOU'RE looking at Bentley's future, but it's one with at least one foot reassuringly anchored in the past. The Batur coupé successor to the open-roofed one-of-12 Bacalar - is the work of Bentley's internal coachbuilders, Mulliner, the oldest company of its kind in the world, with an illustrious history dating back more than 250 years.

Just 18 Baturs will be made, each costing £1.65million plus taxes. The model also marks the ultimate evolution of Bentley's mighty 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 petrol engine before it goes out of production early next year.

Yet, at the same time, it also hints strongly at the styling we can expect from the next generation of electric-powered Bentleys.

Underneath its striking new skin, the Batur is essentially a Continental GT Speed, complete with the W12 engine, four-wheel drive system, three-chamber air suspension and a range of chassis technology Bentley deploys to make 2.2 tonnes of leather-lined luxury handle in a suitably sporting manner.

But the body is unique, crafted in the main from carbon-fibre panels, which has allowed the designers to incorporate far more intricate and challenging shapes than would be possible on a vehicle built on the standard production line.