I suppose you're not paying just for the metal, carbonfibre or leather. It's the chance to have a look behind the door, access what others don't and, importantly, own something nobody else does.
All Bentleys try to offer a bit of that, which is why there are 46 billion 'curated by Mulliner' option combinations for a Continental GT alone, and why people spend on average £30,000 on those. You can double that amount for those who opt into the next-level 'Mulliner bespoke' line-up. This is one of the reasons why Bentley posted its biggest-ever profits last year, up 82% on just a 4% increase in vehicle sales. Do a bit more work, earn a lot more money. I'll try suggesting this at my next pay review and let you know how I get on. Bespoke by Prior.
For some, though, even these increasingly exclusive option combinations aren't enough. And this is where the highest echelon of Bentley's Mulliner division comes in the old-fashioned coachbuilding bit. A car made just for you (or for you and 17 others), with options just for you: enter the £1,980,000 Bentley Batur.
There are currently only two Baturs in existence, both of them working prototypes of a limited-edition Continental GT Speed-based coupé that signals the future of Bentley design, the end of the W12 engine and the pinnacle of the bespoke coachbuilding programme that Mulliner offers. It was launched with the Bacalar in 2021; the Batur is the follow-up.
Bentley says there are three things to note about the design: the 'resting beast mode' stance, like a lion sitting down, around the rear haunches; an 'expression of strength', or the upright grille, like a horse's chest; and an 'endless bonnet' (this all works better when you can see the PowerPoint), which is why you'll note the Batur's side-profile bonnet line smoothly extending to the rear window, to accentuate what's under the hood, to which we will come.
Bu hikaye Autocar UK dergisinin June 21, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Autocar UK dergisinin June 21, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
THE DRAMATIC ITALIAN THAT MARKED THE END OF AN ERA
When the Huracán bowed out, the curtain fell forever on Lambo's V10
HOW EV MAKERS CAN WIN THE RACE TO 5.0MPKWH
Manufacturers are honing every detail to close in on big efficiency goal
MASERATI MC20
We bid a sad farewell to a handsome supercar that was easy to live with
The quickening
Instant acceleration is part of the appeal of an EV, but is it all getting a bit much for unwary and inexperienced drivers? JOHN EVANS investigates
Inside track
Watching an F1 race with live access to engineers and telemetry is the stuff of dreams for racing fans. ALEX WOLSTENHOLME makes a day of it
WHOLE IN ONE
The Volkswagen Golf has been all things to all motorists for half a century. At the wheel of a classic Mk1, VICKY PARROTT charts the eight-generation history of one of the world's most successful cars
DACIA DUSTER
Mk3 model gains digital tech, ADAS, slicker looks... Is this mission creep?
MAZDA CX-80 PHEV
Another look at Mazda's hefty SUV, this time in plug-in hybrid form
VAUXHALL GRANDLAND ELECTRIC
Newcomer looks to ease the average family SUV driver into EV motoring
BMW X3 20 XDRIVE
Fourth generation of brand's best-seller arrives with base petrol engine