The Bentley Batur stunned when it was revealed as our ultimate grand tourer. Discover how the story of a convertible version developed and ultimately followed the coupé into the world.
Model shown is in a pre-production state.
The Bentley Batur, our sleek hard-top coachbuilt coupé, was revealed as an incredible celebration of our iconic W12 engine. Limited to a production run of just 18 cars, it showcased the new, minimalist design language that would define the Bentley style in the electric car era. The Baturs are incredible cars, but the question was asked again and again: “Would a convertible be possible – and would it be as beautiful and striking as the coupé?” We listened, and our answer was an emphatic “yes”.
A highly exclusive ‘Coachbuilt by Mulliner’ model followed, retaining the exquisite qualities of the coupé to preserve its thrilling character in convertible form. Domen Rucigaj, Head of Exterior Design for Bentley explains how its design journey started: “The beauty of the coupé is that, when you approach, the interior is hidden; you have to open the door and then you feel attracted to the interior, you want to sit inside the car. On the Batur Convertible, when you put the roof down, everything becomes more visible and you see much more interior. So it was important that the interior and exterior work even harder to connect with the customer.”
The designers studied the proportions of the Batur and reimagined the body shape for the 16 convertibles – a process Domen likens to “creating art”. It was important to ensure that the car, with the roof either open or closed, could tempt customers with the correct proportions that meant there was not too much body bulk at the back or at the front. A subtle enhancement is the short back spoiler – or ‘duck tail’ – an addition that continues the car’s unmatched open-top glamor look and allows for its aerodynamic demands. Domen says that 20 different proposals were designed and tested for this small, yet essential piece of body kit.
Stepping towards the car, our interior designers added a unique, aviation-inspired ‘airbridge’ design that is visible from the outside of the Batur Convertible when the roof is open. Based on two arch-shaped features positioned behind the driver and passenger respectively, it gives the impression of a sleek, ergonomic cockpit.
THE ART OF CUSTOMIZATION
Every customer who commissions a coachbuilt car from Mulliner connects with the design team from the Bespoke Studio of Mulliner, to bring their vision to life. For these owners who demand the rarest and most exquisite cars, unique and innovative options were required for the Batur Convertible.
The A-pillar – the vertical support structure on either side of the car’s windscreen – was connected to the hood at a lower spot with one complete streamlined section. This meant that slick liquid transitions could be added where a darker hood paint color fades into the A-pillar. After the design team sat together for weeks to devise these visual customization elements, a split rear bumper and rarely seen wheel were added to let customers add more personalized color combinations.
“This created a difference between the coupé and the convertible – the convertible offers even more customization, so the customer gets more opportunity to play with the colors and fades – allowing the car to become even more exquisite,” Domen says.
Just like the coupé, the Batur Convertible is powered by Bentley’s most powerful W12 engine yet. Power, however, is only part of the equation. The Batur Convertible is the pinnacle of exclusive Bentley ownership and bespoke personalization, offering all the luxury and effortless refinement expected from a bespoke grand tourer – and, with the top down, it is possible to see, hear and feel even more.
With the Batur Convertible, I am really proud we have created a car that looks astonishing, and has particularly good harmony between the exterior and interior.
Domen Rucigaj, Head of Exterior Design for Bentley