BENTLEY BATUR CONVERTIBLE BASKS IN OPEN-AIR W-12 GLORY
- Bentley's new limited-edition Batur convertible joins the spectacular coupe model, though production will be limited to just 16 examples worldwide.
- As with the coupe, the Batur droptop has Bentley's iconic 740-hp W-12, making it one of the final models to use the engine, as it ends production this summer.
- Bentley says each vehicle's production will take several months, as they're hand-built to include specifications from customers.
The newest creation from Bentley is as much a work of art as it is an automobile. The Batur convertible is an exceedingly exclusive and bespoke take on the already spectacular Batur coupe, which we drove last year. Production is limited to just 16 units globally, and before you ask, no, you can't buy one because Bentley reached out to the clients who they feel are worthy of purchasing the limited-edition model.
The Batur's magic lies in the customization allowed by Bentley's Mulliner division. The automaker's 16 chosen customers will work hand in hand with the brand to create their ideal Batur convertible. According to Bentley, every part of the car is customizable in color and finish material. Color options are limited only by the customer's creativity, with the automaker specifying that even hand-painted graphics are on the table. Even the materials of the convertible roof are negotiable.
Bentley says the "airbridge" behind the seats is not only a reference to Barchetta cars of old but also acts as a semi-enclosed luggage compartment. The interior is distinctly split between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat. There will be no resting your hand on your partner's leg in the Batur. The seats are divided by a large center console that houses a variety of controls, from the gear selector to the engine start/stop button to buttons for the climate controls. If you thought the expensive options were done with, think again. The drive-mode dial surrounding the ignition button can be coated in 3D-printed 18-karat gold, as can the climate-control dials and the top center marker on the steering wheel.
The Batur convertible shares its potent twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 engine with the coupe. Both receive a new intake system, upgraded turbochargers, and "extensive recalibration" to give the Batur 740 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. The mighty powerplant pairs with Bentley's eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The automaker says the Batur convertible will be "one of the last" to use the iconic W-12 setup. Importantly, Bentley didn't say the Batur will be the final one, suggesting we can expect at least one more ultra-exclusive Bentley powered by the legendary engine.
Bentley was quiet on pricing this time around, but we expect that the Batur convertible's base price to be similar to the coupe, putting it around $2.1 million. With the W-12 scheduled to exit production this summer, it's likely that some of the chosen 16 are already underway customizing their ideal Batur, we expect you'll be able to start seeing them on the road before too long—if you're lucky, that is.
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