Bentley Batur Starts Public Road Testing in Europe

Ahead of its global launch in 2023, Bentley is taking the new Batur Grand Tourer for real-world testing in public roads across Europe. Bentley’s ‘ultimate’ Grand Tourer was unveiled to the world during the 2022 Monterey Car Week.

A total of two Batur prototypes will embark on an ‘adventure’ across Europe to ensure that the model is on par with Bentley’s high standards. Along the way, both prototypes will undergo up to 120 tests in a span of over 58 weeks.

More than just mere prototypes, Bentley’s Mulliner team actually builds both prototype Baturs to the exact specification as the road-going Batur that customers will get to buy in the future. To note, Mulliner is Bentley’s specialist coachbuilding arm that is responsible for hand-building bespoke and exclusive Bentley models only.

Part of the real-world test involves the Batur prototype taking a 2,500 KM journey that goes across Germany, Italy, France and Spain. Then, the prototype undergoes yet another testing that takes seven weeks in order to develop its handling. The final stint of the testing sees the Batur embarking on yet another long-distance road test, this time at a much further distance of 7,500 KM.

The Batur Grand Tourer is powered by Bentley’s iconic W12 engine. The 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged mill outputs around 729 HP and over 1,000 NM, essentially making the Batur as the most powerful Bentley, yet. Said powertrain underwent a strenuous development process that spans over 100 weeks in order to ensure top notch reliability, as well as ample and smooth power delivery.

To match its ridiculous power output, the Batur underpins Bentley’s most advanced chassis to date. Primed at its four corners are Speed-tuned air suspensions that ride on its massive 22-inch wheels. This, in all, ensures a smooth and comfortable ride in a Grand Tourer with power output that rivals any supercars out there.

The Batur prototype is draped in bespoke Purple Sector hue, whilst some of its body parts such as the front splitter and side skirts are being kept in high-gloss carbon fibre finish. A Satin Titanium-tinged trim that goes along its bodywork adds some panache to this rather classy Grand Tourer.

Inside the Batur lies Bentley’s signature luxurious cabin space, made out of Scottish and Italian leather. Should customers find the ‘standard’ cabin a tad bit too ‘ordinary’, Mulliner offers 3D-printed 18-karat gold elements as additional options. Environmentally-keen customers, fret not, as the Batur’s cabin also features recycled materials, such as its carpets that are made from recycled yarn.

Named after a picturesque volcanic lake in Bali, Indonesia, the Bentley Batur commands a whopping £1.65 million (approx. RM8.79 million) price tag. All of the 18 Baturs produced are already sold out, months before its first delivery in mid-2023.