- News
- International
- Bentley Batur Cabin Comes with A 3D-Printed Gold Trim Option
On top of an already luxurious vehicle, luxury automakers now offer a variety of luxury add-ons to further elevate their cars’ grandeur. Ranging from tech and comfort amenities to material replacements, some boutique automakers decide to take a rather radical step in order to stand out against its competitors.
One of those automakers is Bentley. The world-renowned British luxury marque currently offers an interior trim option made of real gold for its exclusive new grand tourer, the Batur. Though gold-plated interior trims are somewhat a common novelty in many luxury cars nowadays, what sets the Batur’s gold trim option apart is that it was being 3D-printed instead of being machined or forged.
First-time to be used in the automotive, the 3D-printing method, or formally known as the ‘additive manufacturing’ (AD) technique sees the Batur’s cabin being donned in up to 7.4 ounces (210 grams) of 18-carat gold. This optional gold trim includes some key driver controls such as the ‘Charisma Dial’ that surrounds the car’s ignition button, as well as on its vent controls on the dash and insert marker on its steering wheel.
In-charge of glimmering the Batur’s cabin with gold is Cooksongold, UK’s famous goldsmith, alongside Bentley’s Mulliner bespoke build team.
All of the Batur’s gold trims are made from sustainably-sourced gold, recycled from old jewelleries. Each of the gold parts is digitally designed using CAD models before being printed using laser melting printers. Then, skilled jewellers hand-finished all the gold parts individually in order to ensure its polish and quality are on par with Bentley’s standards.
Aside from the gold trim, Bentley also offers a wide range of personalised design options for the Batur, including upholstery materials ranging from Scottish wool and Italian leather, as well as recycled yarn for its carpets.
Currently on a public road testing across Europe, the Bentley Batur is the British marque’s most powerful production model, to date. Thanks to its big twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 mill developed by Volkswagen Group, the Batur delivers up to 730 HP and 1,000 NM.
Available in bespoke hues like the Purple Sector, the Batur rolls on a massive set of 22-inch wheels, while Speed-tuned air suspensions are primed on its all four corners for impeccable ride comfort. Underpinning Bentley’s most advanced chassis to date, this grand tourer also comes equipped with active anti-roll bars and four-wheel steering to ensure its nimbleness.
With all of the 18 examples already being spoken of, the Bentley Batur is priced at £1.65 million (approx. RM8.9 million) excluding the 3D-printed gold trim and other selected options.
Gallery
Tagged:
Written By
Mukhlis Azman
An avid two-wheeler that writes and talks about four-wheelers for a living, while dreaming of an urban transit-laden Malaysia. @mukhlisazman