The Bentley Batur emerges as a modern marvel, a coachbuilt coupe that takes the foundation of the Continental GT to new heights. Beneath its sculpted hood lies a powerful 740hp W12 engine, propelling this automotive masterpiece.

With a price tag that commands attention at a staggering £2 million, the Batur is not just a car; it’s a statement of luxury and performance. At the heart of its creation is Mulliner, the world’s oldest coachbuilding company, renowned for turning bespoke dreams into tangible, rolling art.

The roots of Mulliner trace back to 1559 when the family began as saddlers. However, it was in the 1760s that they shifted their focus to coachbuilding for horse-drawn carriages. As the 20th century dawned, a new mode of transport emerged: the motor car. These early cars arrived from the factory as mere chassis with engines, lacking proper bodies and cabins. This gave rise to a lot of coachbuilders in the initial era of ICE automotive world.

Mulliner, already renowned for its craftsmanship, embraced this transition. In 1923, at the Olympia Show in London, Mulliner created a bespoke coachbuilt Bentley, marking the beginning of a historic partnership. Over the years, Mulliner’s handcrafted bodies adorned Bentley cars, including the iconic R-Type Continental and the elegant Flying Spur. Their collaboration epitomized the artistry and luxury that define Bentley’s legacy.

The Mulliner legacy is still carried out by Bentley and Batur is the recent masterpiece born out of the legacy.

Bentley Mulliner Batur Customization: Beyond Paint and Trim

Let’s explore the exquisite features that make the Bentley Batur a true masterpiece of elegance:

Sculpted Design: The Batur’s design is a harmonious blend of classic Bentley aesthetics and modern flair. Its sleek lines, muscular haunches, and elongated hood evoke a sense of power and grace. The handcrafted body panels seamlessly flow, creating an aerodynamic silhouette that catches the eye.

Mulliner Craftsmanship: Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house bespoke division, leaves no detail untouched. Each Batur undergoes meticulous customization, from the choice of materials to the smallest stitching. The result is an interior that exudes opulence – sumptuous leather, polished wood veneers, and intricate metalwork.

Hallmarked Gold Accents: Precious metals like gold adorn the cabin, from the organ stop controls to the clock bezel. It’s a subtle nod to exclusivity.

Bespoke Instruments: The Batur features unique gauges and dials, personalized for each owner. They reflect the car’s performance and heritage.

Hand-Painted Pinstripes: Each Batur can be adorned with hand-painted pinstripes along the body – a subtle touch that speaks volumes.

Bespoke Luggage Set: Mulliner offers a custom-made luggage set that fits perfectly in the Batur’s trunk, ensuring elegance even during travels.

Overall Experience: The Mulliner experience is like entering a world where imagination meets reality. Commissioning a Bentley is an event in itself, often characterized by late-night discussions and the glow of fine cigars. The possibilities are limitless, with a spectrum of paints, interior trims, and bespoke features. The Batur boasts unique elements like Batur-specific instruments, door panels, and body-hugging front buckets. For those with a taste for the truly extravagant, options include 18-carat gold organ stops and a premium Naim audio system.

Owning a Bentley Batur is more than driving a car; it’s an experience. From the moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in craftsmanship, heritage, and exclusivity.

What Makes the Batur Expensive?

The Bentley Batur is a true masterpiece, and its hefty price tag reflects the exceptional craftsmanship and engineering that went into creating this limited-edition vehicle. Let’s delve into what makes the Batur so expensive:

Exclusivity and Limited Production: Only 18 units of the Bentley Batur will ever be built. This rarity alone contributes significantly to its high price. Owning one means being part of an exclusive club of discerning Bentley enthusiasts.

Handcrafted Mulliner Coachwork: Each Batur is meticulously handcrafted by Mulliner, Bentley’s personal commissioning division. The process takes approximately eight months in the same workshop where the open-roof 12-unit Bacalar was built. The attention to detail and bespoke craftsmanship elevate its value.

Distinctive Design: The Batur’s design sets it apart. Its fenders, quarter-panels, and roof are made of carbon fiber, while the headlight assemblies are exclusive to the Batur. The result is a visually striking and unique appearance that commands attention.

Powerful W-12 Engine: Under the hood, the Batur boasts a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 engine. It’s the most powerful W-12 engine Bentley has ever produced, generating a staggering 740 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. With a top speed of 209 mph, the Batur effortlessly devours Spanish highways.

Luxurious Materials: The interior of the Batur features a long list of premium materials. From exquisite leather to 3D-printed 18-karat gold accents, no expense is spared. Even the drive-mode dial is adorned with a gold surround, reminiscent of a yacht-owner’s wristwatch.

Why coachbuilding matters in automotive domain

Coachbuilding is an art form that dates back centuries. It involves creating custom bodies for automobiles, tailoring them to individual clients’ preferences. In the early days of the automotive industry, automakers didn’t produce standardized models, so clients turned to coachbuilders for personalized designs fitted onto chassis provided by the automaker.

Coachbuilt cars allow clients to shape every detail according to their wishes. The exclusivity appeals to our innate need for uniqueness and reinforces our sense of individuality. When you drive a coachbuilt masterpiece, you’re not just another car owner; you’re part of a select group who appreciate bespoke craftsmanship.

Psychology behind owning an exclusive luxury mode of transport

Luxury products, including coachbuilt cars, are scarce by design. Scarcity stimulates our brain’s reward centers, triggering feelings of happiness and pleasure. Owning something rare and exclusive provides a sense of achievement and satisfaction. Luxury goods elevate self-perception. For some, owning a luxury item boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of belonging. The association with high status further enhances the allure. Luxury becomes a defining trait for those who appreciate craftsmanship, attention to detail, and exclusivity.

Exclusivity is a powerful psychological trigger. When we own something rare or limited, it sets us apart from the crowd. Luxury products are intentionally scarce, appealing to our innate need for uniqueness. Imagine wearing a bespoke suit tailored just for you or driving a limited-edition sports car. These items become extensions of our identity, signaling that we’re not like everyone else. Our brains are wired to respond to scarcity. When we acquire something exclusive, our reward centers light up. It’s similar to finding a hidden treasure.

Luxury products symbolize success, taste, and discernment. When we wear them, we communicate our achievements and aspirations. Luxury brands create a sense of belonging. They align us with a specific lifestyle, social class, or community. Think of the allure of a Louis Vuitton bag or a Rolex watch. They tell a story about who we are and what we value.

Pricetag of the exclusive luxury masterpiece, Batur

The Bentley Batur is not your average luxury car; it’s a rare gem. With a sticker price of £2 million (approximately Rs. 20 crore), it sits firmly in the upper echelons of automotive exclusivity. This hefty price reflects the meticulous handcrafting, innovative features, and the limited production run of just 16 units worldwide.