REVIEW: The ultra-exclusive Bentley Batur commands a £1.98 million price tag, but what's it actually like to drive? It's over to matty_prior to find out...
You can double that amount for those who opt into the next-level ‘Mulliner bespoke’ line-up. This is one of the reasons why Bentley posted its biggest-ever profits last year, up 82% on just a 4% increase in vehicle sales. Do a bit more work, earn a lot more money. I’ll try suggesting this at my next pay review and let you know how I get on. Bespoke by Prior.
Bentley says there are three things to note about the design: the ‘resting beast mode’ stance, like a lion sitting down, around the rear haunches; an ‘expression of strength’, or the upright grille, like a horse’s chest; and an ‘endless bonnet’ , which is why you’ll note the Batur’s side-profile bonnet line smoothly extending to the rear window, to accentuate what’s under the hood, to which we will come.
In terms of future design cues, I’d look at the headlights and grille. I’ve a hunch – it’s only that – that this is as extreme as it will get. “We don’t do jarring or super-aggressive,” adds Williams. It drives through the Continental GT Speed’s regular eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, with active rear-wheel steer and an electronic limited-slip differential, to a marginally adjusted chassis. The rear track has been widened by 8mm but only so it looks better, and other changes are tuning details as Bentley seeks to make its “most dynamic” coupé to date.
Inside, there’s some immediate familiarity to the Batur because it retains the dash-top, gently rotating tri-faced display panel and most switches from the regular GT. Elsewhere, though, little is left unchanged – the instrument design, door cards, seats, some significant switches, which can be 3D-printed if you prefer. The rear +2 seats have become a storage shelf, while the body means the boot has a compact lid, although it’s quite deep and wide inside. Tailored luggage is available.
This sort of thing is happening in our test cars, one of which has done 20,000 miles already. It’s why I’m surprised by how together they feel, but also why in one there’s an emergency electrical cut-off switch in a cupholder.
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