Bentley’s Last Hurrah for the Iconic W12 Engine Begins with Extensive European Trials
In a historic move for Bentley, the brand’s most powerful W12-engined vehicle, the ultra-exclusive Batur Convertible, has embarked on its final testing phase across Europe. Developed by Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke division and the world’s longest-standing coachbuilder, the Batur Convertible is the third addition to Mulliner’s Coachbuilt family, following the Bacalar barchetta and Batur coupe. With only 16 units planned for production, the Batur Convertible is set to become the most powerful W12-powered convertible Grand Tourer in Bentley’s storied history.
A Fitting Tribute to the W12 Powertrain
Earlier this year, Bentley announced its plans to retire the iconic W12 engine, with the final units leaving the production line in July. The Batur Convertible will be one of the last models to feature this powertrain, boasting a 750 PS output—the highest ever achieved by a Bentley W12 engine.
The comprehensive development program includes over 120 individual tests covering durability, environmental impact, aerodynamics, driving dynamics, and interior quality. The validation process spans more than a year, utilizing two pre-series vehicles named ‘Batur Convertible Car Zero’ and the ‘Batur Convertible Engineering Car.’ These cars will undergo extensive testing in various environments to ensure the model meets Bentley’s performance and quality standards.
3,000 Kilometers Across Europe
The testing phase began with a 3,000-kilometer journey from Germany through Italy, France, and Spain, before reaching the Idiada proving ground for high-speed testing. This extensive drive replicated real-world conditions, exposing the vehicles to diverse terrains, from mountain passes and highways to urban traffic. Along the way, the cars paused for a photo session in Monaco before continuing to Spain for private track evaluations.
Paul Williams, Mulliner’s Chief Technical Officer, emphasized the importance of this testing phase:
“The purpose of an engineering validation public road drive is to test a vehicle’s performance, safety, and reliability under real-world conditions. It allows our engineers to assess how the vehicle operates in a variety of environments, traffic scenarios, and weather conditions that cannot be fully replicated in controlled testing environments. This stage is critical for identifying potential issues, validating system integration, and ensuring the vehicle meets regulatory standards and customer expectations as part of the engineering development test program.”
Final Preparations for Bentley’s Last W12 Grand Tourer
At the proving grounds in Spain, the Batur Convertibles will undergo an intensive seven-week evaluation. This phase will include high-speed assessments, handling tests, and durability checks across mixed road conditions and demanding surfaces. The data collected will be crucial in ensuring that each of the limited 16 units meets Bentley’s technical and aesthetic standards.
The Batur Convertible builds on the design legacy established by its coupe sibling, setting the stage for the future of Bentley’s luxury lineup. As Mulliner’s in-house team works closely with each client, every Batur Convertible is crafted to individual specifications using a bespoke visualizer, allowing full customization of the car’s color and finishes.
A Glimpse into Mulliner’s Exquisite Craftsmanship
The pre-series vehicles showcase the extensive personalization options available to customers. The ‘Batur Convertible Car Zero’ features a bespoke Vermillion Gloss over Vermillion Satin duo-tone paintwork, highlighted with high-gloss carbon fiber details. The grille is a work of art, featuring an ombré effect from dark titanium to vibrant Vermillion, while the 22-inch wheels echo this dynamic design.
The second vehicle, the ‘Engineering Car,’ flaunts Midnight Emerald exterior paint, paired with a high-gloss carbon fiber body kit and tri-tone wheels. Inside, the cabin is a blend of Cumbrian Green and Porpoise leather, accented with Mandarin stitching and titanium finishes, including the signature Mulliner “guitar fade” veneer—a gradual transition of colors that reflects Mulliner’s craftsmanship.
With these final development stages underway, Bentley’s Batur Convertible is on track to become a legendary model, marking the end of the W12 era and setting the stage for Bentley’s next chapter in luxury and performance.
