Bentley Showcases Mulliner Batur Luxury Coupe At Monterey Car Week

Bentley has been hinting at showcasing its new Mulliner Batur design language which will be debuting even in its EVs. But now at the Monterey Car Week, the luxury car maker showcased the car Mulliner Batur which is based on one of its last implementations of the W12 internal combustion engine (ICE). The car is also now the most powerful Bentley ever made with 730 bhp on tap from its 6-litre W12 engine. Only 18 cars are being made which cost $1.95 million before options.

More importantly, the cat showcases the future of Bentley which will be predicated on electric powertrains. This design language will be the basis for the British automaker's upcoming EV models. It shows how Bentley is retaining the heritage of its design language from its Continental GT line, Flying Spur line and Bentayga SUV line.

As aerodynamics and drag play a huge role in the efficiency of an EV, it is clear, that this is the most aerodynamic Bentley to date.

“Aerodynamics are super important, not just for range but also for noise reduction because you do not have the engine noise anymore,” said Bentley's head of design Andreas Mind.

"A mark of power and prestige has always been a long bonnet. Our new design cues include a line that stretches from the bonnet along the whole length of the car, connecting the bonnet into the body, making the car long and lean and giving an elongated proportion to the front end,” he added.

The main idea was that the customer would be to identify that it was a Bentley from afar even if it was an EV. Most EVs, in the recent past, have had a sense of sameness in design as they have swooping curves for a better drag coefficient which helps the range and efficiency of the car.

Bentley has focused on retaining its identity which is something many luxury car makers are trying to achieve.

"The grille is flanked by a new headlight shape and design, an evolution of the design used on Bacalar and maintaining the single large headlight on either side. These are matched with all-new tail-lamps at the rear, that sit either side of a deployable spoiler,” Mind explained.

The deliveries of the 18 units will begin in mid-2023 and all of the cars have been already sold out.