The Bentley Batur has begun real-world road trials across Europe. Following its debut at Monterey Car Week in August 2022 and attendance at numerous events for Bentley Customers, global media, and the public, two development Baturs are now starting a rigorous programme of tests to ensure the highest standards of vehicle performance and quality. The limited series of just 18 examples are due to begin deliveries mid-2023 after completion and sign-off of an extensive engineering programme.
All 18 Batur examples have already been reserved, including several by customers from the Middle East. The region is Bentley’s most successful market anywhere in the world for bespoke vehicles, and customers are particularly known for their appreciation of Mulliner’s craftsmanship. Mulliner’s design team guides each client through the design process, leading to a truly unique vehicle.
The validation activities include durability for both the engine and whole vehicle, environmental compatibility and sunlight simulation, high speed stability, aerodynamics, noise and vibration, and driving dynamics. More than 120 individual tests in all cover everything from the quality of the surface finish of the gold “organ stop” ventilation controls to the new W12 engine hardware and software. Over 58 weeks of vehicle validation have been scheduled across the two pre-series cars, supplementing 100+ weeks of vehicle development already completed to validate the increased engine power, making the Batur the most powerful Bentley in history with at least 740 PS.
The first activity for one of the developments Batur’s – Car #0 – is an extensive 2,500-kilometre drive across Europe to simulate real world conditions. The route leaves Germany and travels through Italy, France, and Spain before high-speed testing work is undertaken at proving grounds.
