Exclusive and then some

smooth surfaces down the car’s flanks feature small details such as the vents behind the front wheels that run into the long doors, improving aerodynamics, as well as the Batur’s striking, solidlooking C-pillars; 22-inch wheels bespoke to the Batur are standard.

At the rear, the heavily raked screen runs down into a rounded tail that features an active aerodynamic spoiler and ultra-slim tail-light clusters. Based on the same MSP platform as the current Continental GT, the Batur retains a coupe-style boot opening.

Bentley Director of Design, Andreas Mint, sums up the evolution of the Batur’s design language: “Overall, the form is cleaner and simplified, and we rely more on curvaceous surfaces bisected in the right places to reflect light and dark and bring more muscle to the design.”

It’s also notable because this could be the last Bentley powered by a good old combustion engine. But what a way to go out!

The two-seater grand tourer is fitted with Bentley’s familiar 6.0litre twin-turbo W12 motor, which has been tuned to produce “730bhp plus”, and a whopping 1,000Nm of torque. It’s Bentley’s most powerful car ever. This has been possible thanks to a new intake system, upgraded intercoolers and turbochargers, plus extensive recalibration.

The engine’s output is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed dualclutch automatic gearbox and Bentley’s all-wheel drive system, while the engine breathes through a new titanium exhaust system with 3D-printed tailpipe finishers.

To go with its mighty engine, the Batur offers Bentley’s most advanced chassis available, as well as Bentley Continental GT Speed-level tuned three-chamber air suspension, 48V electric active antiroll control, an electronic limited-slip differential (with torque vectoring) and unique 22 inch wheels with rear steering.

It is striking looking and a sign of things to come. The firm says the new Batur “embodies the start of a design revolution” that “will ultimately guide the design of Bentley’s future range of electric vehicles.”

The firm’s traditional long bonnet is still present, housing the huge engine, while

To reflect its ultra-exclusive status, while the interior is taken from the current Continental GT, Bentley has applied many high-end upgrades, including the option of 3D-printed parts in 18K gold for the organ stops air vents and the drive mode selector.

Named after a volcanic lake in Bali, Indonesia, the new Batur will get a run of 18 cars, each selling for £1.65 million before options and local taxes — and they’re already all sold.