Bentley Batur Convertible is the W12 engine's swansong

► Super-luxe drop-top built by Mulliner
► Only 16 will be made
► Sends off the W12 in style

This is the Bentley Batur Convertible, the really rather special follow-up to the million-pound Batur Coupe that was released into the world in 2023. Like its hardtop sibling, the two-seat Batur Convertible is an ultra-limited edition that’s built by Bentley’s in-house bespoke division, Mulliner. More significantly, it’s also the last car to be fitted with the iconic 6.0-litre W12 engine.  

That engine was first seen in 2003 when the original Continental GT was launched. With two turbos bolted on, the W12 gave the Conti an immense, effortless turn of speed that echoed the performance of iconic vintage Bentleys such as the Speed Six and 8-Litre. Indeed, it was a key factor in the unprecedented success of the Continental GT – it’s the car that saved Bentley’s bacon, after all.  

In the Batur Convertible, the W12 produces 740bhp – 40% more power than the first version – and a towering 738lb/ft of torque. The Batur Coupe has the same engine, delivering a 0-62mph time of 3.4secs and a top speed of 209mph, figures that make it the fastest Bentley ever short of Le Mans-winning Speed 8. Expect similar results for the Convertible.

Like the Batur Coupe – and the earlier Bacalar roadster – the Batur Convertible is based on the same platform as the current, third-generation Continental GT but wears a completely bespoke body. Designed and crafted by Mulliner, it’s intended as a tribute to, and celebration of the coach built open top cars that made Bentley’s early reputation.

Bentley says the Batur’s styling informs that of its next generation of cars, including EVs. At the front, its bonnet line slopes down more steeply to a shallower grille than is seen on the Conti; the rear is more angular with a pronounced spoiler integrated into the boot lid; there are slimline head and tail lights. It’s a very handsome thing, a future we can get behind.

The Convertible features a body-colour “airbridge” behind the seats, spanning the tops of tapered cowls that slope down towards the rear. The fabric roof raises and lowers in 19secs at speeds up to 30mph; when raised, Bentley claims it creates a