Beyond these metrics, the Batur is one thing above all: a preview of Bentley’s new design language, which will define the image of the manufacturer’s future range of battery-powered electric vehicles while reinterpreting the brand’s classic design features. Finally, with its Beyond100 strategy and the Brand Manifesto published in 2020, the company declared its intention to become the world’s most sustainable luxury automotive brand. The first electric Bentley is to be launched in 2026.
So what will Bentley’s design direction for its electrified product range look like? “In the Batur, we see one of our exterior design principles, known as ‘upright elegance’, expressed in the redesigned upright grille, which is in perfect harmony with the overall facial expression,” explains Schreiber. “We decided to use the two-eye face instead of the familiar four eyes, resulting in a clearer expression with more space and balance at the front end.”
The shape of the Batur resembles an elegantly crouching, powerful animal. This “resting beast stance” is achieved by placing mass over the rear wheels. “The car isn’t in attack mode, but you can see its power,” says Schreiber. Another distinctive feature is the “endless bonnet”, with a seemingly infinite line that stretches from the hood along the whole length of the car. “Luxury cars traditionally have very large engines and long hoods, and we asked ourselves how we could transfer that into the future. Our answer is a line that runs from the bonnet up front all the way back to the C-pillar, giving the car an extremely elongated appearance. The Batur is the first car to incorporate this design feature, though we will be applying some of these principles to the new version of the Continental GT as well,” says Schreiber.
The interior is dominated by what Bentley calls “bold gravitas” – open the door on the Batur and you are greeted by large surfaces that convey a sense of weight and presence. Sit down and a special “wing gesture” sets in – as closing the door creates the sensation of a large, powerful wing gently wrapping itself around your body. This focus on extraordinary details promises an experience of craftsmanship and first-class materials in every respect.