Indeed, the Batur is even more a step on from what is ‘familiar’ Bentley, than the Bacalar, with increased aggression and what Bentley calls a “resting beast stance”. The rounded lights make way for sharper items, flanking an even broader more upright grille. At the side, the upswept window profile of the Continental has made way for a more stately downward sweep, reminiscent of the likes of the old Brooklands. Again, at the back, the familiar rounded tail light signature is gone in favour of more technical items, while the traditional sculpted Bentley rump has been reprofiled too.
It’s certainly a bold thing, playing fast and loose with elements that have previously been essential to the traditional ‘Bentley’ look. A good thing we think, that the Batur is here to show us what the future holds. All that said, the stately profile that the Continental underpinning lends the Batur helps retain an unmistakably ‘Bentley’ look. Likewise, the long sprawling bonnet, which is accentuated by a car-spanning accent line that goes from nose to tail, which Bentley calls the “endless bonnet”. New for the Batur also are aerodynamic features that can be crafted in a new natural fibre composite, as well as carbon fibre, depending on the buyer’s choice.