The W12 has been a key feature in Bentley’s grand tourers since its introduction in 2003, but the shift to a V8 hybrid marks a new direction for Crewe. However, Bentley isn’t letting the W12 bow out quietly. The Batur Convertible, a hyper-exclusive £2 million grand tourer, is the final model to be powered by this engine, and Bentley is leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of perfection.

Removing the roof adds a sense of drama to this final chapter — all the better to hear the W12 in action. The Batur Convertible is more than a farewell tour for the W12; it’s a testament to Bentley’s commitment to performance and luxury. With 58 weeks of testing planned, including 120 different evaluations, Bentley is ensuring the Batur delivers the engineering standards expected of a £2 million car.

In its first real-world test, two Baturs embarked on a 1,860-mile (3,000 km) trip through five countries. Starting in Germany, the cars travelled through Italy, France, Spain, and Monaco. This road trip was followed by high-speed testing on private tracks in Spain, where the Baturs will endure seven weeks of durability trials. After each round, Bentley’s engineers pore over the data to ensure the Batur will deliver.

Why so much testing for a proven engine in such a limited-run grand tourer? Because the Batur is not just another luxury car — it’s the final iteration of the W12 engine, and Crewe is making sure it signs off on a high note.

Bentley’s two test cars, known as “Car Zero” and the engineering development car, are no ordinary prototype hacks. They’re built to the same specifications as the customer cars; Car Zero is finished in Vermillion Gloss with satin accents, while the engineering car features a striking Midnight Emerald paint job. Both cars highlight the range of personalisation options available to the 16 owners of the Batur Convertible.

With the Batur’s W12 producing 730 bhp — the most powerful version of the engine to date — Bentley is ensuring this final model lives up to the expectations of its owners.

As the W12 edges closer to retirement, Bentley is already preparing for its next chapter. The Batur Convertible is an exclusive swansong for a legendary engine, but Bentley’s focus is now on the future — where electrification and innovation are set to define the next generation of grand tourers.