Bentley’s Mulliner division has outdone itself once again. Their latest creation, aptly named ‘The Black Rose’, represents what happens when unlimited budget meets unlimited talent in the automotive world. This exceptional vehicle emerges from the exclusive co-creation journey that each Batur customer experiences, resulting in perhaps the most distinctive example of the 18-car limited production run.
The Black Rose concept revolves around the beauty of rose gold – not just as an accent, but as a fundamental design philosophy. What’s particularly remarkable here is the level of personalisation, which extends far beyond the typical custom paint job and interior upholstery choices that most luxury carmakers offer. This Batur exemplifies true coachbuilding in the modern era, a practice once common amongst the highest echelon of automobile manufacturers but now preserved by only a select few.
Breathtaking exterior details
The first thing that strikes you about The Black Rose is its unique paintwork. Mulliner’s design team created a bespoke ‘Black Rose’ metallic finish exclusively for this customer, paired with a gloss Beluga upper body that creates a dramatic two-tone effect. This isn’t some marketing gimmick where they’ve given a fancy name to an existing colour – this paint was literally mixed for this car alone.
Around the lower sections of the body, satin Rose Gold accents catch the light in a subtle yet unmistakable way. They adorn the front grille, continue along what Bentley calls the ‘endless bonnet line’, and extend to the mirror caps and lower body kit. Even the 22-inch wheels receive the tri-tone treatment, housing massive carbon ceramic brakes with understated black calipers. The effect is dramatic without being gauche – a difficult balance to strike when working with precious metals.
The exterior proportions maintain the muscular stance typical of Bentley’s modern design language, but with a cleaner, more progressive approach. There’s something almost sinister about it – like a heavyweight boxer in a bespoke suit. It’s menacing and elegant simultaneously, which is precisely what the most discerning customers want.
Revolutionary 3D printed gold interior elements
The cabin of The Black Rose continues the exterior’s theme but takes it to another level entirely. Against a dark canvas of Beluga leather and charcoal grey tweed fabric, the rose gold elements shine like stars in a night sky. But it’s how these gold elements are created that truly separates this car from anything else on the road.
In an automotive industry first, Bentley has employed Additive Manufacturing to incorporate genuine 18-karat rose gold into the interior. This isn’t gold plating or gold coloured plastic – we’re talking about actual precious metal 3D printed into functional components. Up to 210 grams of hallmarked rose gold features at key touchpoints, including the Drive Mode Selector and Bentley’s iconic Organ Stop vent controls on the dashboard.
The steering wheel also receives a rose gold marker insert, creating a visual reference point at the top of the wheel. Around these elements, the cabin uses Black Rose metallic painted veneers that complement the exterior colour, bringing the design theme full circle.
Sustainable luxury through advanced manufacturing
Collaborating with renowned goldsmiths Cooksongold, Bentley has managed to combine cutting-edge manufacturing technology with traditional materials in a way that actually enhances sustainability. The rose gold used in these components comes from 100 percent recycled jewellery, showing that true luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist.
All gold parts produced for the Batur are hallmarked in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter as proof of their solid material authenticity. Those manufactured in 2022 even received the Jubilee hallmark, celebrating the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee year – a detail that will surely increase the car’s collectability in future decades.
This innovative approach forms part of Bentley’s £3 million investment to double their Additive Manufacturing capacity at the Crewe factory. The technology converts three-dimensional CAD models directly into physical parts, reducing waste and allowing unprecedented design freedom. While rose gold is certainly the headline material here, customers can also choose from aerospace-inspired titanium or even sustainable, leather-like textiles made from coffee roasting by-products.
The revival of true coachbuilding
The Batur continues Mulliner’s storied tradition of coachbuilding that dates back to the 1920s, when they created bespoke bodies for some of history’s most iconic Bentleys, including the legendary R-Type Continental of 1952.
Today’s Mulliner division operates as Bentley’s bespoke arm, delivering everything from personal commissions to fully coachbuilt vehicles like The Black Rose. Their exclusive, face-to-face service allows customers to co-design features and finishes that reflect their individual tastes. With only 18 examples of the Batur coupe planned, each car will be utterly unique.
The success of the Batur programme has already led to the recent unveiling of the Batur Convertible in May 2024. Limited to just 16 units, this drop-top version claims the title of most powerful W12-powered convertible Grand Tourer in Bentley’s illustrious history.