Bentley highlighted the 3D-printed gold components that are optionally available in the limited-production Mulliner Batur grand tourer, as an industry-first feature. According to Bentley, the gold is sustainably sourced from recycled jewelry to avoid the environmental impacts of mining.
The most prominent gold component is the “Charisma Dial” centerpiece, wrapped around the start-stop button on the center console and providing access to the different driving modes as a rotating dial. However, the precious metal is also used in the “Organ Stop” vent controls, and on the gold insert marker of the steering wheel.
Read: Bentley Subjects Batur Grand Tourer To Punishing 30 MPH Test Drive Along Monaco Sea Front
Bentley Mulliner teamed up with renowned goldsmith Cooksongold for the gold interior parts. The gold is sourced from the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, where old jewelry is recycled into a fine powder suitable for 3D printing. This means there is no environmental impact from mining, in line with Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy for carbon neutrality by 2030.
Laser melting printers bring CAD models to life before each component is hand-finished by skilled artisan jewelers. The gold pieces are hallmarked, while those manufactured in 2022 get an extra Jubilee hallmark in honor of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Up to 210 grams of 18-carat yellow gold are applied through the additive manufacturing technique, adding more bragging rights to the owners of the Batur who specced their cars with this unique feature.
The Bentley Mulliner Batur is limited to 18 units, all of them sold out for a base price of £1.65 million ($2.01 million) before taxes and options. The automaker didn’t reveal the cost of the 3D-printed gold option, but we are sure it won’t come cheap.
