Bentley Batur Debuts Groundbreaking Light Sculpture For Personalised Welcome

The Bentley Batur, a handcrafted, coachbuilt coupe from Mulliner, is introducing an innovative technology that projects welcome animations onto the ground from the car's door. This feature, which Bentley Motors describes as a 'light through cut crystal' effect, marks the first automotive use of digital light processing (DLP) technology for ground-based animated illumination. The unveiling of this technology took place in Crewe on 14 March 2024, signaling a new era in luxury car personalization.

Bentley has long been at the forefront of luxury automotive design, with a century-long history of integrating metal, wood, and leather into its vehicles. The introduction of light as a fourth material in Bentley's design repertoire was first hinted at with the illuminated front grille of the 2019 concept car EXP100 GT. The Batur's animated light projection is a continuation of this vision, offering customers unprecedented opportunities for digital customization.

The system behind this animated welcome utilizes three colored light sources that project through ten lenses and two prisms onto an advanced Digital Micromirror Device (DMD™). This device is less than 8mm² in size but plays a crucial role in shaping the projected animation. It consists of 415,800 microscopic mirrors, each one-fifth the width of a human hair. These mirrors can pivot rapidly to create moving images with incredible detail and precision.

Mulliner, Bentley's bespoke division, is offering customers the chance to co-create custom animations that can match the color of their car. This level of personalization is a testament to Bentley's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The entire light sculpture system is compact, only slightly larger than two AA batteries, yet it represents a significant leap forward in automotive luxury and technology.

Bentley Motors continues to set benchmarks for luxury car brands worldwide from its headquarters in Crewe. The company embodies the pinnacle of British manufacturing, combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Approximately 4,000 employees contribute to the design, R&D, engineering, and production of Bentley's renowned model lines including the Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, Flying Spur, Bentayga, and Bentayga EWB.

The introduction of the Batur's welcome animation feature underscores Bentley Mulliner's ongoing pursuit of technological advancements that enhance customer experience. This innovation not only showcases Bentley's dedication to luxury and personalization but also sets a new standard for automotive design and customer engagement.