2022 Bentley Bacalar Review: The Pinnacle of Modern Coachbuilding

The Return of Bespoke Coachbuilding

In an era dominated by mass production and shared platforms, the art of coachbuilding has slowly become a forgotten luxury. However, Bentley’s legendary in-house bespoke division, Mulliner, decided to rewrite the rules of modern luxury with the introduction of the 2022 Bentley Bacalar. Named after the stunning Laguna Bacalar in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, this roofless barchetta represents a return to form for the world’s oldest coachbuilder. With only 12 units ever produced, each costing upwards of $2 million before personalization, the Bacalar is not just a car; it is a rolling piece of fine art.

Dramatic Aesthetics: A True Barchetta

The first thing that strikes you about the Bentley Bacalar is its uncompromising design. It is a true barchetta, meaning it possesses no roof whatsoever. There is no folding canvas, no removable targa panel, and no emergency canopy. It is designed to be driven open to the elements, demanding that its pilot and passenger embrace the environment fully. Inspired by the futuristic EXP 100 GT concept car, the Bacalar shares almost no body panels with the Continental GT on which it is loosely based. In fact, only the door handles remain identical.

The exterior bodywork is a masterclass in carbon fiber and aluminum. The rear clamshell and dramatic rear deck are crafted from lightweight aluminum, while the doors and fenders utilize sculpted carbon fiber. The car sits on bespoke 22-inch tri-finish wheels that give it an incredibly aggressive, planted stance. Compared to the Continental GT, the Bacalar’s rear track is 20mm wider, giving it muscular haunches that hint at the immense power resting under the long, sculpted hood.

Sustainable Luxury and 5,000-Year-Old Wood

Stepping inside the Bacalar is like entering a sanctuary of bespoke craftsmanship and environmental consciousness. Mulliner has chosen to showcase the future of sustainable luxury through incredibly unique materials. The most striking element is the dashboard veneer, crafted from 5,000-year-old Riverwood. This ancient wood is sourced from fallen trees that have been naturally preserved in the peat bogs of East Anglia, England, giving it a distinct, dark, and beautifully textured finish.

The cabin wraps around the driver and passenger in a continuous cockpit design. The seats are upholstered in a blend of natural British wool and fine Beluga leather, providing a tactile experience that feels far more organic than traditional luxury cabins. Behind the seats rests a semi-enclosed luggage compartment, designed specifically to house a bespoke set of matching Schedoni luggage. Every dial, button, and stitch can be customized to the owner's exact preferences, ensuring that no two Bacalars in existence are identical.

The Heart of a Beast: 6.0-Liter W12

While the Bacalar is a triumph of design and craftsmanship, it is also an absolute powerhouse. Under the hood lies Bentley's iconic 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine, tuned to deliver a staggering 650 horsepower (659 PS) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque. This power is sent to all four wheels via an advanced eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The performance figures are nothing short of breathtaking for a grand tourer of this scale. The Bacalar can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed that exceeds 200 mph. To manage this immense performance, Bentley has equipped the car with its cutting-edge 48-volt Dynamic Ride active anti-roll system. This technology ensures that the heavy grand tourer remains incredibly flat and composed through tight corners, masking its weight and providing sports-car-like agility without sacrificing the supple ride quality Bentley is famous for.

Pure, Unfiltered Grand Touring

Driving the 2022 Bentley Bacalar is a sensory overload. Without a roof to muffle the sound, the deep, thunderous growl of the W12 engine fills the cabin, accompanied by the subtle whistle of the twin turbochargers. The wind management is surprisingly sophisticated; even at highway speeds, the aerodynamic sculpting of the front cowl and rear humps directs air smoothly over the occupants' heads, allowing for easy conversation.

The steering is precise and beautifully weighted, offering excellent feedback for a vehicle designed primarily for grand touring. The active all-wheel-drive system is rear-biased under normal driving conditions, giving the Bacalar a playful, dynamic feel, but it can instantly divert torque to the front wheels if traction loss is detected. The massive carbon-ceramic brakes provide immense, fade-free stopping power, which is reassuring when bringing this high-speed sculpture to a halt.

An Instant Legend

The 2022 Bentley Bacalar is a monumental achievement for Mulliner and a clear statement of intent for the future of the brand. It proves that ultra-luxury does not have to rely solely on traditional formulas. By combining sustainable materials, breathtaking design, and raw W12 power, Bentley has created a modern masterpiece. While only a dozen fortunate collectors will ever experience ownership, the Bacalar will go down in history as one of the most beautiful and exclusive Bentleys ever built.