When comparing the Rolls-Royce Cullinan to the Bentley Bentayga, you’re looking at two of the most luxurious and high-performance SUVs available today. Both vehicles represent the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship and engineering, but they cater to different tastes, with subtle differences in driving dynamics, luxury, and performance. Here’s a detailed comparison:

1. Performance and Powertrain

Rolls-Royce Cullinan

• Engine: 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12
• Horsepower: 563 hp
• Torque: 627 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h): Approximately 4.8 seconds
• Top Speed: 155 mph (250 km/h) (electronically limited)
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission
• Drive Type: All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• Fuel Economy: Around 12-18 mpg (city/highway)

The Cullinan’s V12 engine is all about effortless power. Rolls-Royce focuses on delivering a serene and luxurious driving experience rather than an all-out sports SUV. The V12 provides more than enough power for quick acceleration, but the engine’s refinement is its true standout feature. The Cullinan has plenty of torque for relaxed cruising or fast overtaking, but it does so in a very smooth and unobtrusive manner, in line with Rolls-Royce’s reputation for comfort.

Bentley Bentayga

• Engine Options:
  • 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (542 hp, 568 lb-ft of torque)
  • 6.0-liter W12 (626 hp, 664 lb-ft of torque)
  • Hybrid (V6 engine) for eco-conscious buyers (combined output of 449 hp)
• 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h):
  • V8: Around 4.4 seconds
  • W12: Around 3.8 seconds
• Top Speed:
  • V8: 180 mph (290 km/h)
  • W12: 187 mph (300 km/h)
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission
• Drive Type: All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• Fuel Economy:
  • V8: 17-23 mpg (city/highway)
  • W12: 14-21 mpg

The Bentayga offers a broader range of engine choices, with the W12 providing the most power and the fastest acceleration, slightly outperforming the Cullinan in raw performance metrics. The V8 is more efficient, though the W12 engine remains the standout for those looking for maximum luxury SUV performance. The Bentayga’s emphasis is on a balance of power and agility, with more sporty, responsive handling compared to the more serene Cullinan.

2. Driving Dynamics and Handling

Rolls-Royce Cullinan

• Driving Experience: The Cullinan is designed to provide an almost imperceptible driving experience. The focus is on ultra-smooth, serene comfort. The car glides over the road with Rolls-Royce’s Magic Carpet Ride suspension system, using a double-wishbone air suspension that prioritizes smoothness over sportiness.
• Handling: While it can handle curves and cornering with ease, the Cullinan’s primary focus is on effortless comfort rather than sharp handling. The driving dynamics are more relaxed, making it perfect for long-distance cruising.
• Off-Road Capability: The Cullinan can handle light off-road conditions, with its advanced suspension system and all-wheel-drive capability, but it's not primarily an off-roading vehicle. However, it offers an impressive ride quality even on rough roads.

Bentley Bentayga

• Driving Experience: The Bentayga strikes a more dynamic balance, offering a combination of comfort and performance. With air suspension and adaptive dampers, it can adjust to provide a smoother ride in Comfort mode or a more responsive ride in Sport mode.
• Handling: The Bentayga handles more like a high-performance sports SUV than the Cullinan. It offers more agility, sharper steering, and a higher level of driver engagement. The W12 Bentayga is particularly impressive in terms of outright speed and cornering ability, thanks to its more performance-oriented chassis and handling dynamics.
• Off-Road Capability: The Bentayga is also capable off-road, with the Bentayga Speed model offering an off-road driving mode for dirt, snow, and gravel. However, it’s still more road-focused compared to the Cullinan.

3. Interior and Luxury

Rolls-Royce Cullinan

• Interior Materials: The Cullinan’s cabin is a sanctuary of luxury, with the finest materials like hand-stitched leather, exquisite wood veneers, and platinum detailing. Everything in the cabin feels custom-tailored and opulent.
• Space: The Cullinan offers ample space for both front and rear passengers, with the rear seats offering excellent legroom and comfort, particularly in the "individual seat" configuration (two rear seats, more space, and a more private setting).
• Customization: Rolls-Royce is renowned for its bespoke options. Buyers can choose from a seemingly endless array of interior materials, colors, and finishes to create a unique, personalized experience.
• Technology: While Rolls-Royce does not prioritize the latest tech features in the same way some other manufacturers might, the Cullinan offers advanced sound systems, a large touchscreen, and navigation systems that blend luxury with functionality.

Bentley Bentayga

• Interior Materials: The Bentayga is also a marvel of craftsmanship, with luxurious leather, high-end wood veneers, and the best materials available. Bentley’s interiors focus on sporty elegance, offering a more contemporary design compared to the more traditional, classical feel of the Cullinan.
• Space: The Bentayga’s interior is spacious but slightly less opulent than the Cullinan. It offers ample room for passengers, but Rolls-Royce edges it out when it comes to sheer luxury and craftsmanship.
• Customization: Bentley also offers plenty of bespoke options for interior finishes, including custom leather upholstery, wood, and a range of unique trim choices. The Bentley Mulliner customization division offers a high level of personalization, similar to Rolls-Royce.
• Technology: The Bentayga has a more tech-focused cabin, with features like virtual cockpit displays, advanced infotainment systems, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It’s designed with a slightly more modern, tech-savvy clientele in mind.

4. Pricing and Value

• Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Starting around $350,000 (varies with options and customization).
• Bentley Bentayga: Starting around $200,000, but the W12 version can go up to $250,000+, with bespoke options pushing the price even higher.

The Cullinan is significantly more expensive than the Bentayga, reflecting the difference in brand positioning. Rolls-Royce positions itself as the ultimate in automotive luxury, while Bentley, though incredibly luxurious, offers a slightly more performance-oriented product at a lower base price.

5. Summary of Key Differences

• Performance: The Bentley Bentayga W12 is quicker and more agile than the Cullinan, offering a more sporty driving experience, while the Cullinan focuses on smoothness, comfort, and effortless power. The Bentayga offers more engine choices, including a V8 and hybrid.
• Interior Luxury: The Cullinan takes the crown for interior luxury with its more traditional, bespoke craftsmanship, while the Bentayga has a slightly more modern, performance-oriented interior.
• Driving Dynamics: The Bentley Bentayga is more dynamic, offering better handling and a sportier feel, while the Cullinan is all about comfort and elegance.
• Price: The Cullinan is notably more expensive, reflecting its position as the ultimate luxury SUV.

Conclusion

• Choose the Rolls-Royce Cullinan if you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury, comfort, and bespoke craftsmanship, where the driving experience is focused on refinement and effortless power.
• Choose the Bentley Bentayga if you prefer a slightly more performance-oriented SUV with a higher level of driving engagement and a more modern, tech-savvy cabin, without sacrificing luxury.

Both are exceptional, but the Cullinan is more about the experience of luxury, while the Bentayga offers a blend of luxury and performance that might appeal to those who still want a dynamic driving experience.