In the world of luxury SUVs, few names stand out, like Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. These two British brands are synonymous with elegance, luxury, and performance. But when it comes to choosing between them, which one should you go for? Both vehicles offer unique features and benefits, but the decision depends on what matters most to you—whether it’s performance, comfort, design, or even price.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the Bentley Bentayga vs. Rolls-Royce Cullinan debate, comparing everything from performance to pricing and even which one is better suited for Indian roads. Whether you’re a luxury car enthusiast or someone simply exploring your options, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Introduction to the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan
The Bentley Bentayga was Bentley’s first venture into the luxury SUV market, launched in 2016. This model quickly became popular for its powerful engines, exceptional luxury, and a smooth driving experience. It combines the best of both worlds, offering the performance of a sports car with the comfort of a high-end SUV.
On the other hand, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan was introduced in 2018. This vehicle carries the Rolls-Royce heritage of luxury, performance, and comfort. It’s bigger, bolder, and more extravagant than the Bengali. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is designed for those who want not just an SUV but an experience. With its huge presence and unrivalled craftsmanship, it’s a true symbol of luxury.
Both of these SUVs have been designed to cater to the most discerning buyers, but they differ in several key areas, which we’ll explore here.
Design and Exterior
Bentley Bentley Design
The Bentley Bentayga has a more modern and sleek design. It’s not as imposing as the Cullinan, but it’s elegant and sporty. The front features Bentley’s iconic matrix grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights. The body has a clean, sharp design with smooth curves that enhance its performance-focused looks. It’s a luxury SUV that doesn’t shout for attention but still manages to turn heads wherever it goes.
In terms of size, the Bentley Bentayga is more compact than the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, making it easier to manoeuvre in tight city spaces. This makes it a great option for people who want a powerful SUV but don’t want to struggle with parking or driving in busy areas.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Design
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is big, bold, and unmistakable. It’s designed to stand out, and it does so effortlessly. The front of the Cullinan features the signature Rolls-Royce grille, which is flanked by large, round headlights. The design is boxy, with sharp lines that give the vehicle a commanding presence on the road.
At over 5 meters in length, the Cullinan is significantly larger than the Bentayga. While this gives it a dominating presence, it can make driving in crowded cities more difficult. However, if you love making a statement and prefer a vehicle that commands attention, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a perfect choice.
Interior: Comfort, Features, and Space
Bentley Bentayga Interior
Inside the Bentley Bentayga, luxury is the name of the game. The cabin features hand stitched leather seats, real wood trim, and metal accents. You can customise the interior to suit your style, with a range of colours and materials to choose from. The Bentayga offers seating for five passengers, and there’s also an option for a four-seat configuration for added luxury.
The Bentayga is also packed with technology. The 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The rear seats come with optional entertainment screens, making long journeys more enjoyable. The overall feel inside the Bentayga is one of modern luxury mixed with traditional craftsmanship.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Interior
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan takes interior luxury to the next level. Every inch of the cabin is crafted by hand using the finest materials available. The leather is ultra-soft, and the wood trim is polished to a mirror-like finish. You can even choose from custom-coloured leather and wood, making every Cullinan interior unique.
The Cullinan can comfortably seat four passengers, and it’s also available with an optional rear-seat entertainment system. The Starlight Headliner is another standout feature, with LED lights embedded into the roof lining to create the effect of a starry night sky. The Cullinan’s interior is pure opulence, offering a level of comfort and attention to detail that is hard to match.
Performance: Which SUV is Faster and More Powerful?
Bentley Bentayga Performance
The Bentley Bentayga offers a range of powerful engine options. You can choose from a V8 engine, a W12 engine, or even a hybrid version, depending on your needs. The V8 engine offers 542 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds, making it one of the fastest luxury SUVs. The W12 engine takes it up a notch with 626 horsepower, allowing for even more thrilling acceleration and top speeds.
If performance is important to you, the Bentley Bentayga is a strong contender. It’s not just fast; it also handles well. The Bentayga has an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, ensuring smooth gear shifts and great control. Whether you’re driving on smooth highways or slightly rougher terrain, the Bentayga offers a responsive and dynamic experience.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Performance
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, while not as fast as the Bentayga, focuses more on comfort than raw speed. The Cullinan is powered by a 6.75-litre V12 engine that produces 563 horsepower. It may not be as quick off the line as the Bentayga, but it excels in creating a smooth and effortless driving experience. It can go from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, which is still impressive for an SUV of its size.
What sets the Cullinan apart is the “Magic Carpet Ride” suspension. This technology ensures a smooth and controlled ride over any surface, even the roughest roads. The Cullinan is all about comfort and refinement. It doesn’t push you to drive aggressively, but rather lets you glide over the road with ease.
Price: Which SUV Offers Better Value?
Bentley Bentley Price
The Bentley Bentayga starts at around ₹4 crore in India. However, the price can increase significantly depending on the chosen specifications and customizations. The Bentayga offers a range of engines, with the V8 engine being the most affordable option. Still, even at this price, the Bentayga is more affordable than the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
For buyers looking for a luxurious but more affordable option, the Bentayga provides incredible value for money, especially considering its performance and features.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Price
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan starts at around ₹6.95 crore in India. This makes it one of the most expensive luxury SUVs on the market. However, for that price, you’re getting more than just a vehicle—you’re investing in an experience. The Cullinan’s level of craftsmanship and luxury is unrivalled, making it a status symbol for those who want the best of the best.
If price is no object and you’re looking for the ultimate luxury SUV, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the clear winner.
Which SUV is Better for Indian Roads?
When it comes to driving on Indian roads, both the Bentley Bentayga and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan offer excellent performance. However, the Bentayga may have a slight edge when it comes to practicality.
- Bentley Bentayga: Its smaller size and agile handling make it easier to drive and park in crowded Indian cities. The Bentayga’s air suspension system can handle potholes and uneven roads with ease, making it a good choice for long drives across the country.
- Rolls-Royce Cullinan: The Cullinan is built to handle tough terrain as well, thanks to its four-wheel-drive system and high ground clearance. However, its large size may make navigating tight city spaces a bit more difficult.
In the end, if you want a versatile SUV for both city driving and long-distance travel, the Bentley Bentayga is the better choice for India. However, if you prefer pure luxury and a commanding road presence, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is hard to beat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Bentley Bentayga and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan are top choices in the luxury SUV market, each catering to different needs and preferences. The Bentayga is a great option for those who enjoy a sportier driving experience and want a balance between performance and luxury. It’s fast, handles well, and is perfect for both city driving and long road trips. Plus, its wide range of customization options allows buyers to create a vehicle that reflects their personal style.
On the other hand, the Cullinan is all about luxury and comfort. It’s not as sporty or fast as the Bentayga, but it makes up for that with unmatched craftsmanship and attention to detail. Every ride in the Cullinan feels like a first-class experience, with a spacious, plush interior and a smooth, quiet ride. It’s ideal for those who prioritize comfort and want a vehicle that stands out in terms of prestige and elegance.
Ultimately, your choice depends on what matters most to you. If you want a performance-oriented luxury SUV, the Bentayga is an excellent pick. However, if you’re looking for the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the way to go.
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