Which Is The Best Ultra-Luxe SUV?

Which SUV comes out on top of the ultra-luxe major leagues?

Rolls-Royce and Bentley are the two of the most prominent names in the luxury automotive world, and both British manufacturers are responsible for creating some of the world’s most aspirational vehicles. Once under the same umbrella, Rolls-Royce and Bentley have become rivals in the ultra-luxury automotive world, and for each, the Cullinan and the Bentayga are their ultra-luxury SUV models, both showing off elegant design, everyday practicality, and sumptuous features.

However, which one comes out on top? Both feature state-of-the-art innovation, luxurious craftsmanship, longstanding British heritage and multiple variants, but the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan each take different approaches to crafting the ultra-luxury SUV, which give each model advantages and disadvantages over the other. Regardless of which one you prefer, duPont REGISTRY is the place to look for a Rolls-Royce Cullinan or a Bentley Bentayga for sale as the source for supercars since 1985.

A Bentley Bentayga sits majestically in a studio setting, boasting a dark metallic finish, chrome grille, and silver wheels, epitomizing the ultra-luxe SUV experience.

Bentley Bentayga Specs

The Bentley Bentayga has a variety of powertrains and two different body styles. A 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine and a 3.0-liter V6 hybrid powertrain are available. The standard-wheelbase Bentley Bentayga is also complemented with the Bentley Bentayga EWB, the extended-wheelbase version that offers more rear-seat room and enhanced luxury options. All-wheel steering gives the longer EWB agility despite its size.

Ultra-Luxe SUV in light blue features a striking black roof, large front grille, and sleek black wheels on a pristine white studio backdrop.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Specs

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is available in two different versions: the Standard Cullinan, and the Black Badge Cullinan. Both are powered by a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12, but the Black Badge offers edgier looks as a more driver-focused model. Only one wheelbase of the Cullinan is offered currently.

Bentley wins the specs competition thanks to its versatility. With hybrid and combustion powertrains, and two different wheelbases, the Bentayga is able to appeal to a broader range of drivers.

Specs Winner: Bentley Bentayga

Bentley Bentayga Engine

The Bentayga Speed’s 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine, the former flagship powertrain, has been retired. However, Bentley still offers a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 542 horsepower, along with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 hybrid engine with 443 or 456 horsepower depending on the trim. Both powertrains offer engaging driving, while the hybrid adds efficiency to the mix.

A blue Bentley Bentayga with silver accents and shiny alloy wheels is parked in a white studio setting, side view, epitomizing ultra-luxe SUV elegance.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Engine

Rolls-Royce is known for its 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, which is made to not only deliver robust power, but also the ultimate luxurious smoothness and quietness, part of the manufacturer’s uncompromising approach to luxury. The Cullinan features the same engine, with 592 horsepower. Being much heavier than the Bentayga, the Cullinan is not as fast despite having four more cylinders.

When it comes to luxury powertrains, it’s hard to top the unparalleled smoothness, quietness, and driving pleasure of Rolls-Royce’s V12, which is why the Cullinan comes out on top in the engine debate.

Engine Winner: Rolls-Royce Cullinan

The interior of the ultra-luxe SUV showcases three black and blue leather seats with detailed stitching and an emblem on the headrests, exuding an air of sophistication akin to a Bentley Bentayga.

Bentley Bentayga Interior

Bentley is known for its ultra-luxury interiors, and the Bentayga is no exception. Sumptuous leather, wood or even stone veneers, and a plethora of available bespoke touches from Mulliner make the Bentayga’s interior a true luxury oasis. In addition, opting for the Bentley Bentayga EWB adds features like Diamond Illumination or the Airline Seat, a highly advanced rear seat that marks Bentley’s new flagship rear seat treatment.

Experience the opulent interior of an Ultra-Luxe SUV, featuring black and white leather seats, exquisite wooden paneling, and a mesmerizing starry ceiling design reminiscent of the lavish craftsmanship found in the Bentley Bentayga.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Interior

The star of the show in any Rolls-Royce is the interior. With features like the available Starlight Headliner and a gorgeous spectrum of upholstery colors, the Cullinan’s interior is nothing short of incredible. Rolls-Royce offers a stunning fabric upholstery option for the new Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II, with an opulent pattern.

There’s nothing quite like the interior of a Rolls-Royce, and especially with the available fabric option, the Cullinan wins this round, despite Bentley’s Diamond Illumination and Airline Seat being enticing offerings.

Interior Winner: Rolls-Royce Cullinan

A bright blue Bentley Bentayga is parked in a studio with a white background, viewed from the rear three-quarter angle. This ultra-luxe SUV boasts sleek design elements and black alloy wheels, epitomizing sophistication and style.

Bentley Bentayga Performance

The less powerful hybrid Bentley Bentayga is no slouch. With over 400 horsepower, it’s still able to get from 0-60 in roughly 4.5 seconds in its higher trim levels. However, the more powerful V8 model will rocket to 60 from a standstill in only 3.3 seconds. In addition, the Bentayga EWB features all-wheel steering to make turning in the longer vehicle just as enjoyable and easy as in the shorter model.

A dark blue Bentley Bentayga, the epitome of an Ultra-Luxe SUV, is parked in a pristine white studio, viewed from the rear side angle. The vehicle boasts polished wheels and a high-gloss finish.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Performance

Rolls-Royce vehicles aren’t exactly made to take to the track, but with a 592-horsepower twin-turbocharged V12 engine, it’s impossible not to wonder what the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is capable of. It’ll get form 0-60 in around 4.5 seconds, which for the heavy ultra-luxe SUV is as long as it takes the hybrid Bentayga with half as many cylinders.

With its robust V8 powertrain and a hybrid model that isn’t a slouch, either, the Bentley Bentayga wins on the performance front.

Performance Winner: Bentley Bentayga

Bentley Bentayga Investment Value

On the duPont REGISTRY market, prices for the Bentley Bentayga, depending on the age and condition of the vehicle, can dip under $100,000, and approach $350,000 and even higher. Models like the Bentayga Speed are sure to have collector-grade panache due to the fact that Bentley ceremoniously retired its W12 engine in 2024.

Experience the opulence of an ultra-luxe SUV interior with a leather-trimmed steering wheel, digital dashboard, and elegant wood accents. The Bentley Bentayga's seats are two-toned with refined white and black fabric, exuding unparalleled sophistication.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Investment Value

Prices for the Rolls-Royce Cullinan on duPont REGISTRY have sometimes dipped below $200,000, however, depending on the age and condition of the example, prices can soar as high as nearly $700,000.

With greater panache and higher prices over time, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan wins here.