Bentley makes unbelievable, high-performing, and aspirational automobiles. And maybe essentially the most aspirational of the bunch boast an extra tagline after their title: Velocity. So easy, but it surely says you all you must know: it’s the quick one. The Bentley Bentayga, Bentley’s full-size SUV, has been out there in Bentayga Velocity guise for years. Nevertheless, the most recent one must go with out one of many model’s cornerstones: an easy W-12 engine. Bentley says the brand new V8-powered mannequin is healthier. However finally, at this value level, you might have choices. And should you actually want 12 cylinders, Rolls-Royce will fortunately promote you a V-12 powered Cullinan. Can the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Velocity maintain a candle to an age-old rival?
Efficiency
Let’s get the meat and potatoes out of the best way first. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan depends on a 6.7-liter V12 engine creating 571 horsepower (420 kW) and 626 pound-feet of torque (850 Nm). Notably, Black Badge fashions get nearer to 600 horsepower. It’s twin-turbocharged; similar as the brand new Bentley’s engine. For its latest mannequin yr, the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Velocity depends on a 4.0-liter V8. Torque is, humorous sufficient, equivalent to the Cullinan’s. Horsepower is a special story: Bentley says the mill makes 641 horsepower (478 kW). The torque numbers are very barely down from final yr’s V12 mannequin, however I don’t assume anybody will discover.
Bentley quotes the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Velocity as dashing from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds and able to a 193 mph (310 km/h) prime velocity. Cullinan, traditionally, has been restricted to 155 mph (250 km/h). Zero to 60 mph takes the Cullinan “round” 4.5 seconds. Bentley claims the brand new Bentayga Velocity advantages from 15% stiffer suspension damping, which is able to possible give it extra road-holding capability than the Rolls. Additionally notable is a small curb weight profit the Bentley sees from eradicating the chunky V12 for one thing with a couple of much less cylinders. The Bentley Bentayga Velocity definitely appears the higher performer of the 2. However, we do marvel if a twin-turbo eight will really feel as linear and easy because the V12 beneath the hood of the Rolls-Royce.
Pricing
The broad hole in efficiency is inverted when evaluating value tags. The least costly Cullinan you should buy remains to be over $405,000; the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Velocity is prone to begin nearer to $255,000. That’s nonetheless an incredible hole, but it surely’s unlikely to exclude anybody severely contemplating buying one in every of these ultra-lux behemoths model new. One factor to contemplate; the Bentayga used market is significantly softer than that of the Cullinan. That is in all probability shortage associated; Rolls produces and sells round half of Bentley’s quantity. Cullinan additionally provides a wider vary of customization — at the very least, on-line — and, in our opinion, extra model status.
Design
Each the Bentley and the Cullinan tout designs that tease the lofty value every command. For the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Velocity, the model provides 23-inch wheels to the configurator for the primary time. Not simply on the Bentayga — it’s a primary for any Bentley mannequin. An elective black roof and darker chrome trim can be found, however in any other case, the Bentayga Velocity isn’t too totally different from its predecessor. The distinction in ethos between the 2 fashions is finest summarized by the truth that Bentley provides a titanium quad-tipped exhaust by Akrapovic. That’s one thing you’ll by no means see on a Cullinan. Each automobiles are good-looking, although.
Verdict: Rolls-Royce Cullinan vs. 2026 Bentley Bentayga Velocity
Yeah, we’re not going to name a winner right here. Really, each do a superb job of representing their respective manufacturers. Whereas the lack of the W-12 would possibly sway some Bentley consumers in the direction of Rolls-Royce, we expect the general character of the Bentley stays roughly the identical with the V8. In fact, with out driving it, we’re left to take a position. Regardless: there’s no incorrect resolution should you’re lucky sufficient to be contemplating these two SUVs.
[Photos: Bentley]
