Bentley makes unimaginable, high-performing, and aspirational autos. And maybe essentially the most aspirational of the bunch boast a further tagline after their title: Velocity. So easy, however it says you all that 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’ve got 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 way in which first. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan depends on a 6.7-liter V12 engine growing 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 12 months, the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Velocity depends on a 4.0-liter V8. Torque is, humorous sufficient, similar to the Cullinan’s. Horsepower is a distinct story: Bentley says the mill makes 641 horsepower (478 kW). The torque numbers are very barely down from final 12 months’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) high pace. 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 probably give it extra road-holding skill 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 actually appears the higher performer of the 2. However, we do surprise if a twin-turbo eight will really feel as linear and easy because the V12 beneath the hood of the Rolls-Royce.
Pricing
The huge hole in efficiency is inverted when evaluating value tags. The least costly Cullinan you should purchase 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, however it’s unlikely to exclude anybody critically contemplating buying one in all 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 affords a wider vary of customization — not less than, 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 non-obligatory 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 greatest summarized by the truth that Bentley affords a titanium quad-tipped exhaust by Akrapovic. That’s one thing you’ll by no means see on a Cullinan. Each autos are good-looking, although.
Verdict: Rolls-Royce Cullinan vs. 2026 Bentley Bentayga Velocity
Yeah, we’re not going to name a winner right here. Actually, each do a wonderful job of representing their respective manufacturers. Whereas the lack of the W-12 may sway some Bentley patrons in direction of Rolls-Royce, we expect the general character of the Bentley stays kind of the identical with the V8. In fact, with out driving it, we’re left to take a position. Regardless: there’s no mistaken choice should you’re lucky sufficient to be contemplating these two SUVs.
[Photos: Bentley]
