Bentley makes unbelievable, high-performing, and aspirational automobiles. And maybe probably the most aspirational of the bunch boast a further tagline after their identify: Pace. So easy, nevertheless it says you all you could know: it’s the quick one. The Bentley Bentayga, Bentley’s full-size SUV, has been obtainable in Bentayga Pace guise for years. Nevertheless, the latest one must go with out one of many model’s cornerstones: a simple W-12 engine. Bentley says the brand new V8-powered mannequin is best. However finally, at this worth level, you could 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 Pace 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; identical as the brand new Bentley’s engine. For its latest mannequin 12 months, the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Pace depends on a 4.0-liter V8. Torque is, humorous sufficient, an identical 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 12 months’s V12 mannequin, however I don’t assume anybody will discover.
Bentley quotes the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Pace as dashing from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds and able to a 193 mph (310 km/h) high 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 Pace advantages from 15% stiffer suspension damping, which is able to possible give it extra road-holding means 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 Pace 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 underneath the hood of the Rolls-Royce.
Pricing
The broad hole in efficiency is inverted when evaluating worth tags. The least costly Cullinan you should buy remains to be over $405,000; the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Pace is prone to begin nearer to $255,000. That’s nonetheless an amazing hole, nevertheless it’s unlikely to exclude anybody critically contemplating buying one among these ultra-lux behemoths model new. One factor to think about; 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 gives 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 worth every command. For the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Pace, 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 optionally available black roof and darker chrome trim can be found, however in any other case, the Bentayga Pace isn’t too totally different from its predecessor. The distinction in ethos between the 2 fashions is finest summarized by the truth that Bentley gives 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 Pace
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 may sway some Bentley patrons in direction of Rolls-Royce, we expect the general character of the Bentley stays roughly the identical with the V8. After all, with out driving it, we’re left to take a position. Regardless: there’s no improper choice should you’re lucky sufficient to be contemplating these two SUVs.
[Photos: Bentley]
