Hyper luxury SUVs, we all droll over them but very few of us will ever be able to afford them. Fast, practical, and comfortable these cars can quite literally do everything. Or at least everything one can ask of a vehicle. The Cayenne and Range Rover SVR proved the appetite for these vehicles. In recent years Lamborghini took a shot at the segment with the Urus and so have Aston Martin with the DBX. Yet all these cars have fallen short of true luxury. This is where Rolls-Royce and Bentley step in. The two brands are synonymous with yacht-like luxury. Surely when one spends over $200,000 on a car an owner would want one of these iconic badges on their hood.

The W12 Bentayga came to the market for the 2016 model year. Using the same platform that would spawn the Q8 and its derivatives as well as the Lamborghini Urus. Since then the Bentayga range has grown to include a hybrid, diesel, and V8 model. The latest part in the lineup focuses on the luxury component of the model and is a extended-wheelbase vehicle. This longer wheelbase also streches the price that strays into the realm of the even rarer Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Longer and more luxurious the Bentayga leads the way for all luxury cars.

What's New With The Bentayga Long Wheelbase?

Bentayga EWB
Bentley

According to Bentley, the new Bentayga is longer by 7-inches. This might not sound like much considering that the car is already a mighty 17.4 feet long but this added space translates purely into the cabin. The manufacturer claims that they have a "new focus on wellness, with integrated world-first seat technology" this translates to their new "Airline Seat Specification". Promising an incredibly plush experience this Bentayga sets its sights on those who sit in the back of their car. The Mulsanne is Bentley's luxury limousine and these customers value their rear seating experience. Bentley confirms that sales in this segment are decreasing. They pose the Bentayga EWB as a successor to the Mulsanne. Bentley continues to promise new levels of craftsmanship along with 24 billion different trim combinations. Unique and better than before the Bentayga EWB is an ever more appealing proposition.

RELATED: One Bentley To Rule Them All: The Mulsanne

With a longer car not only comes more weight but reduced handling dynamics. Bentley assures their customers that the Bentayga's handling remains intact. With a new rear-wheel steering system even the largest W12 equipped Bentayga will handle like the lightest V8 model. For those itching to purchase a 2023 Bentayga, the car starts at $167,000 for a standard wheelbase hybrid model. The EWB model launches in Q4 2022 for the 2023 model years. Bentley has not revealed prices yet but they will run to at least $200,000. For this $167,000 a customer gets a lot of Bentley for their money the entry-level V8 produces 550 hp and propels the car to 60mph in 3.6 mph only 0.1 seconds slower than the W12 model. The V8 even returns 17 mpg combined, which is on par with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne GTS.

Why Buy A Rolls-Royce Cullinan?

2022 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Light Green
Rolls-Royce

Both Bentley and Rolls-Royce have gone through some tricky years. Bentley's Continental GT was a great sales success but with heavy depreciation and frequently ending up in the hands of classy individuals over recent years, the image of Bentley lost value. Ownership by Volkswagen only made this worse. The struggling Rolls-Royce ended up in the hands of BMW and with their recent cars remaining expensive and owned only by the richest the image of Rolls-Royce remains intact. This is why one buys a Cullinan, it is the Rolls-Royce of SUVs. A Bentayga or a Range Rover or an F-Pace more than does the job. But for those where only the best will do, the Rolls-Royce is a must. This is why you buy a Cullinan.

RELATED:2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Costs, Facts, And Figures

How Does The Bentayga Compare To The Cullinan?

Rolls Royce Cullinan "Emperor"
Rolls-Royce

According to Rolls-Royce's CEO, the Cullinan redefines, "the parameters of super-luxury travel". The contemporary design language of Rolls-Royce from the Ghost and Dawn translated well into the Cullinan. The large front grille and 3-box exterior turn into an impressive and opulent-looking vehicle. Arguably the Cullinan has a greater road presence than the Bentayga. Other than the quad headlight set up the Bentayga doesn't at first scream Bentley. Perhaps this is because the car uses a shared platform whereas the Cullinan's platform is exclusive to Rolls-Royce.

For 2022 the Cullinan brings an asking price of $351,250, before options. That's $100,000 more than the W12-powered Bentayga Speed. The Cullinan has 563 hp in standard guise and close to 600hp when in Black Badge specification. This comes from the near-silent 6.75 liter V12 that is the smoothest engine on the planet. In comparison, the Bentayga's W12 produces just over 600 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque. The reality is that neither car will leave a driver wanting for power on the roads. However, the Bentley has a little more theatre when undergoing performance driving. Whereas Rolls-Royce remains silent in all situations. The Rolls-Royce cocoons passengers from the outside world.