Some of the biggest brands that we know today may be worth millions and even billions in net worth. In fact, expensive brands are so high up that we sometimes see them as a sign of luxury, financial freedom, and a supreme lifestyle. But before these labels gained their reputation, a lot of their owners started from a few dollars and a dream. Whether it's the food industry, the makeup trade, or the automotive business, plenty of the most overachieving businesses today were built from scratch.
Even the British luxury car brands, Rolls-Royce and Bentley, didn't have the prestige they have now back then. These two companies were founded only 13 years apart, but after a complicated history, they're now head to head in the hearts of people who seek luxury vehicles. But which of the two exactly has better and more splendid rides? Check out some of their most lavish four-wheelers right here.
10 Bentley Continental GT
Grand tourers are often designed to look sporty and adventurous. But if that type of styling is too immature for you, why not go with the sophisticated Bentley Continental GT.
First revealed to the public in 2003, Bentley's grand tourer hasn't had any major changes despite its continuous updates in the next years after. That is, until 2010 where it received a splash of modern styling and even more power. For the latest changes, the continental GT is made available in coupe and convertible options and V8 and V12 engine variants, the latter making up to 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque.
9 Rolls-Royce Wraith
Bentley may have the speedy Continental GT, but Rolls Royce has the Wraith. First introduced in 2014, the Rolls Royce Wraith is a sporty grand tourer coupe that's often compared to another RR classic, the Ghost. While the two do share a few similarities, it's only fitting to say that the Wraith has its own distinctive personality.
For the 2021 update, the price of the Rolls Royce Wraith will stay the same since it carries most of the features from the 2020 version. For $330,000, you get a 6.6L V12 engine mated with an RWD setup and an 8-speed AT transmission. You can also look forward to 624 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, closely matching that of Bentley's grand tourer.
8 Bentley Arnage T
The very first Arnage model was released by Bentley in England in the year 1998. It was introduced as a full-sized, four-door luxury car that had everything a fancy-loving driver would need and more.
The Arnage T is one of the best cars from Bentley. It's such a dependable ride that even celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger even have them in their collection. The exterior doesn't only exude prestige and class. It also comes with a good amount of safety features including side curtain airbags, anti-lock disc brakes, and stability control.
7 Rolls-Royce Dawn
If you're looking for a vehicle to emit your financial prowess, classy taste, and sporty and adventurous spirit, why not try the Rolls-Royce Dawn? First produced in 2015, this magnificent drophead 2+2 seater is more than just a mode of transportation.
Often described as a coupe version of the Wraith, you'd know that the Dawn is a more exciting type of luxurious once you drive it with the top off. It comes with a power charged 6.6L V12 engine that can churn out up to 563 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. The price for a 2020 RR Dawn starts at $349,000.
6 Bentley Bentayga
Crossover SUVs don't really have to be big and ugly. If you can pay for it, the Bentley Bentayga is elegant, tasteful, and luxurious inside and out.
This practical addition to Bentley's super-luxury family was first released in 2006 and is now present in many celebrity garages such as in Cardi B's. If you want a Bentayga these days, you'd have to set aside somewhere from $169,000 to $250,000 depending on the variant you choose. The manufacturer offers the Bentayga V8 with a 542 hp while the Speed variant comes with a W12 pushing out 600 horses.
5 Rolls Royce Cullinan
Bentley is not the only British luxury giant to jump on the SUV bandwagon. The Rolls Royce Cullinan matches it in virtually every aspect. While quite late, we can't really complain seeing how beautiful the Cullinan turned out.
The Cullinan wasn't only the company's first SUV, it also ended up being one of their best-selling models. Don't be confused though, the Cullinan has more than just a pretty face, it's also beefed up with V12 engine capable of 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Doesn't quite match the Bentayaga in performance, but it surpasses it in style and luxury. The price of the Cullinan can depend on the variant but the least expensive is the 2020 Rolls-Royce Cullinan 4dr SUV AWD which amounts to approximately $300,000.
4 Bentley Flying Spur
The very first generation of the Bentley Flying Spur lasted between 2005 and 2013 and has had three generations since. The Flying Spur is a four-door take on another Bentley classic, the Continental GT.
But for the latest update, the 2021 Bentley Flying Spur is a more of a mammoth underneath the amazing interior. It carries a twin-turbocharged W12 engine that pours out up to 626 hp. It's then mated with an all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic setup. The 2020 model, however, is also a good choice as Supercar Blondie even had some fun with it.
3 Rolls-Royce Ghost
If you're that type of millionaire who often wants to drive the car on his own, you might want to try out the Rolls-Royce Ghost. The car is smaller than the iconic Phantom yet just as luxurious, similarly to what Bentley did with the Flying Spur. The lineup got its name from the original Silver Ghost model but has then evolved to be more suitable for the modern driver.
The old-world charm and light luxurious appeal of the Ghost may seem attractive but it's what's underneath that would make you drive it home. It comes powered by a V12 engine giving it 563 hp. The 2020 sedan is priced at $311,900 while the Black Badge variant is sold at $400,000.
2 Bentley Mulsanne
One of the poshest and oldest cars that Bentley is proud of is the Bentley Mulsanne. It represents the pinnacle of Bentley's luxury and opulence. This full-sized sedan first reached the market in 1980 and has put itself at the pedestal for the rich and classy.
That won't be for too long however since Bentley will be cutting the production for the Mulsanne this year. But as a send-off, the company thought of making a limited edition model called the 6.75 Edition as well as a short film. There will only be 30 units of this model but no prices have been mentioned yet. Also, Bentley plans to replace the Mulsanne with another SUV soon and rumors say it will be an EV.
1 Rolls-Royce Phantom
The Phantom lineup dates back to 1925 as the successor of the brand's Silver Ghost model. After that, it has pretty much evolved to be an ultimate status symbol only the rich can afford. If something could compete with this car, it would probably be the Bentley Mulsanne, which still comes at $50,000 less than the Rolls.
As for the latest 2020 model, the Phantom sedan starts at a price of $452,750 while the extended wheelbase variety starts at $494,925. However, this time, Rolls has Bentley beat when it comes to power and performance. The Phantom's V12 engine is capable of 563 hp, while the Mulsanne can only muster 513 hp. Acceleration, as reported by Rolls-Royce, is at 5.1 seconds from 0 to 60 miles per hour, matching that of the winged rival.
As for which one is a better bang for the buck: we'd say it doesn't really matter. Not only are they evenly matched but, at this point, customers are no longer paying for an edge in luxury and performance but rather the cars' style, and legacy.