2019 Bentley Bentayga

Bentley's extravagant SUV range begins with the V8 Bentayga at an MSRP of $165,000. Next is the Bentayga W12 at $229,100, and topping the range is the limited availability Bentayga Mulliner at an eye-watering $298,000. These prices exclude tax, licensing, registration, and a destination charge of $2,725.

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan does its utmost to pamper rear-seat passengers, and at first, the Bentley's laid-back and effortless nature seems to chase a similar goal. Vibrations and road scars seem to exist only in the world outside the Bentayga's brilliantly isolated cabin, the big SUV smothering imperfections with disdain and wafting along peacefully. Air suspension is standard while available is Bentley Dynamic Ride, a 48V electronic active roll control system, both minimizing body roll as the SUV enters a corner, and increasing axle articulation off-road. Even when riding on 22-inch wheels, the system does an excellent job of keeping the Bentley composed and comfortable. And this is where the Bentley starts to distinguish itself from the Rolls-Royce, as there is more grip on offer than you'd think possible in such a hulk of an SUV. With the torque-vectoring system and precise steering helping things along, it's surprising how much dynamic potential has been engineered into the Bentayga. Of course, don't expect much feedback through any of the major controls, and something like aPorsche Cayenneprovides a far more visceral driving experience, but the Bentayga's ability to blend superlative refinement and comfort with good handling is mightily impressive.

Several driving modes can be accessed via the Drive Dynamics Control system. Choose between Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Bentley using a simple controller. Sport has a tangibly positive effect on body control at higher speeds, but we'd still choose Comfort most of the time. Not that many owners would dare to take the Bentley off-road, but it can handle a mild degree of the rough stuff, although tires suited for on-road use don't help the cause in these environments.

The Bentley Bentayga can't be judged by usual automotive criteria. Once you're paying in excess of $150,000 (and nearly $300,000 in the case of the Mulliner variant), you've got to ask yourself: does it feel like something special? Without a doubt, the Bentayga answers that with a resounding "yes". From its imposing - if not pretty - exterior, to its sublime V8 and W12 engines, and the exquisitely detailed cabin, the Bentayga feels every bit a proper Bentley. Logically, it doesn't seem worth twice the price of mid-range BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS, but it is also by far the more exclusive choice. A Rolls-Royce Cullinan has the Bentayga soundly beaten for rear-seat opulence, but the Bentley is less expensive, garners a similar respect when pulling up at A-list events, and is better to drive. In between the top German SUVs and the mighty Rolls, Bentley has managed to find a space for the Bentayga that somehow makes sense. As the most lavish SUV you'd actually want to drive yourself, it makes a fine statement.

At this ultra-premium end of the market, you're not going to find a bad car. The V8 Bentayga is, however, a superb addition to the range, offering most of the W12's performance for over $60k less. That said, there's something truly special and fitting about the 6.0-liter W12 burbling away quietly under the Bentley's hood. The Mulliner? This model represents pure excess, but so does the Bentayga range as a whole, so perhaps it makes perfect sense. You really can't go wrong with any of these models, but we'd be perfectly happy with the W12 with the top-line audio system, the rear-seat entertainment package, and in the four-seater configuration for improved comfort at the back. Add on your favorite color and wheel combination, and you'll be at the helm of one of the finest SUVs on the planet.

劳斯莱斯的天玺是宾利Bentayga的most obvious rival, if only because you won't find two more prestigious badges on an SUV anywhere. But these are actually two rather different beasts. For starters, the Cullinan is nearly double the price of the V8 Bentayga - the Rolls costs a comical $325,000. For that price, you get an even more opulent rear seat than in the Bentayga, along with acres of space. With its Magic Carpet Ride (seriously, that's what it's called), the Cullinan wafts along with even more composure and serenity than the Bentley, which is quite an achievement. What it doesn't do with its unbelievably light steering is encourage you to wring its neck in any way, and here the Bentley will find some favor with those who prefer to do the driving themselves. Plus, the W12 Bentley is significantly faster than the heavier and longer Rolls-Royce - if that matters, of course. If it doesn't, and you have every intention of being chauffeured around for the rest of eternity, then the Rolls-Royce is the one to have.

In long-wheelbase form, the SVAutobiography is not priced too far off the Bentayga W12. This Range Rover of all Range Rovers pumps out 557 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, which is impressive, but performance falls some way short of the all-conquering Bentayga W12. The Range Rover rides incredibly well, even if the Bentley has the slight edge for its overall cocooning feel, but really, we're splitting hairs here. Of course, the Bentley can't match the Range Rover off-road, where the latter's terrain response system sees it make its way over some really rough obstacles. While clean and modern inside, the Range Rover doesn't have the Bentley's warm ambiance from behind the wheel, but it does have better infotainment tech and a much better sound system. The SVAutobiography also has a few features that any celebrity would approve of, from a leather headliner to mohair floor carpets. The Bentley has the more illustrious badge and is faster, but the Range Rover - especially in this extravagant spec - can do more for less money.