Bentayga vs BMW XM
In the rarified world of ultra-luxury SUVs where price tags exceed the cost of luxury apartments, two dramatically different machines compete for the attention of the world’s most discerning buyers. The Bentley Bentayga represents British craftsmanship at its finest—timeless elegance, bespoke luxury, and the heritage of a marque synonymous with automotive royalty. The BMW XM embodies Bavarian performance innovation—a controversial design statement, hybrid technology, and M Division’s first standalone model in decades. Both SUVs promise exclusivity, performance, and luxury beyond ordinary comprehension, yet they achieve these goals through fundamentally different philosophies. Whether you’re drawn to Bentley’s established prestige and traditional opulence or BMW’s bold innovation and performance-hybrid technology, this comprehensive comparison will help you determine which ultra-luxury SUV deserves your substantial investment in 2025.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Ultra-Luxury SUV Segment
Before diving into specifications, it’s essential to understand the significance of this comparison. The first-ever BMW XM and the Bentley Bentayga ultra-luxury SUV are one-of-a-kind within their own families, both serving a dual purpose: delivering state-of-the-art performance while traveling in exquisite style inside-out.
The Bentley is the older guy in this game, first exposed in late 2015, with deliveries starting 2016. The Bentayga pioneered the ultra-luxury SUV segment, proving that brands synonymous with elegant grand tourers could successfully build practical, family-oriented vehicles without compromising their luxury credentials.
The BMW XM represents something entirely different—a bold experiment that divides opinion dramatically and challenges conventional luxury SUV expectations.
Pricing: The Cost of Exclusivity
Let’s address the financial reality of ownership. Pricing for the 2025 Bentayga starts at approximately $208,000 in base specification with no options added, with the Bentayga S V-8 costing at least $223,000, and the EWB model beginning at about $230,000.
The BMW XM starts considerably lower. For $159,600 (today’s start price on the XM), it simply doesn’t work according to critics who feel it needs to do things better than the X5 M and X6 M that are $30,000 cheaper.
This pricing gap—approximately $50,000-70,000 favoring the BMW—represents a fundamental difference in positioning. The Bentayga commands traditional ultra-luxury pricing with the prestige that accompanies the Flying B badge. The XM attempts to offer M Division performance luxury at a more accessible (relatively speaking) price point.
However, the Bentley Bentayga Azure’s list price is $475,000 and with all options comes to $515,000 for fully-loaded Australian specifications, demonstrating how quickly prices escalate with Bentley’s extensive customization options.
Engine Performance: Hybrid Innovation vs Traditional Power
Both SUVs offer impressive powertrains, though their approaches differ fundamentally in philosophy and execution.
BMW XM Powertrain:
The V8 4.4-liter gas-guzzling unit rated at 483 hp is paired with an electric motor worth 194 hp in perfect symbiosis to create a plug-in hybrid with peak output of 644 hp, enabling the XM to go fully electric over a range of up to 88 kilometers/55 miles in the WLTP cycle.
The XM’s plug-in hybrid system isn’t primarily about efficiency—it’s about delivering instant electric torque combined with V8 power for devastating acceleration. Furthermore, 2023 heralded the advent of an even more potent XM version: the LABEL RED, which boasts a peak output of 550 kW/748 hp.
Bentley Bentayga Powertrains:
Bentley offers several powertrains for the Bentayga: a 443-hp hybrid arrangement with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and electric motor (with Azure and S hybrids offering a slightly more powerful 456-hp version), and a 542-hp twin-turbo V-8 engine.
Most Bentayga models pack a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine that produces 542 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, with 0-60-mph acceleration taking as little as 3.6 seconds. The traditional V8 represents Bentley’s preferred powertrain, delivering smooth, refined power with the characteristic subdued exhaust note befitting British luxury.
Acceleration Performance: Supercar Speed in SUV Packages
Both ultra-luxury SUVs deliver acceleration that embarrasses dedicated sports cars from previous generations.
During testing, the Azure Hybrid reached 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, while the big-power twin-turbo V-8 achieves 0-60 in just 3.5 seconds. The Bentayga’s performance is effortless and refined—brutal when needed but always composed and dignified.
The BMW XM’s 644-hp hybrid system delivers comparable or superior acceleration, though specific 0-60 times vary by configuration. The LABEL RED variant with 748 hp enters genuine hypercar territory, providing acceleration that feels almost inappropriate for a vehicle this large and luxurious.
Design Philosophy: Timeless Elegance vs Controversial Statement
Perhaps no aspect divides these SUVs more dramatically than their exterior aesthetics.
Bentley Bentayga Design:
The Bentley’s exterior design took time to mature into a beautiful and lavishing visual exercise, embodying the quintessential Bentley visual philosophy. While looking rounded and cohesive, the Bentayga manages to feel solid and imposing.
The design evolution has been conservative and evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The Bentayga maintains unmistakable Bentley identity with its matrix grille, powerful proportions, and elegant surfacing. It’s a design that ages gracefully and commands respect without shouting for attention.
BMW XM Design:
The XM oozes individuality drawn from heavily temperamental design, combining both traditional traits and new, unseen lines and surfaces. While the Bentley Bentayga looks overall classic and well-behaved, the new BMW XM might look a bit brutal and relentless.
The XM’s split headlights, massive grille with illuminated double bars, and aggressive creases create a polarizing aesthetic. While it is nearly indisputably fast and luxurious, there is little praise for it past that, with critics noting the design isn’t to everyone’s taste.
Interior Luxury: British Craftsmanship vs German Technology
Both SUVs deliver world-class interiors, though they express luxury through distinctly different philosophies.
Bentley Bentayga Interior:
The classic British luxury philosophy is all-present in the cabin of the Bentayga: the finest leather upholsteries and wood/metal veneers are used for a truly eye-pampering experience. The Bentley is the proud bearer of an old school visual language which has aged very well, with an abundance of useful buttons that look exquisite.
The Bentayga’s interior represents bespoke craftsmanship at its pinnacle. Every surface is covered in premium materials—hand-stitched leather, real wood veneers, and knurled metal controls that feel like fine jewelry. The optional entertainment system consists of two 10.2-inch displays mounted to the back of the front seat headrests, with a 12-speaker stereo standard and Naim’s superb 20-speaker premium audio system available.
BMW XM Interior:
The XM’s cabin prioritizes technology and modernity over traditional luxury. The Bavarian does away with most physical buttons and is happy with a minimum necessary, featuring cutting-edge displays and digital interfaces.
The XM employs high-quality materials but expresses luxury through technology integration rather than traditional craftsmanship. The cabin feels more like a high-tech lounge than a classical luxury environment—appropriate for buyers seeking modern rather than timeless luxury.
Dimensions and Space: Size Comparison
Physical size impacts both road presence and interior spaciousness. At 5.14 meters, the Bentayga is barely any visibly longer than the XM’s 5.11-meter length. The XM is slightly wider at exactly 2,005 mm vs. the 1,998 mm of the British model.
The dimensional similarities mean both SUVs offer comparable interior space, though packaging differs. The XM doesn’t offer a seven-seat option, with cargo volume of 527L with rear seats up and 1820L folded, while the Bentayga offers 484 litres with all seats in place.
The Bentayga prioritizes rear passenger luxury, particularly in Extended Wheelbase configuration. The Bentayga EWB adds 7.0 inches to the body behind the B-pillar, providing more legroom to rear-seat passengers and the mega-comfortable Airline Seats option.
Ride Quality and Dynamics: Different Priorities
How these SUVs drive reveals their different missions and target audiences.
Bentley Bentayga Driving Experience:
With either powertrain, acceleration feels effortless, and the Bentayga offers a placid ride. It can hustle down a curvy road better than its chief ultra-luxury SUV rival, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
The Bentayga delivers a magic carpet ride quality that isolates occupants from road imperfections while maintaining surprising agility for such a large, heavy vehicle. The steering is light yet precise, and body control is excellent thanks to advanced active suspension technology.
BMW XM Driving Experience:
Perhaps the biggest letdown is the ride quality—or lack of it. While it’s understandable BMW wanted the most dynamic version of the XM it could manage, the end result plays against the vehicle’s otherwise long suit of hyper-luxury.
The XM prioritizes dynamic capability over ultimate comfort, creating a firmer, more connected driving experience. For enthusiasts who want an engaging, performance-oriented SUV, this is a strength. For buyers expecting plush comfort above all else, it’s a significant compromise.
Ownership Considerations: Beyond the Purchase Price
Service and Exclusivity:
Bentley ownership includes white-glove service, extensive personalization options, and the prestige of one of the world’s most exclusive automotive brands. Paradoxically, buyers of lesser luxury SUVs such as the BMW X7 or Cadillac Escalade will find that many safety features come standard that cost extra on the Bentayga.
BMW provides excellent service through its M Performance centers, though the experience doesn’t match Bentley’s bespoke luxury treatment. However, BMW’s more extensive dealer network provides easier access to service facilities.
Depreciation:
Ultra-luxury vehicles depreciate significantly, though Bentley’s limited production helps maintain value better than mass-market luxury brands. The XM’s controversial reception and higher production numbers may impact long-term value retention negatively.
The Verdict: Choose Your Luxury Philosophy
Declaring a winner oversimplifies what amounts to a choice between fundamentally different expressions of automotive luxury.
Choose the Bentley Bentayga if:
- Traditional British luxury and craftsmanship resonate with you
- Established prestige and brand heritage matter deeply
- You prioritize ultimate ride comfort and refinement
- Bespoke personalization and exclusivity are important
- You want the pinnacle of handcrafted interior luxury
- Classic, timeless design appeals more than bold statements
- Rear passenger comfort is paramount (especially EWB)
- You’re willing to pay premium pricing for heritage brands
- The Flying B badge carries significant personal meaning
- You want an SUV that’s universally admired and respected
Choose the BMW XM if:
- Hybrid performance technology excites you
- Bold, controversial design makes a statement you appreciate
- Lower entry pricing ($50,000+ savings) matters significantly
- You prioritize dynamic driving over ultimate comfort
- Modern technology trumps traditional craftsmanship
- M Division heritage and performance credibility appeal
- Electric-only driving capability has practical value
- You want the most powerful hybrid luxury SUV
- You appreciate being different over being established
- You value innovation over tradition
Final Thoughts: Two Visions of Ultra-Luxury
The Bentley Bentayga and BMW XM represent two valid but dramatically different approaches to ultra-luxury SUV design. The Bentayga succeeds through refinement, heritage, and timeless execution—it’s the safe, prestigious choice that nobody will question. It delivers everything expected from a Bentley in an SUV wrapper.
The XM represents BMW’s bold attempt to redefine luxury performance through hybrid technology and controversial design. Taking the kid gloves off, the XM is perhaps the least successful BMW M product in the last decade, though it’s a fun car to drive with undeniable speed and luxury.
For buyers seeking established luxury with proven pedigree, the Bentayga delivers magnificently. For those wanting cutting-edge hybrid performance wrapped in polarizing design, the XM offers something genuinely different.
Test drive both if possible to experience their profoundly different characters. The Bentayga coddles with traditional luxury while delivering surprising performance. The XM challenges conventions with hybrid technology and dynamic focus that sacrifices some comfort.
In this clash of ultra-luxury titans, there are no bad choices—only different expressions of automotive excellence at the highest level. Choose Bentley for timeless prestige or BMW for performance innovation. Either way, you’re joining an exclusive club of owners who refuse to compromise on luxury, performance, or exclusivity.
