Compare the2027 BMW X5 VS 2026 Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Both the X5 and Cullinan have rear cross-traffic warning, but the X5 has Cross Traffic Warning with Braking (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Cullinan’s Cross Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the X5 and the Cullinan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all-wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The X5’s corrosion warranty is 8 years longer than the Cullinan’s (12 vs. 4 years).

There are over 9 times as many BMW dealers as there are Rolls-Royce dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the X5’s warranty.

On the EPA test cycle the X5 gets better mileage than the Cullinan:

			MPG
X5
	AWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	24 city/28 hwy
Cullinan
	AWD	6.8 turbo V12	12 city/19 hwy
		Black Badge 6.8 turbo V12	12 city/19 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the X5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Cullinan doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the X5’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Cullinan doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW X5 higher (6 out of 10) than the Rolls-Royce Cullinan (2). This means the X5 produces up to 27.7 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Cullinan every 15,000 miles.

For more complete vehicle control the X5 has Steptronic, with the available convenience of an automatic transmission and the complete gear control of a manual transmission without the inconvenience of a clutch. Steptronic allows the driver to eliminate unwanted shifts and maximize engine braking by down shifting while cornering. The Cullinan doesn’t offer a transmission that allows complete gear control.

The X5’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Cullinan doesn’t offer launch control.

The X5 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Cullinan; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the Cullinan don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the X5 is .4 inches wider in the front and 1.6 inches wider in the rear than on the Cullinan.

For better maneuverability, the X5’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the Cullinan’s (42 feet vs. 43.3 feet).

The BMW X5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 950 pounds less than the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

The X5 is 1 foot, 1.6 inches shorter than the Cullinan, making the X5 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the X5 has standard flush composite headlights. The Cullinan has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The X5 has a much larger cargo volume than the Cullinan with its rear seat up (27.3 vs. 19.8 cubic feet).

The X5’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The Cullinan w/Executive Rear Seats doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

The X5’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Cullinan’s (7710 vs. 7300 pounds).

Standard Trailer Stabilization Control on the X5 uses the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Cullinan doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The X5 has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Cullinan (1477 vs. 1027 lbs.).

The X5 has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the Cullinan (1477 vs. 1080 lbs.).

The X5’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Cullinan’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

The X5’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Cullinan’s power window switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the X5 has standard extendable sun visors. The Cullinan doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The BMW X5 outsold the Rolls-Royce Cullinan by almost 88 to one during 2025.