Rolls-Royce Cullinan: The ultimate luxury SUV

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is undeniably one of the leading names in the world of luxury automobiles. The brand name is often affiliated with unmatched opulence and class-leading luxury, customers who opt for a Rolls-Royce, often do not even consider other high-end cars. Considering the company’s stellar reputation amongst buyers and enthusiasts, each model to roll out of the factory can come under heavy scrutiny. When the premium British automaker announced the Cullinan SUV in 2017, not everyone was pleased.

For a brand that was primarily known for its luxury sedans and coupes, entering the sport utility vehicle (SUV) market was nothing short of a commercial move – at least according to critics. The fact of the matter is, premium luxury SUVs have been nothing short of a sales success story. In a world where economics plays a major role in the continued growth of carmakers, even Rolls-Royce had to bend to the will of global trends to remain viable.

A design that cannot be confused with other SUVs

While many modern premium SUVs feature soft curves and a sleek styling, the blocky and upright design of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan helps it stand out quite effortlessly. The front of the Cullinan comprises the brand’s large chrome grille, the unmistakable “Spirit of Ecstasy,” and rectangular headlamp housing – all signature design traits of a new Rolls-Royce model. The relatively-flat front bumper and hood gel quite well with the sleek chrome inserts on the lower apron.

The silhouette of the Cullinan presents a strong and tank-like persona, with mainly flat panels and lines that dominate the side profile of this high-end SUV. The restrained but premium curves are noticeable once you get close to the Cullinan, but the huge wheels, thick chrome door handles & window trim, and the straight shoulder line, can be seen from a distance. Approaching the Rolls-Royce Cullinan high-end SUV, it is easy to take in the sheer scale – boasting a length of over 5.3 meters.

The chunky yet sophisticated appearance of the Cullinan is carried forward to the rear of the SUV, where one will find a heavily-contoured tailgate, along with a suitably sloped rear glass that accentuates the luxurious appeal of this car. The vertically aligned LED taillights are also rectangular in shape, with a thin chrome strip placed above the number plate. There’s also a roof spoiler and a sporty-looking rear bumper. The bumper features a chrome upper trim, plus twin-exhaust outlets dressed in chrome and a faux diffuser.

As it seems, the entire design of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is distinct enough to ensure its status as a high-end luxury SUV. At the same time, the styling of this SUV (especially when painted in a black color scheme) has often been compared to that of the iconic London taxi. Whether that is true or not is debatable.

An interior that is thoroughly high-end and pleasant

The cabin of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is one of the leading examples of the best-in-class materials & workmanship, plus stellar attention to detail. This being a Rolls-Royce, the interior not only comes across as opulent, but also one that is extremely comfortable and free of unnecessary noise, vibration, or harshness. Since this is mostly a four-seat SUV, the Cullinan’s interior opens up quite nicely to provide a sense of space while offering tons of room across both rows of seats.

Rolls-Royce has, understandably, used some of the highest-quality materials available in the market. This results in a cabin that features fabulous leather upholstery, which is then mated to premium-quality wood and metal trim. The end result of all of this is a cabin that feels well-appointed but contemporary as well. Of course, RR allows customers to customize the interior to their hearts’ content, which opens an entirely different plethora of options.

What are the features that one can expect in the Rolls-Royce Cullinan?

There was a period in time when Rolls-Royce was known to produce extremely comfortable cars and premium, but not necessarily focusing on the most bleeding edge when it comes to technology. Customers back in the day prioritized a comfortable cabin and excellent workmanship. However, in the current day & age, even Rolls-Royce has had to catch up with the times and thus, inculcate a practice of bringing forth the latest in features and tech.

Some of the most notable features of the Cullinan include power-operated & soft-closing doors, adaptive air suspension with automatic ride-height adjustment, multi-zone automatic climate control, climate-controlled & massaging seats, adaptive cruise control, a gorgeous digital driver’s display with virtual needles, wireless charger, power-operated & folding rear seats, an optional refrigerator with a drinks cabinet, a heated steering wheel, a high-definition touchscreen infotainment display, a panoramic sunroof, and a bespoke audio system.

Other features of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan come in the form of Alertness Assistant, Wildlife & Pedestrian Warning, Collision Warning with Cross-Traffic Warning, Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning, Night Vision & Vision Assist, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display.

What lies underneath the massive hood of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan?

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV is powered by a glorious 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, which thrusts this 2.7-ton vehicle with the help of 563 horsepower and 850 Nm of maximum torque. The 8-speed automatic transmission in operation is butter-smooth, whilst an all-wheel-drive system ensures optimum traction even under inclement weather & road conditions.

Despite its mass, the Cullinan has an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h, while being able to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in around 5 seconds – that is quite remarkable! The ride quality of the Cullinan is indicative of its being a Rolls-Royce, but it's driving dynamics are nowhere near as athletic as that of the Urus or even the Bentayga. Given its heft and the V12 powertrain, the Cullinan’s fuel economy of 15 L/100 km (6.6 km/l) does not come as a surprise.

Is the Rolls-Royce Cullinan ‘Rolls-Royce’ enough?

The Rolls-Roycee Cullinan can cost around AED 2,000,000 in the UAE, definitely making it worthy of carrying the ‘Rolls-Royce’ badge. This makes the Cullinan more expensive than the Bentley Bentagya, though the former offers the level of plushness and opulence that even the Bentley SUV finds hard to match.

If you don’t mind its “London taxi-like” appearance, the Cullinan will provide you with a peaceful & comfortable travel experience while also offering enough thrust to surpass folks in ‘common’ cars. Moreover, the brand offers plenty of customization options to ensure that its elite clientele don’t feel short-changed.

FAQs

What is the price range for the Rolls-Royce Cullinan?

A: The price range for the Rolls-Royce Cullinan starts from around AED 2,000,000 in the UAE.

How does the Rolls-Royce Cullinan compare to other luxury SUVs in its class?

A: The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is often considered the epitome of luxury SUVs, making it a class above the Bentley Bentayga and the Mercedes-Maybach GLS.

What are the key features and specifications of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan?

A: The key features of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan include air suspension with automatic ride-height adjustment, power-operated & soft-closing doors, and Night Vision & Vision Assist. Specifications of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan include a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that develops 563 hp and 850 Nm.

Can you tell me about the interior and cabin amenities of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan?

A: The interior of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is understandably luxurious and rich-feeling, with loads of plush materials and exemplary workmanship. Cabin amenities of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan include climate-controlled & massaging seats, a refrigerator with a drinks cabinet, plus a bespoke audio system.

What is the fuel efficiency of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan?

A: The fuel efficiency of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is 15 L/100 km or 6.6 km/l.