When it comes to luxury, class, and ultimate refinement, Rolls-Royce has always been at the top. Known for crafting some of the most elegant and prestigious cars in the world, the brand has long been associated with royalty, celebrities, and business tycoons. But in 2018, Rolls-Royce ventured into a new category—the SUV segment—with the launch of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Named after the world’s largest diamond ever discovered, the Cullinan is a symbol of rarity, beauty, and timeless value.
we will explore every detail of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, from its exterior design to its interior features, performance, technology, safety, and why it is considered one of the most luxurious SUVs on the planet.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan was introduced in 2018, marking the company’s first-ever SUV. It was built on the brand’s Architecture of Luxury platform, the same lightweight aluminum spaceframe used in the Phantom VIII. The idea behind the Cullinan was to create a vehicle that offers supreme comfort, off-road capability, and unmatched luxury, without compromising the signature Rolls-Royce elegance.
Rolls-Royce understood the growing global demand for ultra-luxury SUVs and created the Cullinan to meet the expectations of its elite clientele. The result was a vehicle that combines a stately presence with incredible engineering finesse.
Exterior Design: Bold, Elegant, and Commanding
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan has a commanding road presence that makes it stand out even in the world of luxury SUVs. At first glance, the iconic Pantheon Grille immediately identifies it as a Rolls-Royce. The grille is flanked by sleek laser headlamps with LED daytime running lights, giving it a modern yet majestic appearance.
Its squared-off silhouette and muscular proportions give the Cullinan an imposing stance. The high roofline and bold character lines emphasize its SUV identity, while chrome details and 22-inch alloy wheels enhance the luxury appeal.
At the rear, the Cullinan features stylish rectangular taillights and a subtle spoiler. The split tailgate, known as the “clasp,” not only adds functionality but also elegance. Owners can even opt for a bespoke “Viewing Suite”—two leather seats and a cocktail table that emerge from the tailgate, perfect for polo matches, horse races, or simply enjoying scenic views.
Key Exterior Highlights:
- Iconic Pantheon grille with chrome finish
- Sleek laser headlamps with LED DRLs
- 22-inch alloy wheels with optional custom designs
- Split tailgate with “Viewing Suite” option
- Bespoke exterior paint finishes (over 40,000 shades possible)
Interior Design: The Pinnacle of Luxury
Step inside the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, and you’re greeted by an atmosphere of absolute luxury. The cabin is hand-crafted with the finest materials, including premium leather, open-pore wood veneers, stainless steel accents, and bespoke carpeting. Everything inside can be customized to the owner’s exact specifications, making each Cullinan truly unique.
The seating arrangement is available in two layouts:
- Lounge Seating: A traditional three-seat rear bench that folds to increase luggage space.
- Individual Seats: Two executive-style rear seats with a fixed center console housing a drinks cabinet and refrigerator.
The seats are heated, ventilated, and offer a massage function, ensuring maximum comfort during long journeys. The Cullinan also boasts Rolls-Royce’s signature “Magic Carpet Ride” experience, making passengers feel as if they are floating on air.
The cabin is also incredibly quiet thanks to 6mm double-glazed windows and over 100kg of sound-deadening material. This ensures that outside noise never interrupts the serenity inside.
Interior Features:
- Premium leather upholstery in bespoke colors
- Hand-finished wood veneers and metal trims
- Starry Night headliner with fiber-optic lights
- Rear-seat entertainment with 12-inch HD displays
- Bespoke champagne cooler and whisky decanter options
- 560-liter boot capacity with partitioned storage
Performance: Power Meets Refinement
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is not just about luxury; it also delivers exceptional performance. Under the hood lies a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine, producing 563 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an advanced all-wheel-drive system.
Despite weighing nearly 2.7 tons, the Cullinan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds, which is remarkable for an SUV of this size. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, ensuring smooth yet powerful performance.
Thanks to its self-leveling air suspension and Rolls-Royce’s unique chassis technology, the Cullinan offers an unmatched driving experience both on and off the road. The suspension system constantly adjusts to road conditions, delivering the brand’s signature “Magic Carpet Ride.”
Performance Specs:
- Engine: 6.75L V12 Twin-Turbo Petrol
- Power: 563 hp
- Torque: 850 Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- 0–100 km/h: 5.2 seconds
- Top Speed: 250 km/h (limited)
Off-Road Capability: Luxury Beyond the City
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan may look like a city SUV, but it is fully capable of handling rough terrains. It features all-wheel drive, hill descent control, and multiple terrain response modes. With a wading depth of 540 mm, the Cullinan can easily cross streams and shallow rivers.
Whether it’s snow, sand, gravel, or mud, the Cullinan ensures effortless driving without compromising passenger comfort. This combination of luxury and ruggedness makes it truly unique in the luxury SUV segment.
Technology and Infotainment
The Cullinan is packed with modern technology while maintaining Rolls-Royce’s elegant simplicity. It comes with a 12.3-inch central infotainment display, controlled by a rotary controller and touch functionality. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging are standard.
The rear passengers enjoy 12-inch entertainment screens, connected to the infotainment system for movies, browsing, or navigation updates. A bespoke 18-speaker premium audio system ensures crystal-clear sound quality, perfect for music enthusiasts.
Other features include:
- Heads-up display
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Advanced navigation with 3D maps
- Surround-view camera system
- Gesture-controlled functions
Safety Features
Rolls-Royce prioritizes passenger safety, and the Cullinan is equipped with advanced safety features, including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure and Lane Keep Assist
- Night Vision with pedestrian and animal detection
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Detection
- 8 airbags and reinforced body structure
Price and Availability
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is one of the most expensive SUVs in the world. In India, prices start from ₹6.95 crore (ex-showroom) and can go well above ₹8 crore depending on customization. In international markets, it starts around $355,000 USD, but bespoke options can push it far higher.
For ultra-luxury buyers, the Cullinan is not just a car—it’s an investment in status, comfort, and exclusivity.
Competitors
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan competes with other ultra-luxury SUVs, but none quite match its grandeur. Competitors include:
- Bentley Bentayga
- Lamborghini Urus
- Aston Martin DBX707
- Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600
While these SUVs offer incredible luxury and performance, the Cullinan’s handcrafted exclusivity and Rolls-Royce heritage place it in a league of its own.
Why Choose the Rolls-Royce Cullinan?
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan isn’t just about traveling—it’s about experiencing luxury at its highest level. From its handcrafted interiors to its powerful V12 engine, every detail is designed for those who demand perfection. It’s not merely an SUV; it’s a statement of success, wealth, and elegance.
Final Thoughts
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan redefines what a luxury SUV should be. With its unmatched design, world-class craftsmanship, and powerful performance, it represents the pinnacle of automotive excellence. Whether you’re cruising through the city or exploring rugged landscapes, the Cullinan delivers a driving experience like no other.
For those who can afford it, the Cullinan is more than just a vehicle—it is the ultimate symbol of status, power, and luxury.
