Rolls-Royce has finally pulled the wraps off its first all-terrain model – the much-anticipated Cullinan. Named after the Cullinan Diamond, the largest flawless diamond ever found, the new arrival is claimed it will “redefine luxury travel”.
The Cullinan brings Rolls-Royce’s famed ‘magic carpet ride’ sensation to off-roading, as well as on-road. – and boasts massive kerb appeal. Higher, yet shorter than the new Phantom, it features a two-stage tailgate – a first for Rolls-Royce. There’s are also two pop-out seats and mini table, perfect for watching a point-to-point or sipping cocktails al fresco.
Rolls-Royce reckons it’s creating the first truly “three-box” SUV, inspired by the age when one never travelled with one’s luggage. A glass partition isolates the passenger cabin from the luggage compartment, creating an inner ecosystem for the occupants.
“The label SUV is now applied to anything with a two-box silhouette and the least suggestion of going off tarmac,” said Giles Taylor, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
“We envisioned an authentic, three-box high-bodied all-terrain car with a convention-challenging design and absolute capability that would satisfy the adventurous urges of our clients.”
The rear compartment or boot area offers a standard 560 litres of space, growing to 600 litres with the parcel shelf removed. The total luggage capacity rises to 1,930 litres with the rear sets folded, giving a loading length of 2,245mm.
The Cullinan’s cutting-edge technologically includes Night Vision and Vision Assist including daytime and night-time Wildlife & Pedestrian warning; Alertness Assistant; a 4-Camera system with Panoramic View, all-round visibility and helicopter view; Active Cruise Control; Collision Warning; Cross-Traffic Warning, Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning; a 7×3 High-Resolution Head-Up Display and WiFi hotspot, plus navigation and entertainment systems.
Under the bonnet sits a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 engine delivering 563bhp. Built on an all-aluminium chassis, it features four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and air suspension.
Many experts believe this could be one of the most important new cars in the company’s history with the potential to double total sales within a couple of years.
Rolls-Royce expects many Cullinan customers to be people who already own a Roller, but want it as their weekend car.
SUVs are the fastest growing sector in the world, with China and the US leading demand. Bentley has already successfully launched its Bentayga luxury SUV, while Lamborghini’s new Urus has recently met with widespread critical acclaim. Aston Martin has announced its first Lagonda production model – a radical, zero-emission luxury SUV to go on sale in 2021.
“Cullinan is luxury in its purest form blended with perfect practicality and off-road capability,” says Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Effortless, Everywhere is not just the promise behind Cullinan. It’s the fact.”
