Why the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Is Luxury Redefined

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a rare gem built to be driven on-road and off. Though Rolls-Royce was late to the luxury-SUV party—unveiling the Cullinan only in 2018—that delay proved an advantage. By watching rivals first, the marque sidestepped common pitfalls and engineered around them. The result is a truly substantial off-roader—Rolls-Royce’s preferred term—that combines ultra-luxury with genuine capability.

Named after the world’s largest uncut diamond (3,106 carats), the Cullinan marks a radical departure from Rolls-Royce’s traditional spectral naming scheme—Phantom, Ghost, Wraith—to evoke the brilliance of its precious namesake.

In many ways, the SUV format aligns perfectly with Rolls-Royce design DNA. Its upright, boxy silhouette and generous proportions suit the brand’s aesthetic. Michelin-mudding 4x4s have evolved into polished crossovers, and the Cullinan is perhaps the most striking example yet.

Despite its price tag, the Cullinan is equipped for serious terrain. Its latest air-spring suspension delivers an actively adjustable ride height and preserves the “magic-carpet” ride Rolls-Royce is famed for. To prove its mettle, the marque plotted a lengthy off-road route through Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park.

The Cullinan shares the all-aluminum platform of the Phantom—albeit with a taller chassis and shorter wheelbase—and its signature coach doors set it apart from other luxury SUVs. Despite this sleek, instantly recognizable design, the Cullinan may be Rolls-Royce’s sportiest model in decades.

Underneath, four-wheel drive, a high-riding chassis, and a wading depth of 540 mm equip it for challenging ground. Yet it handles with surprising agility for an SUV of its size, thanks to an active anti-roll system that counteracts body lean and decouples for a sportier feel. A rear-wheel steering system further boosts its nimbleness.

Inside, the cabin is exceptionally quiet, borrowing much of its architecture from the Phantom. The restrained layout fosters calm, avoiding the distraction of countless LCDs and touchscreen LEDs.

An optional recreation module adds two folding seats to the tailgate, letting owners enjoy tea while watching a golf match or admiring the wilderness views.

Rolls-Royce modestly downplays the Cullinan’s heart: a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 571 hp and 850 Nm of torque. This may not top segment power charts, but it represents the apex of refinement, delivering effortless thrust. With an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, it sprints from 0–100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Evolving the Definition of Luxury