The Cullinan: A Car That Can Go Anywhere, Offering the Ultimate Luxury Space

The launch of Rolls-Royce's first SUV,Cullinanthe 'Cullinan,' commenced precisely on schedule with a live stream on YouTube and Facebook. The approximately 15-minute broadcast opened with scenes of T.E. Lawrence driving, who famously said, "One Rolls-Royce in the desert is worth more than a dozen rubies."

Following this, CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Design Director Giles Taylor, and Engineering Project Leader Caroline Krismer provided product descriptions, along with insights into the factory and the aluminum spaceframe.

Driving sequences showed a camouflaged test vehicle departing from the Goodwood headquarters in the UK. After navigating London's city streets, it sped through the rugged Scottish wilderness, kicking up mud, and was then seen drifting on snow-covered roads in the Austrian Alps, and powerfully accelerating through desert sands in the Middle East, kicking up dust.

Finally, the camouflage was removed to reveal two Cullinan models, one in red and one in gunmetal grey. Showcasing their luxurious interiors and exteriors, the film concluded with the vehicles driving through lush greenery and returning to the Goodwood headquarters.

As previously reported, the name 'Cullinan' comes from the world's largest diamond, weighing 3,106 carats, discovered in South Africa's Magaliesberg mountains in 1905. It is said to be currently housed within the British Crown Jewels.

Three years ago, Rolls-Royce began developing a new SUV in response to global customer demand for a 'Rolls-Royce of SUVs' that combined luxury, performance, and utility. Targeting affluent young individuals with a spirit of adventure and a history of success, the Cullinan has been realized as an all-terrain, high-bodied vehicle capable of reaching the ends of the earth while enveloped in unparalleled luxury.

Architecture of Luxury

According to the released specifications, the Cullinan is a colossal vehicle with dimensions of 5,342mm in length, 2,164mm in width, and 1,835mm in height, boasting a wheelbase of 3,295mm. It is powered by a 6.75-liter V12 twin-turbo engine, producing a maximum output of 571 hp at 5,000 rpm and peak torque of 850 Nm at 1,600 rpm.

The 2,660kg body can reach a top speed of 250 km/h (with limiter) thanks to its four-wheel steering and 4WD system. Fuel consumption is officially rated at 15 L/100km (approximately 6.67 km/L).

Supporting the large SUV body is an all-aluminum chassis, termed the 'Architecture of Luxury.' This is a redesigned spaceframe, shorter at the front and rear and higher than the one used in the new Phantom.

Based on this platform, a newly developed, state-of-the-art self-leveling suspension has been combined to achieve Rolls-Royce's renowned 'magic carpet ride' on both on-road and off-road conditions.

During driving, the system performs millions of calculations per second based on input data from the vehicle's acceleration and camera information, managing the front double-wishbone and rear five-link suspension. This enables control of lateral roll and shear forces, similar to adding four-wheel steering.

In off-road situations, an electronically controlled damping system detects wheels losing traction and lowers them, ensuring maximum torque is delivered to all wheels.

These functions are activated by pressing the 'Off-Road' button on the center console, internally referred to as the 'Everywhere Button,' just once. This allows for smooth driving in any condition, including rough roads, gravel paths, wet grass, mud, snowfields, and sand.

Furthermore, with a ground clearance enhanced by 22-inch wheels, the maximum wading depth is an impressive 540mm, the largest among ultra-luxury SUVs. For entry and exit, simply reaching for the iconic coach doors lowers the vehicle by 40mm, and touching the start button raises it by 40mm to the standard height, a benefit of the electronic air suspension.

Distinctive Rear Design

The Cullinan's distinctive features, including the powerful Pantheon grille and the Spirit of Ecstasy perched commandingly above it, are highlighted by its short rear notchback style. This evokes the 'D-Back Rolls-Royce' of the 1930s, which carried luggage on an external rack.

For the first time in a Rolls-Royce, it incorporates a two-stage, split-tailgate design known as 'The Clasp'.

To emphasize functionality, typical of an SUV, ornamentation is kept minimal. The logo is mounted on a small, dedicated pedestal above the license plate area. Similarly, the narrow, vertical taillights and exposed exhaust pipes reflect this functional approach.

The rear compartment offers 560 liters of storage space (600 liters with the cover removed), expanding to 1,930 liters and 2,245mm in length when the rear seats are folded. The rear seats can be configured in two ways to suit the owner's needs: 'Lounge Seating' or 'Individual Seating'.

The former features an electric folding bench seat for three, suitable for families. The latter consists of two individual seats, separated by a fixed rear center console equipped with a cabinet housing a Rolls-Royce whisky decanter, glasses, champagne flutes, and a cool box, offering a more luxurious seating arrangement.

Furthermore, the Individual Seating option includes a glass partition separating the seating area from the rear compartment. This not only maintains cabin tranquility but also ensures optimal cabin temperature by preventing hot or cold air from the luggage area from entering, successfully creating a 'three-box' SUV unlike any other.

Rolls-Royce's Answer

The red Cullinan featured in the video showcases a dark beige interior, while the gunmetal grey model has a white interior. The dashboard, featuring a triple-meter cluster, a central touchscreen information screen, an analog clock, and air vents, is finished with 'Boxgrain,' a durable and water-resistant black leather.

The central area, housing climate controls and the Spirit of Ecstasy controller, is adorned with three-dimensionally processed wood and is enveloped by wing-shaped leather pads.

The seats, positioned higher than the front seats, are simple and modern U-shaped designs, showcasing the exquisite leather craftsmanship of Rolls-Royce. Heated elements are integrated throughout the cabin, including the door armrests, center console covers, rear center armrests, and C-pillars, adding a practical touch befitting an SUV.

Safety features include advanced technologies such as Night Vision/Vision Assist with daytime/nighttime wildlife and pedestrian warning, a 360-degree view system, a four-camera system with helicopter view, Adaptive Cruise Control, collision/cross-traffic/lane departure/change warnings, and a 7.3-inch high-resolution Head-Up Display.

Additionally, for owners with diverse lifestyles, Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective offers the 'Viewing Suite,' leather chairs that extend from the rear compartment, and numerous 'Recreation Modules'.

These modules cater to a wide range of activities, including drone flying, fly fishing, photography, rock climbing, snowboarding, and volcano boarding, and can be easily integrated into the rear compartment.

At the end of the broadcast, President Müller-Ötvös, who welcomed the two Cullinan models, stated, "Just as history has set precedents, Rolls-Royce today answers the call to action. The Cullinan is our answer to history, to visionary people, to adventurers, explorers, and those who believe in the supremacy of freedom. It is truly a proud moment to introduce our SUV to you all."