Take the best that exists and make it better – Henry Royce
My brother would always say that one does not drive a Rolls-Royce, one gets driven in a Rolls-Royce. Whilst that maybe true for those of a wealthy disposition, I have always thought it somewhat of a travesty to have such a magnificent motor vehicle at your disposal and yet you only ever sit in the back. But then again, I hadn’t sat in the back of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan until now.
Named after the largest diamond ever discovered and one that forms part of the British Monarchy’s Crown Jewels, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the brand’s first foray into world of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs). The result? Driving luxury personified.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan First Impressions
With its 22-inch alloy wheels, imposing front grill and measuring over 5-metres long, 2-metres wide and just under 2-metres high the Cullinan does not blend into the motoring landscape. It is 2.6 tonnes of pure motoring muscle that will propel you from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 155mph. More impressively this is done under an oasis of tranquility as the Rolls-Royce Cullinan rides on an air suspension system that automatically adjusts its height using a road-scanning camera.
The effect is a driving experience that far surpasses that of other luxury SUVs. Quite simply this car feels like you’re floating on air whilst Rolls-Royce angels whisper sweet nothings in your ears. Oh, and did I mention that those in the front have the option of a full body massage courtesy of the massaging seats? Sorry, I must have been distracted by those angels!
Customisation options with the Cullinan
With all Rolls-Royce motor cars built by hand at the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and headquarters in Goodwood, England it enables the car manufacturer to uniquely cater for your individual needs, customising every last detail to the whim of the customer. The optional extras on show for the AGLAIA team included automatic door close buttons, panoramic roof, rear privacy screen windows, rear theatre configuration, front massage seats and a rear viewing suite.
The seashell interior with lime green ‘RR’ monogram headrests, luxurious lambswool foot mats and illuminated Cullinan tread plates provide a cockpit calmness rarely seen on the British roads. With cruise control, adaptive braking, blind spot information system, lane departure warning and an industry-leading hi res head-up display all the enhanced safety features are seamlessly built into the fabric of the Cullinan’s operation.
One system that is fundamental to the success of this vehicle is the four-camera system with panoramic and helicopter view. As you can imagine parking or navigating this juggernaut when in close proximity requires some 360 degree visual assistance.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Specifications
For the petrol heads amongst you let’s talk technical specifications:
- 6.75-litre V12 engine
- Power output at engine speed 600bhp, 441kW @ 5250-5750 rpm
- Max torque at engine speed 900 Nm @ 1700 rpm
- Acceleration 0-60mph 4.9sec / 0-100km/h 5.0 sec
- Premium/unleaded fuel type
- Fuel economy 18.6mpg CO2 emissions 343g/km 70-0mph 48.0m
- Wheelbase 3.2 metres / 130 in
So what’s the catch? There must be some faults, some begrudgingly annoying components to Rolls-Royce’s first SUV.
Yes, the entertainment system took a bit of getting used to but worked seamlessly thereafter. Connecting phones via bluetooth was a little cumbersome, but not impossible; more ‘user error’ than ‘engineering error’. Not having USB ports, only five USB-C ports was mildly irritating for those whose phones did not support such a connection. The rear-seat entertainment system, consisting of two 12-inch touch screens enabling those in the back to watch TV through the Cullinan’s Wi-Fi hotspot often took a few seconds to kick in; nothing that a little bit of patience can’t fix.
What about the audio system? No big brand name to boast of. But then again, with 18 speakers and 1300 watts of audio harmony you can’t really say it is needed. As for fuel consumption, yes this twin-turbo V-12 engine guzzles petrol, but then if one can afford the hefty price tag that comes with such a luxury vehicle then one would assume this isn’t an issue.
Our verdict
To put it simply, Rolls-Royce have taken the best SUV that exists to date and made one significantly better in the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Mr Henry Royce would be proud of what the brand has achieved.
As for me? Well I’ll be found enjoying the views over the Lake District via the inbuilt viewing suite – a pair of folding leather-clad rear-facing seats and cocktail table in a special cassette that present themselves at the touch of a button. That is when I can prize myself away from the massaging seats and sweet nothings those Roll-Royce angels have conjured up.
Find out more about the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
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Edward Lumley is Editor-in-Chief for Of Wealth & Life and a Freelance Men’s Fashion Writer. Edward has written for publications such as FashionBeans, Harrods and a variety of online outlets specialising in Men’s fashion for the past eight years. Follow Edward on Instagram.
