By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 26, 2020) It was inevitable that Rolls-Royce would follow the likes of Lamborghini, Bentley, and Maserati into the booming SUV market, albeit belatedly. Cullinan is named for the largest rough-cut diamond ever found, discovered in 1905 and weighing over 3,100 carats.

The Cullinan is heavily based on the Rolls-Royce Phantom, mimicking its boxy style, tall windows, and 22-inch wheels. An SUV rear end, higher ground clearance, wagon-style roofline, and thick D-pillar set the Cullinan apart.

Inside, the cabin magnificently finished, and is, again, almost identical to the Phantom, but has a larger and modern infotainment system and a wider center console. The entire interior is an amalgamation of luxuriously hand-finished surfaces of water-resistant box-grain leathers, genuine three-dimensional timbers, and jeweler styled metallurgy.

Oh, and for the record, the audio system is nothing short of stunning.

Of course, Rolls-Royce allows customers to source pretty much anything to personalize, enhance, wrap or inlay into the interior, making the Cullinan a bespoke work of art, handmade to order. If you can imagine it, Rolls-Royce can do it.

The overall feel is more like a living room, with seating more comfortable than any sofa you’ve ever sat on. And, of course seating adjustments are unlimited for maximum comfort. There’s simply no other vehicle that delivers luxury, comfort and quiet on this level.

Power is delivered by a 6.7-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 with 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft torque. Disregard the fact it weighs over three tons, it moves with incredible ease, reaching 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds so quietly it could easily be mistaken for an all-electric vehicle.

But the Cullinan is not only about the “magic carpet ride” experience; it can also be taken off road thanks to its electronically controlled adjustable suspension. I’m certain it could handle any terrain but I was anxious enough just driving it on normal roads.

The Cullinan will be limited to about 2,000 units annually with about 600 for the U.S. market.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $325,000
Price as Tested: $409,550
Engine/Transmission: 6.7-L twin-turbocharged 563 hp V-12 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, permanent all-wheel drive and 4-wheel steering
Fuel Economy: 12/20/14 mpg, city/highway/combined
Crash Test Ratings: There are no crash test ratings for the Cullinan
Where Built: West Sussex, England

Competes With:
Bentley Bentayga
Lamborghini Urus
Maserati Levante

Fab Features
A Rolls-Royce with off-road capabilities
Endless Bespoke indulgences
Unprecedented amount of comfort, opulence,
Powerful engine and performance