World Debut of Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV

By Farzana Chaumoo

“Delivering effortless, boundless luxury everywhere its owner chooses to venture!”

An ultra-luxury SUV has been officially launched to the world today. Called the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, named after the world-famous and largest uncut diamond ever found, is the first SUV to be launched by the British luxury automaker.

Quick fun-fact: The Cullinan Diamond is the largest rough diamond ever found. It weighs 3,106.75 carats (621.35 g) and was discovered at the Premier No.2 mine in Cullinan, South Africa. The diamond was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the diamond mine.

So Rolls-Royce’s first SUV will have special significance to the South African market. You might also want to read up on it, there’s an intriguing story behind this diamond.

Back to cars though, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is not just a new chapter in the SUV industry, but also in the luxury-car market. Rolls-Royce has promised the Cullinan will be one of the most capable off-road vehicles and takes it back to the time when the automaker participated in Alpine trials and epic cross-continent adventures. Its development also spouted from rivals Bentley and Lamborghini wandering into the SUV market with its Bentayga and the Urus respectively.

We can tell the Cullinan might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But then again, it would mainly appeal to those who can afford it. Personally, I think its stunning and carries that Rolls-Royce essence through and through. We know Rolls-Royce cars are unbelievably large and I’m trying to picture how large this SUV will stand next to others.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Bespoke feature

The first authentic, bespoke feature was already seen from the teaser image of the two seats hanging out the back. It’s called the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Viewing Suite

What is the Viewing Suite? It is two rear-facing, beautifully contemporary, upholstered in the finest leather, chairs with a cocktail table. It was designed and engineered at Rolls-Royce headquarters in Goodwood. The Viewing Suite gracefully deploys automatically at the touch of a button from within the rear compartment of Cullinan.

The automaker describes it as luxuriously comfortable for its owner to take in breath-taking vistas or to watch a sports event.

Every element in the Cullinan has stemmed from a deep understanding of the lifestyles and expectations of the most demanding Rolls-Royce customers in the world. Furthermore, it bears testimony to the unequalled Bespoke competence of the designers and craftspeople at the Home of Rolls-Royce, says Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce.

Under the bonnet

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is transported by 22-inch wheels and is powered by a 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 Rolls-Royce engine, which puts out 420kW (563bhp) and 850Nm of torque. It also has an all-new all-wheel drive, all-wheel steer system.

Rolls-Royce’s celebrated ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ is thanks to the new lighter architecture, and the latest generation of self-levelling air suspension. The existing air suspension system went through a thorough re-engineering process which included adding larger air struts with more air volume to cushion the blows of tough terrains. The drive and prop shafts were strengthened and the inclusion of drive to the front and back wheels is a first in Rolls-Royce history.

Tech

Inside, all information is clearly communicated by the latest generation of digital instruments, with beautiful virtual needles, Rolls-Royce jewellery-like chaplets and clear lettering.

The central information screen is for the first time touch sensitive, allowing the driver to quickly select functions, map views and vehicle set-up whilst on a trail. This portal can still be controlled from the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy controller which nestles on the central console with the ‘Off-Road’ button, Hill Descent Control button and Air Suspension height adjustment controls.

Other cutting-edge technology makes Rolls-Royce Cullinan the most technologically advanced car of its type in the world 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; an industry leading 7x3 High-Resolution Head-Up Display, WiFi hotspot, and not forgetting the latest Navigation and Entertainment Systems.

SA SUV sector

Our CEO, George Mienie, says the SUV sector in South Africa is already showing strong growth. “There’s massive interest on SUVs that are listed on our site.” Mienie predicts the Rolls-Royce Cullinan will undoubtedly propel the SUV market to even greater heights, and to think it was just an idea and sketch four years ago.

Since the Cullinan will represent the ultimate in luxury, Mienie is certain that “many South African motorists will search for this vehicle – because it is enormously aspirational.” Without a doubt, it can also be said that the Rolls-Royce Cullinan will carry a hefty price tag.

This is the top ten most searched-for premium (+R1 million) SUVs on AutoTrader over the past 12 months:

1. BMW X5
2. Mercedes-Benz GLE
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee
4. Range Rover Sport
5. BMW X6
6. Audi Q7
7. Porsche Cayenne
8. Maserati Levante
9. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
10. Toyota Land Cruiser 200

Our sources tell us that four Rolls-Royce Cullinans will arrive in South Africa around November. Further details, including pricing will be announced at the local launch.