Named for the largest rough diamond ever discovered, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan remains the most opulent SUV on the planet, affirmed by Cushing Donelan, who singled it out as “the tippy-top of luxury." The Cullinan Series II is the next generation of the original, introduced in 2018, and the reworked front and rear ends are immediately apparent, as are the 23-inch seven-spoke wheels milled from a single billet of aluminum. Interior options include a new rayon fabric crafted from bamboo called Duality Twill, the pattern of which, in our example, saw its share of detractors, including Jeff Mitelman, who called the Cullinan “more comfortable than my favorite couch, but with horribly ugly upholstery as tested." But as with all things Rolls-Royce, no bespoke commission is off the table if it’s in the scope of one’s imagination, patience, and resources—so if you don’t like the new twill, opt for your choice of leather instead. Many judges took a backseat-driver’s view, including Jeff Haber, who defined the Cullinan as a car to be “driven in, not driven." Agreeing, Barbie Pressly called it “True luxury! A treat to be chauffeured in. The interior was flashy and super comfy—seats you can melt into. Not a track car, but the best ride to the track." As for Brian Schwalbe, he described the Cullinan as “quieter than a bank vault."
Obviously not intended for a performance circuit, the Cullinan is more in tune with the highway—or even off-road terrain, should an owner be so adventurous. Abb Payne referred to it as “a phenomenal luxury SUV built for the open road," not to mention “ergonomically perfect." Carl Nolet proclaimed, “I would buy it and drive it every day!"
The Cullinan can be twice as costly as the Bentley Bentayga or Mercedes-Maybach GLS Class, which adds context to Bradford Crutchfield’s description of it as “an amazing work of art."
Engine: 6.75-liter twin-turbo V-12
Power: 563 hp
0-60 MPH: 5.1 sec
Top Speed: 155 mph (limited)
Base Price: $405,000
As Tested: $525,000
From the article by Viju Mathew and Robert Ross
