It was only three years ago that Rolls-Royce announced plans to introduce a new SUV and here it is – the 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan. It gets its name from the largest diamond ever found and is described as the first “three box” car in the SUV sector, since Rolls-Royce rather call it a “high-bodied car” than a traditional bland SUV.
Rather than just create a regular bland SUV, Rolls-Royce decided to a boxy, imposing SUV that takes cues from the rest of the Rolls-Royce lineup. βAt this point in the history of automotive design, SUVs have become homogenous and ubiquitous,β comments Giles Taylor, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “We envisioned an authentic, three-box all-terrain high-bodied car with a convention-challenging design and absolute capability that would satisfy the adventurous urges of our clients.β
Under that three-box design, the Cullinan is based on an aluminum spaceframe architecture that debuted with the latest Phantom. To make sure the Cullinan can tackle the rough terrain without disturbing its passengers, it features a self-leveling air suspension. In off-road mode the system also has the ability to actively push down any wheel that it detects is losing traction.
There won’t be a shortage of power with the Cullinan, since it’s powered by a 6.75-liter V12 engine with 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft. of torque. All that power will be routed to all four wheels via a new all-wheel drive system. Rolls-Royce has not mentioned any performance specs, like its 0-60 mph time or the Cullinan’s top speed.
Inside there’s room for up to five passengers and there are two rear seat options – Lounge Seats or Individual Seats. The rear seats also fold down, which is a first for Rolls-Royce and for your adventure, there’s 21 cubic feet of cargo space. In the front, the driver is greeted with a smaller steering wheel than in other Roll-Royce models, since the Cullinan is positioned more as a driver’s car.
The 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan will start at $325,000.
Source: Rolls-Royce