Rolls Royce Cullinan (2022) Review

Ever since Charles Rolls and Henry Royce joined forces in 1904 to found Rolls Royce Motor Cars, the internationally renowned company have designed, engineered and manufactured some of the most luxurious cars to ever grace the open road.

You have most likely heard of the Phantom, Ghost and Wraith; all three are known for their silky smooth V12 powertrains, opulent leather interiors and magic-carpet ride qualities. But in May 2018 at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, Rolls Royce launched their all-new model – an SUV – the spectacular Cullinan.

Developed to challenge the likes of Land Rover’s highly respected Range Rover and the equally regal Bentley Bentayga, the Cullinan (named after the largest gem-quality diamond ever discovered) goes a step further by giving its owners even greater levels of refinement, quality and prestige.

When Rolls Royce first announced they were going to produce an SUV, many questioned its success – existing customers and journalists bristled at the idea of a jacked-up Phantom. The end product, however, being as spacious, cossetting and competent as it is demonstrates that Rolls Royce know a thing or two about crafting automobiles that will stand the test of time.

Like the Phantom, the Cullinan is best experienced in the back, but should the urge arise to jump into the driver’s seat, the 6.75 litre twin turbo V12 delivers a mighty 563bhp and 850Nm torque; ample performance to ferry the family to the place in Tuscany or the yacht in St Tropez.

The engine is a masterpiece – you’d think a V12 would always be loud, dominating and raucous, but the skilled engineers at Rolls Royce have succeeded in producing a powertrain which is effortlessly powerful yet uber quiet.

The example I’m in has a particularly exquisite specification. The Immersive Seating option, Cullinan Package and Rear Theatre Configuration make you feel like you’re in an exclusive Mayfair club: a fixed rear seat centre console, rear massage seats, picnic tables and rear TV’s make any journey a pleasure.

And a successful day at the races or a new business deal can be aptly toasted with your favourite tipple courtesy of the Champagne Cooler and Whisky Decanter coupled with Rolls Royce branded tumblers and champagne flutes.

Moreover, the ‘Viewing Suite’ consists of two automatic foldaway leather seats in the boot that can be easily deployed at a moment’s notice; think point-to-point, shooting party or simply a day out in the British countryside.

Other notable options include Rolls Royce Bespoke Audio, Polished Stainless Steel Package, Personalised Illuminated ‘RR’ Treadplates and Rear Compartment Side Curtains, enhancing its occupants’ sense of separation from the outside world.

To the detractors, this is extravagance gone mad. Who needs sculpted leather seats on their tailgate? Won’t a straightforward flip-down bench do the same job for a fraction of the price? Is a 6.75 litre V12 really necessary at a time when we’re getting through the earth’s natural resources at such a prodigious rate?

Granted, the Cullinan is a member of the old world. Many manufacturers are already well on the way to producing ranges that are almost exclusively electric. Sustainable materials, fresh designs, and innovative thinking is paving the way for a new era of motoring. But as a last hurrah – an epochal moment, the Rolls Royce Cullinan has surely cemented itself as one of the most impressive SUVs ever produced. It may be over-the-top, but it’s also rather lovely.

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