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Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II: The epitome of luxury SUV grandeur

The facelift gives it a new name and a more powerful counterpart with 447kW.

Ntsako Mthethwa
May 8, 2024
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 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II: The epitome of luxury SUV grandeur

Rolls-Royce ventured into the SUV segment in 2018 with its Cullinan variant, which gets its name from the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered, the Cullinan Diamond. 

 

Roughly six years since its debut, the Cullinan is getting its mid-cycle refresh for the 2025 model year, and going forward, it will be known as the Cullinan Series II. For the first time, the facelifted version will also be joined by the formidable Black Badge variant, which packs a more potent V12 powerplant. 

 

On looks alone, the Cullinan Series II adopts a new light treatment with elongated daytime running light clusters for a more imposing stance. Additionally, the vehicle’s bumper lines artfully form a subtle ‘V’ shape. The  Cullinan Series II also features new air intakes that are angled outwards, an illuminated pantheon grille for the first time in a Cullinan, stainless steel exhaust tips, 23-inch wheels, and a brushed stainless-steel protective plate running between the exhausts. 

 

Richly veined brown marble served as inspiration for the RR colour specialists when creating a new paint option.

 

From a design point of view, the interior appears to have been carried over from the pre-facelift model; however, if you look carefully, you will notice the Spirit of Ecstacy that has been neatly tucked beneath the analogue clock. 

 

There is a lot happening inside the RR Cullinan Series II, as one would anticipate from a vehicle of this calibre, from the stylish carbon fibre trim on the dashboard, passenger screens, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth headphones for rear passengers, illuminated fascia panel, to the Duality Twill leather interior that makes use of 2.2 million stitches and 17km of thread. Pointless information, but nonetheless interesting.  

 

If you like, you can get the Cullinan as a seven seater by opting for the individual rear seats installed in the cargo compartment. 

 

Powering the Cullinan Series II and the Black Badge is the familiar V12 6.7-litre twin-turbo engine. Despite the engine facing its demise as the brand transitions to become an EV brand by 2030, it remains a significant part of the brand’s identity. 

 

In the realm of luxurious SUVs, the RR Cullinan stands tall as a posh variant that money can buy. The idea of RR venturing into the SUV segment initially surprised industry observers. However, recognising the growing demand for elevated luxury vehicles, the British automaker successfully capitalised on this trend.

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