- 6.75-liter turbocharged V12
- 8-speed auto transmission
- Revamped air suspension system
Rolls-Royce is the latest high-end luxury make to enter the SUV derby with its all-new 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a vehicle it describes as an “authentic, 3-box high-bodied all-terrain car.” It offers traditional Rolls-Royce cues including its signature grille topped by the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, coach-style doors and a V12 engine beneath the hood.
While the exterior of the vehicle is an upright, 2-box design, Rolls-Royce has incorporated a partition between the rear seat and the load area to create the three separate areas, the nose for the powertrain, the center part of the cabin for passengers and the aft portion for cargo.
Under the banner of “Effortless Everywhere”, the concept behind the Cullinan (which is named after the largest diamond in the world) is to offer the highest levels of comfort and luxury in a vehicle that reflects the same level of craftsmanship and exclusivity as Rolls-Royce’s car range.
“Luxury is no longer an urban concept,” said Torsten Muller-Otvos, Rolls-Royce CEO. “Our customers expect to go everywhere in luxury, effortlessly and without compromise, conquering the most challenging terrain to enjoy life’s most enriching experiences wherever they dare to venture. Cullinan is that car.”
Also: Get your first look at the new and redesigned cars of 2019
V12 power
Beneath the hood is Rolls-Royce’s 6.75-liter turbocharged V12 engine, which produces 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. The Cullinan is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission as well as all-wheel drive and steering and a revamped air suspension system than gives the vehicle its off-road capabilities. While Rolls did not provide data on acceleration, it did say the vehicle has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Riding on a 130-inch wheelbase, the Cullinan measures 210 inches in overall length and stands 72 inches tall. It is 85 inches wide and inside there are two seating configurations offered, a 5-passenger setup with three across rear seating and a more exclusive 4-seat arrangement.
The appeal of Rolls-Royce vehicles including the Cullinan is the bespoke nature of its luxury interior. Traditional touches like real wood veneers, high quality leather and little touches like heated door armrests add to the luxury ambiance. The passenger compartment is separated from the cargo area with a glass partition and the rear hatch is a double clam-shell affair that Rolls-Royce calls the Clasp. This slight bustle on the rear hatch recalls a time when a trunk was literally just that attached to the rear of the car. The Clasp opens and closes automatically at the touch of the key fob.
Pricing and availability of the 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan will be announced later.
