2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan: A Luxury SUV Redefining Elegance

Introduction to Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Rolls-Royce is a brand steeped in history, actual royalty, and many affluent customers. When BMW took over the reins of this exquisite British marque in the late 1990s, some worried that the rich legacy of Rolls-Royce would be lost. Fast-forward a couple of decades, and the luxury brand is doing even better than ever before.

With buyers indulging in a diet of posh SUVs, it was clear where Rolls-Royce needed to go next. Thus, make way for the grand-new 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan—christened after the world's largest diamond of the same name. It finds itself positioned between the Ghost and the flagship Phantom within the family hierarchy.

The Cullinan also marks the carmaker's first foray into the luxury SUV segment, competing against formidable rivals such as the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini's Urus in the United Arab Emirates.

Exterior Design

Stretching over 5.3 meters in length, 2.1 meters in width, and 1.8 meters in height, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the size of most studio apartments in Dubai. Despite its massive proportions, the Cullinan commands attention without resorting to plebeian notions such as road presence or wishful intimidation.

The front features Rolls-Royce's hallmark grille, flanked by rectangular-shaped full-LED headlights and air intake slits. The blunt front bumper houses triple air intakes, shiny chrome accents, and a well-integrated skid plate.

Built on the aptly named "Architecture of Luxury," the Cullinan's silhouette and styling details comprise straight lines, gentle yet blunt edges, and rectangular elements.

Viewed in profile, the 2.6-ton SUV's titanic dimensions are hard to miss, including its vast 3.295-meter wheelbase and bespoke 22-inch wheels. These are complemented by appropriately-sized doors, windows, and an almost flat roofline. The rear of the Cullinan is muscular, featuring a huge rear liftgate, prominent roof spoiler, and a meaty bumper with a chrome scuff plate alongside a neatly integrated skid plate and dual exhausts. The relatively compact LED taillights look spectacular, especially at night.

Interior Luxury

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan’s interior can best be described as sumptuous, elegant, and a cut above the rest. For those demanding the best in quality, materials, craftsmanship, space, high seating position, and tranquility, the Cullinan is likely the answer.

Entering the vehicle might be cumbersome for shorter individuals, but once inside, the power-closing doors eliminate further manual labor. The 600-liter boot capacity is also generous.

The Cullinan's elaborate equipment list includes:

• Heads-up display
• Computer-controlled adaptive air suspension
• Radar cruise control
• Cabin mood lighting
• Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats
• Four-zone climate control
• Panoramic sunroof
• Rear drinks cabinet
• Touch-sensitive multimedia/infotainment display

Rolls-Royce has also fitted the Cullinan with an extensive safety suite, including:

• 8 airbags
• Active headrests
• Collision detection
• Attention assist
• Cornering assist
• Rollover mitigation
• Hill-descent control
• 360-degree camera system
• Electronic stability and traction programs

Engine and Performance

The Cullinan derives its power from a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, producing 563 hp and 850 Nm of torque. The motor channels its power through a silky-smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, spinning all four corners. Despite its heft and less-than-ideal aerodynamics, this luxury SUV can still accelerate to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds, with a top speed limited to 250 km/h. Its fuel consumption stands at 15.0 L/100 km.

Verdict

If you want the ultimate luxury SUV in the market today, the 1.89-million dirham Rolls-Royce Cullinan should more than suffice your desires. Financing options for the Cullinan begin at just over 29,000 dirhams.