EFFORTLESS EVERYWHERE: DER ROLLS-ROYCE CULLINAN

Cullinan NEDC drive cycle: fuel consumption - 15,0 l/100km. CO2 – 341 g/km.*

Configure your Cullinan now at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dresden.
 

The Cullinan in brief

• Probably the most eagerly awaited Rolls-Royce of all time. It is named after the largest diamond ever found, which is now part of the British Crown Jewels.
• An all-terrain vehicle that makes the vision of authentic and luxurious off-road travel a reality. Travelling is now Effortless, Everywhere.
• Contemporary, functional design also makes the Cullinan an icon in the SUV world.
  The first SUV in the "three-box design". A glass partition creates an enclosed environment for passengers.
  The Cullinan is practical, versatile and family-oriented.
• The second Rolls-Royce to be built on the new "Architecture of Luxury". The Cullinan is the world's most advanced luxury SUV.
• The Cullinan has been tested under the toughest conditions. It offers uncompromising off-road pleasure without sacrificing on-road supremacy.
• With Bespoke Modules for many different lifestyles, the Cullinan can be tailored to the needs of its owners, such as the Viewing Suite and Recreation Module.
• The 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 engine produces 571 hp / 420 kW and 850 Nm of torque. The power is transmitted by a new all-wheel drive system with all-wheel steering.
• The Cullinan follows the tradition of the pioneers who chose Rolls-Royce for their challenges and expeditions a century ago.
   

When Rolls-Royce announced three years ago that it was developing an all-terrain vehicle, it was against a backdrop of customers around the world asking to launch the "Rolls-Royce of SUVs". Many of these young customers were successful in their businesses and were looking for a Rolls-Royce that could take them to the ends of the earth with all the luxury they needed. 

"History set a precedent and today Rolls-Royce answers our customers' call to action," Müller-Ötvös explains, "Our answer to history, to the visionaries, adventurers, explorers and those who believe in the supremacy of freedom is Cullinan."

What is Cullinan?

Something like the Cullinan has not been seen before. But Sir Henry Royce might have had it in mind when he once said: "Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it."

Meeting customer wishes has always been Rolls-Royce's ambition. But in developing the Cullinan, this was no easy task. Customers wanted a car that would give them the unique Rolls-Royce experience off the beaten track. What they didn't want was a vehicle that was as ubiquitous and compromised as an SUV - for example, increased interior noise due to the old-fashioned 'two-box' design, or being good either on or off road.

"We had to offer our customers something they couldn't find in this segment before," explains Giles Taylor, Director of Design at Rolls-Royce: "Our customers don't accept compromises. It's about more than just driving from the country to the city. This particular lifestyle requires an automobile that offers ultimate luxury everywhere. So a high all-terrain vehicle was born."

"The Cullinan embodies luxury in its purest form, mixed with perfect utility and supreme off-road capabilities," explains Müller-Ötvös.

For the first time, a Rolls-Royce features a tailgate called "The Clasp". It is stylistically reminiscent of the era when luggage was usually carried on a carrier outside the vehicle. "The Clasp opens and closes electrically.

The rear interior of the vehicle is designed to accommodate many different lifestyles to meet the needs of its owners. Two configurations are offered for the Cullinan: Lounge Seats and Individual Seats. The former is the more universal choice. They offer space for three passengers in the rear, making them particularly attractive for families, especially as the rear seatbacks fold down - a first for Rolls-Royce. They can be divided in a 1/3 to 2/3 ratio, which is achieved electrically by pressing the corresponding button in the luggage compartment or on the rear doors. This allows the backrest to be folded down while at the same time moving the headrests upwards to avoid leaving a mark on the seat cushion. The back of the backrests are covered with a non-slip carpet, making them resistant to marks from objects in the boot.

For those who want to transport larger items, the Cullinan offers plenty of space. The luggage compartment holds 560 litres, without the rear shelf even 600 litres. When both rear seat backs are folded down, the loading length measures 2,245 millimetres, while the total volume increases to 1,886 litres. Another helpful feature is that the boot floor can be raised electronically at the touch of a button.

The alternative to the Lounge Seats are the Individual Seats. They are for customers who appreciate the ultimate in luxury. Two individual seats in the rear are separated by a fixed console, into which a drinks cabinet with whisky glasses and carafe, champagne glasses and cooler is integrated. The seats are electrically adjustable, angled slightly towards each other for better communication, and offer the ultimate in comfort even on long journeys.

Another feature also provides unrivalled luxury in this configuration, creating the first globally available "three-box SUV". A glass wall separates the passenger cabin from the luggage compartment, creating an enclosed system for the occupants. In addition to the improved - the best-in-class - quietness of the interior, another advantage becomes apparent in the hottest and coldest places in the world: thanks to the separated cabin, the temperature of the interior remains constant even when the luggage compartment is open and neither hot nor cold air can enter.

Cullinan NEDC drive cycle: fuel consumption - 15,0 l/100km. CO₂ – 341 g/km.*

Adventure awaits

Even without having it in front of you, it's clear that the Cullinan is a very different car: the bespoke key is wrapped in the same type and colour of leather as found in the car's interior.

When the Cullinan is unlocked by this remote control, the vehicle automatically lowers by 40 millimetres to create even more effortless access to the vehicle. The wide door openings and completely flat floor do the rest. The doors close and open at the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Before driving, the Cullinan raises itself back to its standard driving height.

The driver immediately recognises the Cullinan as a self-driving car thanks to the thicker, smaller steering wheel. The heated, supple rim invites epic journeys to snowy regions, while heated and ventilated seats ensure passengers acclimatise perfectly - whatever the temperature outside. All information is communicated through digital displays in round chrome surrounds, with the displays themselves designed with clear and beautiful virtual needles as well as clear lettering. In addition to speed, power reserve and fuel and temperature levels, the displays also show important information on cruise control settings, navigation instructions, driver assistance systems and other systems.

The central display is touch-sensitive, giving the driver quick access to functions, map views and vehicle settings while on the move. He can also adjust his settings via the Spirit of Ecstasy Controller, which is located on the centre console along with the Everywhere button, the Hill Descent Control button and the air suspension height adjustment.

A host of other cutting-edge technologies make the Rolls-Royce Cullinan the most advanced vehicle in its class. These include Attention Assist, a 4-camera system with panoramic, all-round and helicopter vision, night vision and visual aids including day and night times, pedestrian and wildlife warning, active cruise control, collision warning, cross-traffic alert, lane departure and lane change warning, a 7 x 3-inch high-resolution head-up display, Wi-Fi hotspot and, of course, the latest navigation and entertainment systems.

Rear passengers sit higher than those in front and enjoy views of the surrounding area thanks to large side windows and the largest panoramic glass roof in the segment. A retractable picnic table is at their disposal at the touch of a button, as well as contemporary infotainment technology with touchscreens. A total of five USB ports in the vehicle interior and wireless charging of smartphones are further features of modern connectivity.

The exit is also innovative. Even when the Cullinan has traversed mud or snow, its passengers can exit comfortably - without the risk of getting dirty. The front and rear vehicle doors reach far into the sill and ensure that dirt from outside does not reach the actual door sill. Unique in this segment and a testament to Rolls-Royce's deep understanding of its clientele's needs.

Authentic Rolls-Royce engineering - everywhere.

The "Architecture of Luxury" is an aluminium space-frame design developed by Rolls-Royce engineers that will benefit every new Rolls-Royce in the future. The first to receive it was the new Phantom last year, now the Cullinan follows. The "architecture of luxury" is designed to accommodate all the size and weight requirements of various future Rolls-Royce models.

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan uses the new architecture in a very special way - after all, it must offer unparalleled on-road as well as off-road experience. To achieve this, the Cullinan's engineering team adapted the "architecture of luxury" to the design brief of a tall all-terrain car. As a result, the basic architecture became taller but shorter than the new Phantom. At the same time, a new feature was introduced that had never been seen before in Rolls-Royce series production: a tailgate.

A new aluminium substructure provides exceptional body rigidity and is "best-in-class" in rough terrain - while improving ride comfort.

Cullinan NEDC drive cycle: fuel consumption - 15,0 l/100km. CO₂ – 341 g/km.*

Floating above the off-road terrain

The integration of new technologies was another component that makes the Cullinan the effortless automobile that it is. "The powertrain system was a key task," explains Caroline Krismer, Engineering Project Leader for the Cullinan: "Our ambition was to transfer the sublime on-road driving experience of a Rolls-Royce to all other possible terrains, while ensuring the best on-road performance in the SUV segment."

The new 6.75-litre V12 engine features twin turbochargers. It offers a maximum torque of 850 Nm at the extremely low revs of just 1,600 rpm and produces 571 hp / 420 kW.

The existing air suspension has been thoroughly revised, including the integration of larger struts with more air volume to absorb shocks in the toughest terrain. For the first time in Rolls-Royce history, the front wheels are now powered as well, providing better traction.

The self-levelling air suspension performs millions of calculations every second as the electronically controlled shock absorber adjustment system continuously adjusts. It responds to body movements, wheel acceleration, steering angle and camera information. The new double-wishbone front axle and 5-link rear axle provide maximum control over lateral roll and lateral forces, as well as incredible agility and stability. The four-wheel steering also contributes to this.

When driving off-road, the electronically controlled damper adjustment system uses air compression to actively adjust each wheel as it loses traction. This ensures that each wheel is in contact with the ground and can transmit maximum drive torque.

The final piece of the puzzle in the Rolls-Royce Cullinan that delivers Effortless, Everywhere is the Everywhere Button. A quick tap is all it takes to activate the full range of the car's off-road capabilities. The driver can now also further refine the setting to glide perfectly over any surface - be it bad roads, gravel, wet grass, mud, snow or sand. To get through the deepest snow and water with confidence, the Cullinan offers the deepest fording depth of any luxury SUV: 540 millimetres

Designing a force of nature

"Today SUVs are ubiquitous and their design is very uniform," explains Giles Taylor: "They are all based on a two-box design and are increasingly less made for off-road use. The Cullinan, meanwhile, is an authentic all-terrain vehicle with sophisticated design and an unrestricted ability to satisfy our customers' expectations of our great heritage."

"One of the fundamental advantages of the architecture of luxury was the ability to place the wheels and roof exactly where I wanted them," Taylor continues, "This results in the Cullinan having the upright stance of a commander, giving it strength and power at first glance. At the same time, it creates effortless access and a rear compartment unlike any other."

Strength and power are immediately apparent from the Cullinan's face. Key features such as lights and air intakes are set deep into the bodywork, while strong vertical and horizontal lines and the Pantheon grille create a powerful countenance. As always, the grille is made of hand-polished stainless steel and is slightly offset to the front and top. The Spirit of Ecstasy is enthroned on it. A new headlight graphic not only provides a confident expression, but also offers illumination of over 600 metres at night with state-of-the-art laser light.

From the side, the Cullinan's purposefulness is clear. The typical Rolls-Royce profile with its long bonnet clearly stands out. The bonnet is set higher than the wings for greater load capacity. The silhouette rises to the Cullinan's maximum height of 1,836 millimetres - a remarkable figure that is further emphasised by the glass-to-metal ratio. From the B-pillar, the roofline drops towards the rear. There is an elegantly protruding boot lid, reminiscent of the Rolls-Royce D-Back models of the 1930s, when luggage was usually carried on a carrier outside the car.

How the occupants are perceived from the outside is due to the special relationship between axle distance and vehicle height. The ratio of glass to metal surfaces also lends true Rolls-Royce elegance, solidity and a sense of utmost privacy to rear passengers - without blocking their view of the world through the jet-like side window.

The rear view of the Cullinan continues the theme of functionality, with the design reduced to a functional baseline. The rear lights are also stylistically distinct: Two narrow, upright units contain all the lights and are adorned in their centre by narrow trim elements. Another sign of functionality are the exposed stainless steel exhaust tailpipes and underbody guard, both of which are a reminder of the car's outstanding power and capability.

The interior of the Cullinan combines authentic Rolls-Royce luxury with purist functionality. Whether it's the instrument panel, centre console or armrests in the doors, horizontal and vertical elements underpin the interior design everywhere before being clad in the finest leather, wood and metal. The centre console is framed by handcrafted metal struts for added robustness. The upper section is clad in the newly developed Box Grain black leather - a tough, water-repellent leather that resembles high-end Italian luggage and handbag designs. Beneath this is a wide strip of wood, shaped in three dimensions, while the entire dashboard is protected by leather upholstery at the top and bottom.

The Cullinan's seats represent Rolls-Royce's high quality and craftsmanship. For example, the backrests are made from a single piece of leather. This creates a beautiful, three-dimensional surface.

The interior of the Cullinan features heated surfaces. These are controlled by the heated seats. Heated areas include the front door armrests, front centre console cover, lower C-pillar, rear individual seat armrests and rear centre armrest.

Cullinan NEDC drive cycle: fuel consumption - 15,0 l/100km. CO₂ – 341 g/km.*

One life, many lifestyles

Travelling in a Rolls-Royce Cullinan is only the first part of an experience. Even after arrival, it surprises with features that meet the wishes of the discerning clientele. For example, "The Clasp" can be released at the touch of a button and the upper hatch at the rear of the vehicle can be opened. This is where the Recreation Module is hidden. What you find inside depends on your individual interests. Rolls-Royce offers customised inserts - for example, for drones, fly fishing, photography, paragliding, kite surfing or whatever the customer desires. The Recreation Module is tailor-made and contains a motorised drawer in which the equipment and utensils are precisely stored.

For other situations, meanwhile, the exclusive Viewing Suite is recommended. At the touch of a button, two rear-facing, finely crafted leather seats emerge, complete with cocktail table. From this luxurious viewing platform, Cullinan owners can enjoy the world's most breathtaking views or watch a sporting event. Everywhere, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Viewing Suite guarantees the best seat.