The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a full-sized luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) manufactured by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as the brand’s first all-wheel drive vehicle. It is named after the Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered.

The Cullinan sits above the Ghost and below the Phantom in Rolls-Royce’s line, with a starting price in the United States of approximately US$325,000 (£255,000).

Specifications and Performance

Platform

The Cullinan uses an aluminium spaceframe chassis; this is a version of Rolls-Royce’s modular “Architecture of Luxury” platform. This platform made its debut in the Phantom VIII.

Suspension

The Cullinan uses a double-wishbone front axle and a 5-link rear axle. It is fitted with self-levelling air suspension and electronically controlled dampers front and rear. It is also equipped with electrically actuated active anti-roll bars.

The Cullinan is also fitted with a stereo camera integrated into the front windscreen that scans the road ahead and adjusts the suspension proactively so as to improve ride quality. This system, dubbed “The Flagbearer” by Rolls-Royce, operates at speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph).

Like the Phantom VIII, the Cullinan employs a four-wheel steering system to improve both maneuverability at low speeds and stability at higher speeds.

Power

The Cullinan is exclusively available with a twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine. ZF’s 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission is the Cullinan’s sole gearbox option. The Cullinan uses a permanent all-wheel drive system.

It was unveiled in May 2018 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. In the US, it is not exempt from the Energy Tax Act because it is classified as a station wagon rather than an SUV.

This exhibit comes from Monaco.

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