British luxury automaker Rolls-Royce has released details of its first ever SUV. Striking an imposing figure, it took 5 years to design, is named the Cullinan after the worlds largest ever diamond, and is sure to set new standards in the increasingly popular SUV market.
Named after the world’s largest ever diamond that makes up part of the crown jewels this eagerly anticipated release marks a number of first for the luxury British brand.
Not only is it it’s first SUV, but it is the first Rolls-Royce that includes a tailgate, and the first model that the company has officially dubbed ‘family orientated’.
Duly named because it is described as “perfect and brilliant, just like the Cullinan Diamond, which exists above all others” by Rolls-Royce Chief Executive Officer Torsten Muller-Otvos.
Functional but shapely in appearance it measures in at 5.3 metres in length and 2.1 metres wide, and actually sits fractionally lower than a Range Rover. It weighs in a 2.6 tonnes.
With it’s intimidating front grill it has cleverly placed silver trims that help disguise its colossal silhouette.
The Cullinan comes with just one engine – a 6.75-litre V12 that produces 571hp and drives all four wheels through an automatic gearbox. No performance figures have been confirmed, but the Cullinan is expected to reach a top speed in the region of 150mph and should accelerate from 0-62mph in between four and five seconds.
And it may never make it off road, however if it should it also has an off-road driving mode that alters the engine, suspension, and gearbox settings.
It is stated that it will be comfortable whether on tarmac, dirt, sand, gravel, snow, and can also wade through more than half a metre of water without risking any damage to the interior.
Speaking of the interior There’s the choice of a folding rear three-seat bench for a more family-friendly format and a maximum luggage capacity of 1,930 litres or two more luxurious fixed chairs – either option sits higher than the front seats for a ‘Pavilion’ view forward.
There’s also the usual array of pretty much any combinations of the very best woods, leathers and metals available inside – dependent on taste, complete with rear seat drinks cabinet complete with Rolls-Royce whiskey glasses, Champagne flutes and a fridge.
Getting into the back is via typically Rolls-Royce rear-hinged coach doors that, like the front doors, clamp over the sills top prevent you getting dirty as you get in and out.
And as this is very much a driver’s Rolls-Royce; a functional dash layout features a symmetrical facia and simple connection plus Rolls’ version of BMW’s excellent iDrive infotainment system. The very latest technology is all present and correct including night vision with pedestrian and wildlife detection, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warnings systems.
With no price or release date except for ‘later in 2018’ for further information please visit the Rolls-Royce webpage dedicated to the Cullinan which you can find here.
