Volume 16 Issue 1 » 55
2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan
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It was only a matter of time until even hyper-luxury manufacturer
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars hopped on the utility vehicle bandwagon.
And the hour is upon us: behold the first SUV from the brand.
The model is named after the titular diamond, the largest such
example ever discovered and part of the Crown Jewels of the United
Kingdom. The moniker is fitting, as the Cullinan slots above the
Ghost and below only the Dawn and flagship Phantom.
Called a “three-box” SUV, the term means rather than having
a conventional flat backside, the cargo section — offering 560
litres of space inside, or 600 when the parcel shelf is removed
— juts outwards as on a sedan, giving a distinct look. This also
compartmentalizes the rear passengers and luggage via a sealed glass
partition for a quieter, more comfortable ride. An extra benefit is
that there is no change in cabin temperature when the tailgate is
open.
Glancing head-on, signature brand styling is present in the
rectangular headlights and air intakes set deep into the bodywork.
The vertical-slatted pantheon grille serves as the centerpiece, made
from hand-polished stainless steel. In typical brand fashion, the
hood is long, and appears to sit higher than the top of the door
panels to communicate an air of toughness. Sitting at a total height
of 1,836 millimetres and atop large 22-inch wheels, a rugged, yet
elegant silhouette is produced.
A clean, symmetrical dashboard awaits the driver, blending classic
and contemporary visual elements. Similar to the grille, the centre
stack features hand-polished metal on either side. The wooden hood,
shaped like a pair of wings, is draped in durable and water resistant
“Box Grain” black leather often found in premium luggage and
handbag construction.
Second-row seating is customizable: customers can choose between
Lounge Seats, accommodating three adults, or Individual Seats,
which are a pair of chairs separated by a generous armrest slash
storage console complete with pop-out sparkling wine cooler and
flute holder. At the touch of a button, the storage floor of the cargo
section opens to reveal two leather seats joined by a cocktail table,
part of the optional “Viewing Suite.” Très cool.
Time to talk some numbers. Powering the Cullinan is a smooth-as-
eggs 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 delivering gobs of low-end torque
(627 lb-ft produced at just 1,600 rpm). The magic, as they say,
really lies in the suspension. The electronic shock absorbers process
millions of data points every second, taking into account engine
output, steering inputs, on-board camera feed and much more to
adjust on-the-fly and deliver the aptly coined “Magic Carpet Ride”
where the SUV feels as though it’s floating over the road.
Ok, so what about off-roading? Sure, probably 99 percent of owners
are never going to take their prized possession off the beaten
path, but the automaker would like people to know that they can.
Engaging a special off-road mode activates an air compression
system that pushes down any wheel losing traction downwards to
ensure constant ground contact. All-wheel drive and four-wheel
steering provide additional assistance. Finally, up to 540 millimetres
of water can be forded if needed.