Even the Rolls-Royce is entering the SUV market that is stronger than ever. The Cullinan model was presented three years ago in a time when the carmaker was also working on a new platform for the Phantom model. Now, the 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan is ready to hit the markets again. It will use the same underpinnings as the luxury sedan, same features, and same styling cues as well. The company’s first-ever SUV will look to rival other luxurious models such as Bentley Bentayga.
The 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan will get some additional upgrades that will help this full-size SUV to look and perform better. Everything about this model is heavily based on the Phantom four-door sedan. The exterior looks very stylish and it comes with a raised suspension. From the inside, you can opt for the premium interior with four or five-seat configuration. Under the hood, a powerful V12 engine is working wonder for Cullinan. Moreover, this is the Rolls-Royce’s first all-wheel-drive model ever.
2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan exterior is unique and original
When you look at it, the 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan is actually a Phantom model with higher ground clearance and wagon-like rear. We can’t say the exterior is unique and original. However, the biggest benefits are hiding, in fact, the new Phantom sedan looks very fresh and elegant. We can say exactly the same for the Cullinan SUV as well.
Those two are sharing the same platform so the things are pretty clear. All you have to do is to forget the higher suspension and you’ll get the exact two vehicles. The front fascia is the same, the grille sits tall and is flanked by the headlights. However, those headlights are slimmer on the SUV variant. Below that, the small vents are again, the same as on the Phantom model. The bumper host some differences and it sits taller which provides Cullinan a more utility-like stance.
To the sides, the beltline is a carry-over, along with the boxier fenders. We like the overall design, as the Cullinan comes without the cladding around the wheel arches. A pretty rare piece of styling for an SUV, we must admit. The 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan rides on huge 22-inch wheels with additional chrome details. The rear end brings something different in the game. A wagon-style is clearly visible, especially the roof. The rear sports a tailgate and vertical taillights. The sloping rear window looks like a brilliant piece of styling and the roof spoiler is larger than before.
2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan interior offers luxury
The same story continues from the inside as the 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan looks exactly the same as the Phantom sedan. Some customers will find this annoying and disappointing for sure. But on the other hand, the interior really does look premium and luxurious. Furthermore, Cullinan will offer some unique features that will separate those two models. For example, the infotainment system is larger and the center console is significantly wider. The door armrests are unique and the seats are somewhat different.
The center stack hosts beautiful metal pillars and we like the soft-touch surfaces that are wrapped in Box Grain leather. Additionally, the wood trims are astonishing. After all, this is a luxury SUV that we are talking about. You’ll like the heated features such as armrests and seats.
The comfort is great and the two rear seats are separated by the rear center console. Of course, you can opt for the regular three-seat layout at the back as well. Fold the rear seats down and you will get up to 68 cubic feet of cargo space.
2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan comes with a mighty V12 engine
The forthcoming 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan will use a single drivetrain option. It is a mighty 6.75-liter V12 engine that provides 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. The torque figures are slightly lower than before and this full-size SUV comes with a ZF automatic transmission. The platform is slightly revised in order to deliver better off-road capabilities. However, the biggest news is that the Cullinan will deploy an all-wheel-drive system. That will make Cullinan the first-ever Royce to use this kind of configuration.
Moreover, a four-wheel steering is available which provides sportier handling and better stability. A double-wishbone suspension up front and five-link axle at the rear are doing a great job as well. Generally, the handling is really superb.
2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan off-road mode
The off-road mode is available so you can tackle tough terrains such as mud, snow, gravel or sand. Unlike the Bentley Bentayga, the new 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan can dive 21.3 inches into the water, which is still less than the Range Rover model.
2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan price and release date
The price of the all-new 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan starts at $320,000. For sure, the price is crazy for an SUV model and Cullinan is the most expensive full-size SUV ever. Bentley Bentayga is the biggest competitor, and this model will cost slightly over $200,000. The difference is huge.
Next, to that, we must mention the Lamborghini Urus that still falls short from those two models. The 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan will roll out in the coming months. This SUV will hit the markets at the beginning of 2019.