The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is Rolls-Royce’s first SUV, revealed in 2018. It is named after the Cullinan diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, and it brings the Phantom’s V12, aluminium platform and “Magic Carpet Ride” to a tall, all-wheel-drive body that can handle snow, gravel and sand. It quickly became one of Rolls-Royce’s best-selling models, and it was updated as Cullinan Series II in 2024.

Cullinan at a glance
Revealed 2018
Platform Architecture of Luxury (shared with Phantom and Ghost)
Engine 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12
Drive All-wheel drive, all-wheel steering
Seats Four or five
Versions Cullinan, Black Badge Cullinan, Series II (2024)

The name

The Cullinan diamond was discovered in South Africa in 1905. At about 3,106 carats in its rough form, it was cut into several stones, including the Great Star of Africa and the Lesser Star of Africa, which are part of the British Crown Jewels. Rolls-Royce chose the name to suggest something rare, strong and precious.

Why Rolls-Royce built an SUV

Rolls-Royce customers were already buying luxury SUVs — Range Rovers, Mercedes G-Classes, Bentley Bentaygas — for their country homes, ski chalets and desert driving. Rolls-Royce concluded that a vehicle that could go “effortlessly, everywhere” was a natural extension of the brand, as long as it was a genuine Rolls-Royce first.

Distinctive design choices

  • A “three-box” shape: unlike most SUVs, the Cullinan separates the passenger cabin from the luggage compartment with a glass partition, so the cabin stays quiet and warm when the tailgate is opened.
  • “The Clasp”, a two-piece tailgate that opens with a button.
  • The Viewing Suite: two leather seats that deploy from the cargo floor, facing outward, with a cocktail table — designed for watching polo or a sunset.
  • Coach doors, so rear passengers enter and exit gracefully.

On the road and off it

The Cullinan uses air suspension that reads the road ahead, all-wheel drive and an “Everywhere” button that adjusts the drivetrain and suspension for loose surfaces. Few owners take it far off-road, but it handles snowy mountain roads and muddy country lanes with ease.

Series II

The 2024 update brought an illuminated grille, revised headlights, a full-width glass dashboard panel and new interior materials, keeping the Cullinan current against newer rivals.

Cullinan vs its rivals

The Cullinan’s closest rivals are the Bentley Bentayga, Mercedes-Maybach GLS and top Range Rovers. Read Bentayga vs Cullinan.

Luxury SUVs in chauffeured service

For chauffeured groups and families, full-size American luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade offer more seats and luggage space, while delivering a similarly commanding view of the road.