Cover The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II

Rolls-Royce redefines luxury with the updated Cullinan Series II, blending cutting-edge design with timeless elegance. Tatler heads to the island of Ibiza to see how this opulent SUV sets new standards in comfort, performance, and bespoke craftsmanship

It is hard to believe that it has already been six years since Rolls-Royce introduced the Cullinan, a luxury SUV that quickly became the brand’s most-requested vehicle, making up nearly forty per cent of their sales. This puts to rest any doubt about the need for the Cullinan.

Even as the sales of the outgoing Cullinan are gathering pace, Rolls-Royce unveils its second generation: the Cullinan Series II. This model is not just a facelift but a significant evolution. The most striking changes are visible at the front, where new LED Matrix headlamps are slimmer and extend the daylight running lamps down the sides of the bumper, creating a heightened sense of verticality.

Read more: Electric dreams: The Rolls-Royce Spectre

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Above The hallmark Pantheon grille appears sharper and slimmer

The Pantheon grille, a hallmark of Rolls-Royce design, has sharper edges and appears slightly slimmer, with vertical vanes resting on a polished steel plinth. For the first time, the entire grille is rear-illuminated, adding a dramatic effect at night. True to form, every metallic-looking element is indeed metal.

In contrast to the strong horizontal lines of its predecessor, the new design features “yacht-inspired” rising bowlines above large rhomboid-shaped side vents, giving the Cullinan a fresh, youthful appeal. This modern aesthetic has contributed to lowering the average age of Rolls-Royce owners to an impressive 43 years.

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Photo 1 of 2 The rear of the Cullinan Series II
Photo 2 of 2 A closer look at the Cullinan Series II tail lamps

The rear of the Cullinan Series II is equally refined. The tail lamps have less chrome and a darker finish, and the new rear bumper includes prominent exhaust vents with stainless steel surrounds and a polished stainless-steel protective plate, adding a sporty touch. The new 23-inch, 7-spoke wheels—an inch larger than before—further updating the styling.

Inside, the Series II Cullinan has undergone a significant transformation. A full-width illuminated glass-panel fascia on the passenger side, adorned with 7,003 laser-etched dots depicting a metropolitan skyline and the Cullinan name, adds a futuristic touch. The pièce de résistance is a niche on the passenger side of the centre console housing the “clock cabinet”, featuring a miniature Spirit of Ecstasy beneath the obligatory analogue clock.

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Photo 1 of 3 Interiors of the Cullinan Series II
Photo 2 of 3 Interiors of the Cullinan Series II
Photo 3 of 3 Interiors of the Cullinan Series II

Customisation has always been a Rolls-Royce hallmark, and the new Cullinan interior has been designed to offer even more possibilities. The traditional analogue gauges have been replaced by the high-resolution “Spirit” digital graphic shared with the Spectre, and a broader palette of colours now includes vibrant hues alongside traditional tones.

A highlight of the interior is the “Duality Twill” fabric, a luxurious, hard-wearing textile made from bamboo. This option incorporates 2.2 million stitches and nearly 18 kilometres of thread per upholstery set. The leather upholstery also features a new technique called Placed Perforations, creating unique motifs with tiny holes.

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Above The Cullinan Series II retains the twin-turbocharged 6.75L V12 engine

Performance-wise, the Cullinan Series II retains the twin-turbocharged 6.75L V12 engine, delivering 571 PS and 850 Nm of torque. This powertrain ensures a smooth and effortless drive, with the Cullinan reaching 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. The emphasis is on refinement and the characteristic “waftability” rather than sheer power.

Interestingly, nearly 90 per cent of Cullinan owners drive themselves, making the Black Badge Cullinan Series II an attractive, albeit expensive option. This variant, with its blackened chrome accents and unique coachwork, is the darker, more dynamic alter ego of the standard Cullinan. It features a more powerful version of the V12 engine, delivering 600 PS and 900 Nm of torque for a slightly quicker sprint to 100 km/h.

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Above The Black Badge Cullinan

Driving the Black Badge Cullinan through Ibiza’s urban streets, the ride quality felt just as smooth and refined as the standard model. However, I found the recalibrated suspension provided a more engaging experience, especially appreciated over the meandering roads connecting the smaller towns in Ibiza. Activating the “Low” button on the gear stalk further enhanced this dynamic, holding lower gears for more vigorous acceleration.

Both the Cullinan Series II and its Black Badge variant truly exemplify Rolls-Royce’s commitment to effortless luxury. While navigating tight multi-storey car parks might be a challenge, it is not a deal-breaker for the overall ownership experience. The Cullinan, like all Rolls-Royces, resides on a strata where it is not about whether one can afford one, but whether one can afford not to have one.

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Photo 1 of 3 The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II in action
Photo 2 of 3 The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II in action
Photo 3 of 3 The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II in action

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II Specifications
Motor: Twin-turbo 6750cc V12
Max Power: 571 PS at 5000 rpm
Max Torque: 850 Nm at 1600 rpm
0-100 km/h: 5.2 seconds
Top Speed: 250 km/h
Consumption: 6.8-16.0 l/100km (WLTP combined)
Cullinan Series II price: $2,078,888 (before options or COE)
Cullinan Series II Black Badge: $2,358,888 (before options or COE)
Agent: Rolls-Royce Singapore

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Credits

Photography  

Adam Warner and Mark Fagelson

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