Rolls-Royce has redefined luxury in the SUV segment with the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a full-size crossover that brings the brand’s legendary craftsmanship into the all-wheel-drive world for the first time. Named after the Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered, this SUV stands tall in Rolls-Royce’s hierarchy—positioned above the Ghost and just below the Phantom. With a starting price in India of ₹7.56 crore, the Cullinan has become one of the most sought-after ultra-luxury SUVs in the country, offering a blend of opulence, performance, and exclusivity that very few can match.
Unveiled in 2018 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy and launched globally in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the Cullinan has captured attention for its bold design, unparalleled comfort, and robust capabilities. With the Series II arriving in 2024, Rolls-Royce has refreshed the SUV with modern styling tweaks, updated tech, and broader customization options, making it even more desirable for Indian luxury buyers.
Table of Contents
Engine, Mileage & Performance
Under the hood, the Cullinan is powered exclusively by a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and a permanent all-wheel-drive system.
- Standard Cullinan: 571 PS (563 hp), 850 Nm torque
- Black Badge Cullinan: 600 PS (591 hp), 900 Nm torque
- Top speed: 250 km/h
- 0–100 km/h: Approximately 5.2 seconds
Despite its sheer size and weight of 2,660 kg, the Cullinan offers effortless acceleration and a smooth, commanding ride. Its permanent AWD system and self-levelling air suspension ensure that every journey is comfortable, whether cruising through city streets or navigating rougher terrain. The SUV also features “The Flagbearer” stereo camera system, which proactively adjusts suspension settings at speeds up to 100 km/h to ensure an impeccably smooth ride.
In India, owners can expect a real-world fuel efficiency of around 6.6 km/l, which is par for a V12 luxury SUV. Compared to rivals like the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus, the Cullinan offers a more serene, ultra-luxury experience rather than outright sporty aggression.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Design & Features
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II brings together the brand’s signature elegance and modern SUV practicality:
Exterior:
- Influenced by the Phantom VIII, the Cullinan retains the iconic front grille and Spirit of Ecstasy, now illuminated in Series II.
- Updated headlights, new front bumper, and 23-inch wheels enhance presence on the road.
- The overall silhouette is bold yet dignified, combining SUV proportions with Rolls-Royce’s classic luxury cues.
Interior:
- The cabin is an opulent sanctuary, with leather, wood, carbon fiber, and bespoke materials.
- Seating options include five-seater configuration or four-seater with massaging rear seats and a center console.
- Unique features like the “cocktail suite” leather camping seats in the luggage compartment elevate it beyond any rival.
- Optional Starlight fiber optic headliner or panoramic sunroof adds to the ambience.
- The glass partition separating luggage and passenger areas ensures privacy and noise reduction.
The Series II also upgrades the tech suite with a new digital instrument cluster, infotainment system, and more customization options, giving Indian buyers access to both heritage luxury and contemporary technology.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Safety & Technology
The Cullinan prioritizes safety and ride refinement:
- Airbags: 8 standard
- Four-wheel steering for better maneuverability and high-speed stability
- Active anti-roll bars and dynamic suspension with multiple drive modes
- Self-levelling air suspension with off-road mode (raises height by 40 mm)
- Proactive suspension adjustment via The Flagbearer camera system
While it may lack certain advanced semi-autonomous features found in less expensive SUVs, the Cullinan’s safety and ride quality focus on providing unmatched passenger comfort and confidence.

Colours & Variants
The Cullinan is offered in 11 official colours for the standard model, including bespoke options for the ultra-luxury buyer.
Variants:
- Standard Cullinan: Opulent, understated luxury
- Black Badge Cullinan: Aggressive, sporty luxury with 591 hp, blacked-out trim, and carbon fiber interior accents
- Special Editions: Blue Shadow edition (62 units) inspired by the Kármán line with celestial-themed interiors
Series II enhances customization even further, offering new interior materials and exterior finishes for a truly unique ownership experience.
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Rolls-Royce Cullinan Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unmatched luxury and craftsmanship
- Powerful 6.75L V12 engine with smooth AWD performance
- Iconic and updated design cues
- Exceptional ride quality with Flagbearer suspension
- Highly customizable for Indian buyers
Cons
- Extremely high price (₹7.56 crore onwards)
- Fuel efficiency is low (6.6 km/l)
- Limited service network in India
- Lacks some high-tech semi-autonomous features
- Not ideal for daily city driving due to size

Price & Rivals
- Starting Price in India: ₹7.56 crore (on-road EMI ~₹12.57 lakh/month for 5 years in Delhi)
- Rivals: Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, Aston Martin DBX, Mercedes-Maybach GLS
While rivals may offer sporty driving or advanced tech, the Cullinan focuses on absolute comfort, presence, and bespoke luxury, making it the ultimate SUV for Indian ultra-luxury buyers.
Final Verdict
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II redefines what a luxury SUV can be. It marries timeless Rolls-Royce elegance with modern technology, offering unparalleled comfort, performance, and exclusivity. For Indian buyers seeking a combination of status, craftsmanship, and commanding presence, the Cullinan is the ultimate choice. It’s not just a vehicle—it’s a statement of luxury and power, and in its class, few can rival its aura and sophistication.
FAQ
1. What engine does the Rolls-Royce Cullinan have?
It has a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine with an 8-speed automatic and AWD.
2. What is the top speed of the Cullinan?
The top speed is 250 km/h, for both standard and Black Badge variants.
3. How much does the Cullinan cost in India?
Starting at ₹7.56 crore on-road (Delhi).
4. What are the seating options?
Available in five-seater or four-seater with massaging rear seats and center console.
5. What is special about the Black Badge Cullinan?
It has 591 hp, blacked-out trim, carbon fiber interior accents, and a sportier design for a more aggressive luxury feel.