The biggest diamond on wheels
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the first SUV produced by Rolls-Royce and also the brand’s first four-wheel drive vehicle. The legendary British marque, carefully guided by the German group, was most likely forced to release a non-standard vehicle for itself as a response to the challenge posed by the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus. Therefore, many purists, followers of the RR cult, were unhappy, but they were in the minority. Everyone else happily or enviously greeted the gigantic luxury palace on wheels, released in 2018.
Everyone knows that Rolls-Royce produces huge limousines, so luxurious that presidents, monarchs and other rulers of different countries no longer use them now, so as not to look like wasters in the eyes of taxpayers. World leaders now prefer simpler brands: modest Bentleys, democratic Mercedes and other affordable options. Maybe even on credit. This is why great businessmen, superstars, mafia and other wealthy citizens with an exaggerated sense of importance, desiring to demonstrate their personal success drive the RRs. No other vehicle so candidly demonstrates the excellent state of its owner’s bank account than the imposing and majestic sedan with the sculpture of the Goddess Nike on the hood.
No other vehicle so candidly demonstrates the excellent state of its owner’s bank account than the imposing and majestic sedan with the sculpture of the Goddess Nike on the hood.
But Rolls-Royce must also play by the rules set by the automotive industry, which is now dominated by SUVs. Without deviating from tradition, the British decided to make the first SUV in its history the most luxurious and as unique as the Cullinan (‘Star of Africa’), the largest and most expensive diamond in the world, included in the scepter of English King Edward VII. The SUV was named in honor of this diamond.
The first generation
It was produced from 2018 to the present (as of 2021). It should be noted that Rolls-Royce has managed to accomplish its task by building not only a luxury vehicle, but a real palace on wheels, causing a shock to all who see it for the first time, moreover, twice. First, people see a sparkling, stylish and balanced large SUV. Second, they notice the iconic grille and the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, after which they realize it’s a Rolls-Royce model! A Rolls Royce SUV? Not bad!
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan has no direct competition because no SUV can be more luxurious or more expensive. The Range Rover, BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS are similar in size, but lack that luxury quality in the interior and are inferior to the RR in terms of exclusivity. The Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus have similar super-expensive status, but they are more hectic, sportier, and the RR, in turn, is confident and calm, as it has long overtaken every other model. The Cullinan, like all Rolls-Royces, is hand assembled and there are very few cars comparable in build quality.
It’s amazing, but the Cullinan can truly be a vehicle for every day. It is suitable not only for traveling from the Hilton to the international airport, but also for conquering the off-road!
In the British brand’s “rank chart”, the Cullinan is placed above the Ghost and below the Phantom, but this division is very arbitrary, as all three cars are extremely luxurious, made according to traditional values and the distinctive RR style. But the Cullinan is more functional than other RRs: it has many settings for different drivers and passengers, many comfort options, technological safety features and more. It’s amazing, but the Cullinan can truly be a vehicle for every day. It is suitable not only for traveling from the Hilton to the international airport, but also for conquering the off-road!
Interior of the ‘diamond’
The entry-level 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan features off-road modes that change engine, suspension and transmission settings. The pretentious Rolls-Royce handles sandy, snowy and rocky roads really efficiently. It even knows how to cross water obstacles up to half a meter deep.
The efficiency of the enormous Cullinan is ensured by the powerful 563 hp engine and the unique, highly advanced and sophisticated suspension. Rolls-Royce did this to broaden the target audience, appealing not only to fans of luxury cars, but also those looking to demonstrate their driving skills on occasion.
