Rolls-Royce Cullinan 2019 revealed

Rolls-Royce has finally ripped the covers off its much-anticipated Cullinan luxury SUV, the first high-riding wagon from the British prestige brand that is set to hit Australian showrooms in the first quarter of 2019.

With an indicative price point of $685,000 drive-away, the Cullinan will sit in the middle of Rolls-Royce’s range above the Ghost sedan and Wraith coupe, but underneath the Dawn convertible and Phantom halo limousine.

The price does not include the various packages that will be offered with the Cullinan.

First announced three years ago in response to customer demand for a Rolls-Royce SUV, the Cullinan is the second vehicle to be produced on the company’s new all-aluminium architecture after the Phantom VIII revealed last year.

While being the first SUV from the brand, the Cullinan is immediately identifiable as a Rolls-Royce by its hulking pantheon grille, long bonnet, square headlights, 'Spirit of Ecstasy' hood ornament, and thick, sloping D-pillars, while 22-inch alloy wheels add to its imposing stance.

The air suspension drops 40mm when parked, and raises to its driving height once the car has started. (image credit: GoAutoMedia)

Measuring 5341mm long, 2164mm wide and 1835mm tall, the 2660kg Cullinan has been engineered to mix opulent ride comfort with genuine off-road ability thanks to the brand’s first all-wheel drive system.

The self-levelling air suspension has been re-engineered for larger air struts with greater volume to better assist rough-terrain driving, as air compression is used to push down any wheel for better traction.

Combined with the double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension, 540mm wading depth and ‘Everywhere’ off-road traction control system, the Cullinan is expected to become the most capable Rolls yet.

For easy ingress and egress, the air suspension drops 40mm when parked, and raises to its driving height once the car has started.

As befitting a Rolls-Royce, motivation comes from a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 mill pumping out 420kW at 5000rpm and 850Nm from a low 1600rpm, which is mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption is rated at a thirsty 15.0 litres per 100km, while CO2 emissions stand at 341 grams per kilometre.

Opulent interior luxury has long been the calling card of Rolls-Royce, and the Cullinan is no different with premium leather upholstery and a simple, symmetrical centre console design.

The latest iteration of Rolls’ infotainment systems have been added. (image credit: GoAutoMedia)

The multimedia interface has been made into a touchscreen for the first time, while the latest iteration of Rolls’ infotainment systems have been added.

Two different rear-seat configurations are available, consisting of the five-seat Lounge or four-seat Individual, which is separated by a fixed rear console that incorporates Rolls-Royce whiskey glasses and decanter, champagne flutes and a refrigerator. Both configurations allow for extensive adjustment for optimal cabin comfort.

Rear seats are raised lighter for better viewing, which can be folded in 60/40 fashion to increase luggage space from 560 litres to 1930L. Loading length is rated at 2245mm, which Rolls is quick to point out as being greater than a long wheelbase Range Rover Vogue.

Standard safety kit includes radar-assisted ‘Night Vision’ and ‘Vision Assist’ including daytime and night-time wildlife & pedestrian warning, fatigue alert, a four-camera system with ‘Panoramic View’, all-round visibility and helicopter view, active cruise control, collision warning, cross-traffic warning, lane departure and lane change warning, and hill descent control.

Extra Australian specification will be announced closer to the model’s launch next year.

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