The Rolls-Royce Cullinan stands as a pinnacle of luxury in the automotive world, redefining what an SUV can be by blending opulence with unparalleled capability. Introduced in May 2018 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy and launched globally later that year, the Cullinan marked Rolls-Royce’s bold entry into the SUV market—a segment previously dominated by competitors like Bentley and Lamborghini. Named after the Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered, this vehicle embodies extravagance, power, and prestige. It’s not just a car; it’s a statement of wealth, status, and individuality, designed for those who demand the finest in life without compromise. As the brand’s first all-wheel-drive vehicle, the Cullinan combines the iconic Rolls-Royce magic carpet ride with off-road prowess, making it a versatile masterpiece that caters to both urban elites and adventurous spirits. Since its debut, it has become Rolls-Royce’s best-selling model, a testament to its appeal among a new generation of buyers, including younger clientele and women, alongside the marque’s traditional customer base. With the recent launch of the Series II in 2024, the Cullinan continues to evolve, offering enhanced personalization and cutting-edge technology while retaining its core essence of luxury and exclusivity.
The Cullinan isn’t merely about transportation—it’s an experience. From its imposing Pantheon grille to its lavish interior adorned with premium leather and bespoke craftsmanship, every detail reflects Rolls-Royce’s commitment to perfection. Whether navigating the bustling streets of a metro city or traversing rugged terrains, the Cullinan delivers a serene, whisper-quiet cabin and a commanding presence that turns heads wherever it goes. Its competitors, such as the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus, may challenge it in performance or price, but none match the Cullinan’s blend of heritage, refinement, and sheer extravagance. This in-depth exploration will cover its technical specifications, variants, pricing in India’s metro cities, and a detailed analysis of its features and rivals, providing a comprehensive look at why the Cullinan remains the ultimate luxury SUV.
Technical Specifications
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is powered by a formidable engine and equipped with advanced technology to ensure both performance and comfort. Below is a tabular representation of its technical specifications, compiled and verified from CarDekho, ZigWheels, and CarWale as of March 2025.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Twin-Turbocharged V12 |
| Displacement | 6750 cc |
| No. of Cylinders | 12 |
| Max Power | 563 bhp @ 5000 rpm (Standard) / 592 bhp @ 5000 rpm (Black Badge) |
| Max Torque | 850 Nm @ 1600 rpm (Standard) / 900 Nm @ 1600 rpm (Black Badge) |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 6.6 kmpl |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 litres |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Boot Space | 560 litres |
| Length | 5341 mm |
| Width | 2000 mm |
| Height | 1835 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3295 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 2660 kg (Standard) / 2750 kg (Black Badge) |
| Ground Clearance | 190 mm (adjustable via air suspension) |
| Suspension (Front) | Double Wishbone |
| Suspension (Rear) | 5-Link |
| Brakes (Front & Rear) | Ventilated Discs |
| Tyre Size | 255/50 R22 (front), 285/45 R22 (rear) |
| Wheel Size | 22-inch (Standard) / 23-inch (Black Badge Series II option) |
| Top Speed | 250 kmph (electronically limited) |
| 0-100 kmph | 5.2 seconds (Standard) / 4.9 seconds (Black Badge) |
These specifications highlight the Cullinan’s robust engineering, with its V12 engine delivering seamless power and the self-levelling air suspension ensuring a smooth ride across diverse conditions. The Black Badge variant offers a slight performance boost, appealing to those seeking a more dynamic driving experience.
Variants
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is available in two primary variants in India, each catering to distinct preferences within the luxury SUV segment. The table below outlines the variants and their key differences, sourced from CarDekho and ZigWheels.
| Variant | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Cullinan Series II | Base model, 563 bhp, illuminated Pantheon grille, bespoke interior options, 22-inch wheels |
| Cullinan Black Badge Series II | Enhanced 592 bhp, 900 Nm torque, blacked-out exterior trim, 23-inch wheel option, sportier tuning |
The Series II represents the standard offering, updated in 2024 with refined aesthetics and advanced technology, while the Black Badge Series II introduces a bolder, performance-oriented persona with exclusive design elements and increased power. Both variants allow extensive customization through Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke program, ensuring each vehicle is tailored to its owner’s taste.
Price in Metro Cities
Pricing for the Rolls-Royce Cullinan varies across India’s metro cities due to differences in ex-showroom costs, RTO charges, and insurance. Below is a table detailing the on-road prices for both variants in key metro cities, based on data from CarDekho and CarWale as of March 2025 (subject to change based on customization and additional taxes).
| City | Cullinan Series II (On-Road Price) | Cullinan Black Badge Series II (On-Road Price) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹ 12.06 Crore | ₹ 14.15 Crore |
| Mumbai | ₹ 12.25 Crore | ₹ 14.35 Crore |
| Bangalore | ₹ 12.20 Crore | ₹ 14.30 Crore |
| Chennai | ₹ 12.18 Crore | ₹ 14.28 Crore |
| Kolkata | ₹ 12.10 Crore | ₹ 14.20 Crore |
These prices reflect the base configuration, with costs escalating significantly with bespoke options like the Shooting Star Headliner or premium paint finishes. The Cullinan’s pricing positions it as the most expensive SUV in India, far surpassing its rivals in the luxury segment.
About the Rolls-Royce Cullinan
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is more than just a vehicle—it’s a rolling testament to the brand’s legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. From the moment you approach it, the Cullinan commands attention with its towering Pantheon grille, now illuminated in the Series II, flanked by sleek, rectangular LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights. The exterior design is both bold and elegant, with clean lines and a robust stance that exudes authority. Standing at 5341 mm long, 2000 mm wide, and 1835 mm tall, it dwarfs most SUVs on the road, yet its proportions are meticulously balanced to maintain the Rolls-Royce aesthetic. The split tailgate, dubbed “The Clasp” by Rolls-Royce, adds practicality, electronically deploying a picnic bench or recreational module for outdoor pursuits—a feature that underscores its versatility.
Inside, the Cullinan is a sanctuary of luxury. The cabin is a showcase of bespoke craftsmanship, with hand-stitched leather, polished wood veneers, and metal accents creating an ambiance akin to a private jet. The Series II introduces a full-width glass dashboard panel and the advanced SPIRIT operating system, allowing digital customization of instrument dials to match the interior or exterior palette. Rear passengers can opt for individual Immersive Seating with a glass partition separating them from the luggage compartment, ensuring privacy and acoustic isolation. The optional Shooting Star Headliner, with its fiber-optic lights mimicking a starry night sky, elevates the experience to celestial levels. For audiophiles, an 18-speaker, 1400-watt sound system delivers pristine audio, while rear-seat entertainment screens cater to long journeys. The attention to detail is staggering—take the Duality Twill fabric option, developed over four years with 2.2 million stitches and 11 miles of thread, showcasing Rolls-Royce’s relentless pursuit of perfection.
Under the hood lies a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 engine, a hallmark of Rolls-Royce engineering. Producing 563 bhp in the standard Series II and 592 bhp in the Black Badge, it delivers power effortlessly through an 8-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. The engine is whisper-quiet, a signature trait that preserves the cabin’s serenity even at high speeds. The Cullinan’s self-levelling air suspension, paired with a stereo camera system dubbed “The Flagbearer,” scans the road ahead to adjust ride height and dampening, ensuring the magic carpet ride over any surface—be it potholed city streets or sandy dunes. An off-road mode raises the vehicle by 40 mm, unlocking its full all-wheel-drive potential, a feature tested in collaboration with National Geographic across diverse terrains in 2018. Despite its heft—over 2.6 tons—the Cullinan accelerates from 0-100 kmph in just over 5 seconds, a remarkable feat for a vehicle of its size.
The Black Badge Series II takes this performance a step further, with 900 Nm of torque and sportier tuning that reduces body roll and sharpens throttle response. Its blacked-out grille, carbon-fiber trim, and optional 23-inch wheels give it a menacing edge, appealing to buyers who crave a more assertive presence. Yet, even in this guise, the Cullinan retains its core identity as a luxury haven, not a track-focused machine. Fuel economy, at 6.6 kmpl, is predictably low, but for its clientele—oil tycoons, celebrities, and billionaires—this is a negligible concern. The 100-litre fuel tank ensures sufficient range for extended trips, though frequent refueling is a small price to pay for such extravagance.
Customization is where the Cullinan truly shines. The Bespoke program offers limitless possibilities, from unique paint colors like Crystal Over finishes with glass particles to personalized treadplates engraved with messages or insignias. Buyers can commission matching umbrellas, a champagne cooler with Rolls-Royce flutes, or even a Spirit of Ecstasy Clock Cabinet housing a miniature figurine inside the cabin. This level of personalization ensures no two Cullinans are identical, a key selling point for a brand synonymous with exclusivity. The Series II enhances this further with digital bespoke options, such as instrument dials in vibrant colorways like Synth Wave or Ultraviolet, reflecting modern tastes.
Practicality, while secondary to luxury, isn’t overlooked. The 560-litre boot expands with the rear seats folded (optional in non-partitioned configurations), and the recreational module caters to tailgating or outdoor leisure. The Cullinan’s all-terrain capability is genuine—its four-wheel steering improves maneuverability, and electronically controlled anti-roll bars enhance stability. Whether crossing snowy mountains or desert sands, it performs with the same composure as it does on a highway, a versatility unmatched in its class.
Close Competitors
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan faces competition from other ultra-luxury SUVs, notably the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus, though each brings a different flavor to the segment. The Bentley Bentayga, priced starting at ₹ 4.10 Crore (ex-showroom), offers a compelling alternative with its own blend of luxury and performance. Powered by a 4.0-litre V8 or a 6.0-litre W12 (in higher trims), it delivers up to 542 bhp and accelerates to 100 kmph in 4.4 seconds—outpacing the Cullinan’s V12 in raw speed. The Bentayga’s interior is lavish, with premium materials and advanced tech, but it lacks the Cullinan’s bespoke depth and serene ride quality. Its lower price and sportier dynamics appeal to buyers seeking value and agility, yet it doesn’t carry the same prestige or exclusivity as Rolls-Royce.
The Lamborghini Urus, starting at ₹ 4.18 Crore (ex-showroom), takes a radically different approach, prioritizing performance over outright luxury. Its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 churns out 641 bhp, propelling it from 0-100 kmph in a blistering 3.6 seconds—far quicker than the Cullinan. The Urus is a supercar in SUV clothing, with sharp handling and a bold, aggressive design. However, its cabin, while upscale, leans toward sportiness rather than the palatial comfort of the Cullinan, and it lacks the same level of customization. It’s aimed at thrill-seekers, not those desiring the Rolls-Royce aura of refinement and heritage.
Other contenders, like the Mercedes-Maybach GLS (₹ 2.96 Crore ex-showroom), offer luxury at a lower price point but fall short in presence and exclusivity. The Cullinan’s closest rival in spirit might be the Range Rover SV (₹ 4.17 Crore ex-showroom), which blends British luxury with off-road capability. Yet, its 4.4-litre V8 (523 bhp) and less bespoke interior can’t match the Cullinan’s V12 power or handcrafted opulence. Price-wise, the Cullinan towers above them all, nearly doubling the cost of its competitors, but for its buyers, the premium reflects unmatched status and refinement.
In conclusion, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is unrivaled in its segment for those prioritizing luxury over speed or affordability. Its technical prowess, bespoke options, and commanding design set it apart, making it the ultimate choice for the world’s elite. Whether cruising through Delhi’s streets or parked at a Mumbai gala, the Cullinan is a symbol of success, a diamond among SUVs that continues to shine brighter with each iteration.
