The Peak of Presence: Driving the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II

When the Rolls-Royce Cullinan first arrived in 2018, it didn’t just enter the SUV market; it claimed the throne. Critics questioned if a “high-bodied motor car” could truly carry the Spirit of Ecstasy into the mud. The answer was a resounding yes, as it quickly became the most requested model in the marque’s history. Now, we enter the next chapter: the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II.

This isn’t a mere facelift; it’s a calculated evolution. In a world where luxury is increasingly defined by bold, urban self-expression, the Series II shifts its gaze toward the city skyline while maintaining its “Effortless, Everywhere” DNA.

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A Face Built for the Modern Metropolis

The most striking change is the front fascia. Rolls-Royce designers have introduced tall, L-shaped LED daytime running lights that frame the face like the pillars of a modern skyscraper. It gives the SUV a more vertical, assertive stance that feels decidedly contemporary.

For the first time, the iconic Pantheon Grille is illuminated, featuring a new “horizon line” that links it visually to the flagship Phantom Series II. Underneath, the bumper intakes angle outward in a shallow ‘V’ shape—a subtle nod to the bow of a luxury sports yacht. And let’s not overlook the wheels: for the first time on a standard Cullinan, you can opt for massive 23-inch seven-spoke wheels, milled from billets of aluminum to provide a grounded, monolithic look.

Digital Sophistication: The SPIRIT Interface

Inside, the transition from the physical to the digital is handled with typical Rolls-Royce grace. The centerpiece is a pillar-to-pillar glass-panel fascia. Behind it sits the new SPIRIT digital interface, the same advanced operating system debuted in the all-electric Spectre.

While the graphics are crisp and modern, the marque knows its clients still value tactile luxury. Enter the Clock Cabinet vitrine—a beautiful glass housing on the dashboard that holds both an analog timepiece and a miniaturized, up-lit Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. It’s a masterful blend of old-world horology and new-age tech.

Botanical Luxury and Master Craftsmanship

Rolls-Royce has also introduced new materials that challenge the traditional “wood and leather” trope:

• Duality Twill: A stunning new textile made from bamboo fibers. A full interior in this material involves a staggering 2.2 million stitches and 11 miles of thread.
• Placed Perforation: Inspired by the shifting clouds over the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, artisans use tiny holes (up to 107,000 of them) to create intricate artwork directly onto the leather seats.
• Grey Stained Ash: A new open-pore wood option that feels more like a piece of modern architectural sculpture than a car trim.

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The Heart of a Giant: The V12 Legacy

In an era of downsizing, Rolls-Royce remains committed to the effortless power of the 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12. The Series II retains this masterpiece of engineering, delivering $563$ hp and $850$ Nm of torque ($600$ hp and $900$ Nm in the Black Badge).

The “Magic Carpet Ride” remains undisturbed. The self-leveling air suspension makes millions of calculations every second, adjusted by a camera system that “reads” the road ahead to prepare the dampers for every pothole or pebble. Whether you are navigating the gravel paths of an estate or the cobblestones of Mayfair, the sensation is one of total detachment from the world’s imperfections.

The Black Badge: The Alter Ego Evolved

For those who prefer their luxury with a side of “disruptive,” the Black Badge Cullinan Series II is available from launch. This version is more than just a trim; it’s a statement.

• Darkened Details: The Spirit of Ecstasy, grille, and exterior brightwork are finished in a high-gloss black.
• Performance Tuning: Engaging the ‘Low’ button on the gear selector unlocks a more aggressive exhaust note and allows the full $900$ Nm of torque to be accessible from just $1,700$ rpm.
• Technical Carbon: The interior features a naked-weave carbon fiber that takes 21 days to produce, ensuring that even the “sporty” elements meet the highest standards of luxury.

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The Verdict

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II is a response to a changing clientele. It recognizes that today’s Rolls-Royce owner is younger, more urban, and more likely to be in the driver’s seat than the back. By integrating the digital SPIRIT ecosystem and bolder, yacht-inspired styling, the marque has ensured that the Cullinan remains the undisputed apex of the SUV world.

With prices starting around ₹10.50 Crore (ex-showroom) and scaling significantly with Bespoke commissions, it remains a vehicle for the few. But for those few, it offers a sanctuary that no other SUV can match.