The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the pinnacle of automotive luxury in the SUV segment, has received its first significant update since its introduction in 2018. Christened the Cullinan Series II, this refreshed iteration retains the core elements that define a Rolls-Royce – unmatched elegance, unparalleled craftsmanship, and a near-infinite canvas for bespoke customization – while introducing subtle yet impactful design enhancements and a renewed focus on sustainable materials within the cabin.
A Touch of Modernity: Refined Exterior Design
The Cullinan Series II embodies a philosophy of understated elegance. The exterior revisions are meticulously crafted to elevate the SUV’s visual presence without deviating from its classic Rolls-Royce silhouette. Here’s a closer look at the key design updates:
- Sharper LED Lighting: The front fascia undergoes a subtle transformation with sleeker LED headlight clusters. The DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) receive a sharper, inverted L-shaped design, adding a touch of contemporary flair.
- Imposing Air Intakes: The updated front bumper boasts larger air intakes, hinting at the Cullinan’s effortless power and performance capabilities.
- Illuminated Grille: For the first time, the Cullinan Series II features an illuminated grille, echoing the design element seen on the Phantom Series II. This subtle touch adds a touch of modern sophistication to the SUV’s iconic frontal presence.
- Yacht-Inspired Design Cue: A noteworthy design detail lies in the subtle “V” formed by the bumper lines extending from the DRLs to the center point below the grille. According to Rolls-Royce, this design element draws inspiration from the sharp bow lines of modern sports yachts, adding a touch of dynamism to the Cullinan’s imposing stance.
- New Wheel Options: While the overall silhouette of the Cullinan remains largely unchanged, the Series II introduces a new set of alloy wheels. Customers can also opt for a striking 23-inch aluminum wheel option, further enhancing the SUV’s commanding presence.
- Subtle Rear Updates: Changes at the rear are even more understated, with the most significant revisions being a tweaked exhaust outlet and a revised skid plate featuring a brushed silver finish.
- Emperador Truffle Paint Option: For an even more personalized touch, Rolls-Royce introduces a new paint option for the Cullinan Series II – Emperador Truffle. This elegant, solid grey-brown shade exudes a timeless allure.
- Black Badge Option: For customers seeking a bolder aesthetic, the Black Badge version of the Cullinan Series II remains available. This variant features blacked-out elements for a truly dramatic statement.
A Sanctuary of Sustainable Luxury: The Evolving Rolls-Royce Interior
The interior of the Cullinan Series II prioritizes an atmosphere of refined comfort and unparalleled craftsmanship. While the overall layout remains largely unchanged from the pre-facelift model, Rolls-Royce has implemented subtle yet impactful updates:
- Full Glass Panel: A striking new addition is the full glass panel across the top portion of the dashboard. This design element adds a touch of visual intrigue to the cabin.
- SPIRIT Interface and Digital Displays: The Cullinan Series II retains the touchscreen infotainment unit featuring Rolls-Royce’s intuitive SPIRIT interface. The digital driver’s display continues to provide essential information with clarity and elegance. On the passenger side, the display showcases captivating graphics depicting the skylines of the world’s megacities at night, illuminated by over 7,000 laser-etched dots strategically placed behind the glass panel.
- Exquisite Clock and Spirit of Ecstasy: A new display unit in the dashboard houses an analog clock, a timeless Rolls-Royce signature, and a meticulously crafted miniature version of the iconic “Spirit of Ecstasy” logo positioned below it. This combination of tradition and innovation embodies the essence of the Rolls-Royce brand.
- Sustainable Materials: A significant focus in the Cullinan Series II lies in incorporating environmentally friendly materials within the cabin. This includes the use of fabric made from bamboo, open-pore wood panels, and hand-stained veneer “leaves.” The new upholstery option, “Duality Twill,” exemplifies Rolls-Royce’s commitment to both luxury and sustainability. This meticulously crafted material takes 20 hours to produce, utilizes 22 lakh stitches, and incorporates nearly 20 kilometers of thread. Special lasers ensure uniformity and precision in the weaving process.
FAQs
Q: What are the key design updates on the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II?
A: The Cullinan Series II features sharper LED lighting, a redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes and an illuminated grille, new wheel options, and a revised exhaust outlet. A new Emperador Truffle paint option and the Black Badge variant continue to be offered.
Q: What are the interior updates on the Cullinan Series II?
A: The interior retains its core layout but introduces a new full glass panel across the dashboard, a redesigned display unit with an analog clock and the Spirit of Ecstasy emblem, and a focus on incorporating sustainable materials like bamboo fabric and open-pore wood panels.
Q: What engine does the Cullinan Series II use?
A: The Cullinan Series II retains the 6.75-liter V12 petrol engine from the pre-facelift model. Official power figures haven’t been revealed yet, but they are likely to be similar to or slightly exceed the previous model’s output of 571 PS and 850 Nm.
Q: When will the Cullinan Series II launch in India?
A: The Cullinan Series II is expected to launch in India by the latter half of 2024.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II?
A: The Cullinan Series II will compete with other luxury SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga and the Land Rover Range Rover SV in the Indian market.
