2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What's new

The Cullinan is an all-new ultra-luxury SUV from Rolls-RoycePart of the first Cullinan generation introduced for 2019

　　At the pinnacle of automotive luxury is one brand: Rolls-Royce. It's as prestigious as brands get, thanks to a history of producing some of the most opulent vehicles ever to take to the road. In order to satisfy the demand for even larger cars, the 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the company's first SUV. As such, it has the kind of presence and interior refinement we've come to expect.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan 4dr SUV AWD (6.8L 12cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$303/mo  for Cullinan Base

　　Cullinan Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (6.8L 12cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $325,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　In typical Rolls-Royce fashion, the Cullinan sets itself apart from very few rivals with the signature look and rear-hinged rear passenger doors that lend itself to being more of a chauffeur-driven vehicle than owner-driven. The rear accommodations also support this notion, with a long list of options to pamper those fortunate passengers. If there's something that isn't included on that list, there's a very good chance the factory will create it for you — at substantial cost, of course.

　　If you're seeking the ultimate in prestige, the 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the top choice. The $325,000 starting price certainly weeds out the 99% of the population, and it's more likely the average transaction price well exceeds that. The most direct competitor is limited to the Bentley Bentayga that starts at almost half the price. In this limited class, there are no wrong choices if you can afford it.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Which Cullinan does zzdcar recommend?

　　The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is less about what features are available than what you want. In place of traditional trim levels is a dizzying list of options, and even those are rendered somewhat immaterial with the knowledge that you can customize it to your heart's content — for a price, of course.

　　

2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan models

　　The 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a premium luxury SUV with seating for five. Under the bonnet (yes, we said bonnet) is a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 (571 horsepower, 626 lb-ft). An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels.

　　In addition to typical luxury vehicle features, the Cullinan comes standard with your choice of 21- or 22-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, heated mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, soft-close doors, four-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions, a heated second-row bench, a leather headliner, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, a wireless charging pad, a navigation system and an 18-speaker audio system.

　　Of course, nobody would dare buy a "standard" Cullinan. A proper Rolls-Royce should be customized to fit its owner's needs perfectly, and there is no shortage of options. These include a variety of coachline styles (that's pinstriping, if you want to be gauche) with your personalized emblem and a Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament in solid silver, gold plated, illuminated frosted glass or uplit. You can also get the signature grille in a satin finish.

　　The second-row bench can be substituted for the Immersive Seating option (those are captain's chairs — again, don't be gauche) that replaces the center position with a fixed center console and includes ventilation, massage functions, and a glass partition behind the rear headrests. To that, you can add headrest cushions.

　　The optional Launch package includes the uplit Spirit of Ecstasy, a rear entertainment system, Rolls-Royce monogrammed headrests, seat piping, contrast stitching, picnic tables, lambswool floor mats, a Bespoke Audio system, adaptive cruise control, night vision and an automated parking system. Most of these items are available à la carte, as are two different clock choices, viewing seats (motorized tailgate seats) and integrated umbrellas. There are also recreation modules that fit perfectly in the cargo area and can be customized to suit any particular activity.

　　Forward collision warning/mitigation, a head-up display, a driver attention monitor, and lane departure warning are available, but isn't that why you pay your chauffeur?

　　As a Rolls-Royce, there is a seemingly endless list of paint "colours" (yes, that's "color" with a "u" — how classy), interior wood veneers, upholstery materials and stitching options. For the full effect and a truly bespoke experience, you can specify unique treatments that fit your tastes.

　　Jump to:Related 2019 Cullinan articles

　　

2019 Cullinan Highlights

　　

Base MSRP	$325,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	14 MPG
Cost to Drive	$303/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / unlimited miles