2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV

　　

2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　If you're looking for the most luxurious SUV on sale today, at any price, look no further than the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. When it was introduced in 2019, its SUV body style and controversial styling raised the eyebrows of traditional Rolls-Royce clientele. Once you looked inside, though, the luxury appointments and expert craftsmanship were a reminder that the Cullinan is very much a Rolls-Royce. From its myriad paint combinations to its rear seat arrangement to specific constellations you can have displayed in the headliner, the Cullinan can be personalized to almost no end and will impress even the most discerning and particular buyer.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) - $348,500 MSRPBlack Badge 4dr SUV AWD (6.8L 12cyl Turbo 8A) - $401,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　

zzdcar' spotlight: Luxury and capability

The main reason for buying a Rolls-Royce is to drive what is arguably the most luxurious vehicle on the road. The Cullinan, despite its more trendy SUV body style, is unequivocally a Rolls-Royce when it comes to pure, unadulterated luxury. What isn't upholstered in the highest-quality leather is usually covered by a hand-cut wood veneer, with or without custom inlays. Even the carpeting is more luxurious than what you'll find in the nicest of homes. But that's not to say you can't get the Cullinan a little dirty. With standard all-wheel drive and adjustable air suspension, the Cullinan can traverse dirt roads that would otherwise deter another Rolls-Royce.

　　

Competitors to consider

If you want something a little less staid and a little more new money than a traditional Rolls-Royce, there are a few options in the ultra-luxury SUV segment. The Cullinan's closest competition is the Bentley Bentayga. This British-built SUV is available in standard- and extended-wheelbase versions and can be personalized with a huge array of options. Another option is the Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV. Based on the impressive Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV, the Maybach version adds some extravagant styling, extra legroom, and impressive tech for buyers who would prefer the look and feel of a Mercedes.

　　

Which Cullinan does zzdcar recommend?

Our make-believe money would be spent on the Cullinan Black Badge to ensure we eke out every ounce of performance from the big Rolls. Not only does the Black Badge come with a boost in engine output, but it also handles a bit better without sacrificing much, if any, of the refined ride that made Rolls-Royce famous. As an added bonus, we like the black chrome exterior trim and special carbon-fiber interior trim unique to the Black Badge model.

　　

Rolls-Royce Cullinan models

The Cullinan is a four-door ultra-luxury SUV available in two trim levels: Cullinan and Black Badge. Depending on the seating arrangement you select, the Cullinan accommodates either four or five and is powered by a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine. In standard form, the Cullinan makes 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, while the Black Badge ups the power output to 592 hp and 644 lb-ft. Power is routed to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

　　Nearly every aspect of the Cullinan, both inside and out, is open to customization. Standard features include:

　　Cullinan

　　22-inch wheels Laser headlights Adaptive air suspension Rear wheel steering Electronically retracting hood ornament Soft-close doors (catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut) Keyless entry Full leather upholstery Panoramic sunroof Heated and ventilated front seats with massage Heated steering wheel Heated rear seats 10.25-inch touchscreen Smartphone connectivity Navigation Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Rolls-Royce and the car in front) Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time) Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)Black Badge

　　22-inch black-painted wheels Black exterior trim Black brake calipers Dark chrome hood ornament Sport-tuned adaptive suspension Special carbon-fiber interior trim

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