It's been a while since Rolls-Royce announced the upcoming Cullinan SUV, and the highly anticipated model is expected to set new benchmarks in the life and times of the uber luxurious SUV segment. With the launch some time in 2018, the British carmaker has teased the prototype version Project Cullinan showcasing the very Phantom inspired front, whilst hiding the tail of the SUV.
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The Rolls-Royce Cullinan revealed is a full development prototype and gives a rather detailed look at the upcoming SUV. As Rolls calls it, Project Cullinan is an "all-terrain, high-sided vehicle" and will be offered with All Wheel Drive, more for performance needs than serious off-roading. The styling is in-line with the Phantom, but is a lot more aggressive and is obviously more imposing as well, given the dimensions.
The trademark grille with vertical chrome slats stay true to the Rolls-Royce family, while the raised hood and sharp fenders add to the stance of the SUV. The overall design remains angular on the Cullinan while the rear does see a slightly receding roof-line in a bid to give the luxury SUV a less boxy appearance. While styling at the rear remains a mystery for now, we do know for a fact that the coach style suicide doors will be carried over on the SUV.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Prototype
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan has a long testing phase ahead of itself with cold-weather evaluations set to commence at the Arctic circle at the end of December; whereas the SUV will be transported to the Middle-East in mid-2017 for testing in extremely hot temperatures.
The Cullinan marks as an all-new product for Rolls-Royce in many ways. Not only is it the company's first SUV, ever; but also is based on the newly developed aluminium spaceframe platform that will underpin the next generation Phantom and all models that are introduced further on. Power options will include a revised version of the 6.75-litre V12 on the Cullinan when it goes on sale in 2018, while reports also suggest that a hybrid and all-electric version are also set to join the powertrain line-up in the future.
That said, the Cullinan will be a true Rolls-Royce featuring a host of bespoke customisation options, not to mention some very expensive accessories as well. Expect the ride quality to be as pliant as that on the Phantom and a lot of that will be courtesy of the all-wheel drive suspension system that will feature on the model.
With prices expected to be outlandishly exorbitant, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV will be a something to watch out for as it will compete with the Bentley Bentayga.
