Rolls-Royce Cullinan

The 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan is powered by a robust 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine, designed for effortless and refined performance. This engine produces 563 bhp (571 PS) of power at 5000 rpm and a substantial 850 Nm of torque at a low 1600 rpm. For the Black Badge variant, power is increased to 600 hp and 900 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a smooth 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

The Cullinan accelerates from 0-100 km/h in approximately 5.3 seconds (5.2 seconds for Black Badge), a remarkable feat for a vehicle of its size and weight (kerb weight around 2.7 tonnes). The performance is characterized by a seamless surge of power, ensuring that acceleration is always effortless and refined, never jarring. While fuel efficiency is not a primary concern for Cullinan buyers, it's rated at approximately 6.6 kmpl (ARAI). The all-wheel-drive system and adjustable air suspension contribute to its impressive multi-terrain performance, allowing it to confidently tackle various surfaces, from highways to light off-road conditions.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan delivers the brand's signature "Magic Carpet Ride," providing an unparalleled level of comfort and serenity. This is achieved through a sophisticated self-levelling air suspension system that constantly adjusts to road conditions, effectively isolating occupants from imperfections. A stereo camera system scans the road ahead, preemptively preparing the suspension for upcoming bumps or undulations.

Despite its imposing size and high center of gravity, the Cullinan offers remarkable composure and ease of driving. Its four-wheel steering system significantly enhances maneuverability, especially at low speeds, making it surprisingly agile in urban environments. The steering is light and precise, allowing for effortless control. The "Everywhere" mode optimizes the suspension and powertrain for various challenging terrains, while an air compression system can push down on wheels losing traction for improved grip. The overall ride and handling are meticulously tuned to prioritize supreme comfort, refinement, and a sense of serene detachment, whether cruising on a highway or navigating challenging landscapes.

The interior of the 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a testament to bespoke luxury and meticulous craftsmanship, designed to be a private sanctuary for its occupants. Every surface is adorned with the finest materials, including exquisite leather, genuine wood veneers, and milled aluminum accents. The cabin offers a choice of seating configurations, including a traditional lounge setup or individual rear seats, which can be specified with a "Recreation Module" or "Viewing Suite" for ultimate customization.

Rear passengers enjoy elevated seating, a panoramic sunroof, and an array of luxurious amenities such as folding picnic tables, a mini-fridge, and footrests. The cabin is engineered for unparalleled quietness, isolating occupants from the outside world. The updated dashboard features a full-width glass panel incorporating the instruments and infotainment touchscreen, offering a modern yet elegant interface. New upholstery options, like the Duality Twill crafted from bamboo, highlight Rolls-Royce's commitment to sustainable luxury.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan seamlessly integrates advanced technology into its opulent cabin, prioritizing ease of use and passenger comfort. The updated system features a large, full-width glass panel that houses both the digital instrument cluster and the central infotainment touchscreen. This setup replaces the previous dual-screen arrangement.

The system runs on Rolls-Royce's latest "Spirit" infotainment platform, first seen in the electric Spectre. Key features include a robust navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium audio system (e.g., 18-speaker, 1400-watt setup) designed to deliver exceptional sound quality. Rear-seat passengers benefit from high-definition touchscreen monitors and the ability to pair Bluetooth headphones. Connectivity features like Wi-Fi hotspot and a dedicated private members app ("Whispers") enhance the digital experience, ensuring occupants remain connected and entertained.

The exterior design of the 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan is imposing and instantly recognizable, reflecting its status as a true luxury SUV. The iconic Pantheon grille is now illuminated in the Series II, adding to its majestic presence, flanked by new L-shaped LED daytime running lights. The front bumper has been reworked with slanted air intakes, creating a bolder and more contemporary look.

Its substantial dimensions, including a length of 5341 mm, a width of 2000 mm, and a height of 1835 mm, contribute to its commanding stature. The wheelbase measures 3295 mm, providing ample interior space. Signature Rolls-Royce elements like the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine and rear-hinged coach doors remain central to its design. New seven-spoke 23-inch wheels, milled from a single billet of aluminum, are available, further enhancing its visual appeal. Polished stainless steel elements around the exhaust and a brushed stainless steel protective plate complete the refined yet robust aesthetic.

Safety in the 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan is paramount, offering a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features designed to protect its occupants in every scenario. While specific independent crash test ratings (like Euro NCAP or Global NCAP) are not typically conducted for ultra-luxury vehicles, the Cullinan is built on Rolls-Royce's rigid "Architecture of Luxury" aluminum spaceframe, providing exceptional structural integrity.

Standard safety features include multiple airbags (typically 8 or more, including front, side, and curtain airbags), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TC), and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). The Cullinan also incorporates an extensive array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, night vision with pedestrian and wildlife alert, a 4-camera system with panoramic and "helicopter" view, and a high-resolution head-up display. These systems work in concert to enhance driver awareness and provide a secure environment.

The 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan operates in an exclusive niche of ultra-luxury SUVs, facing very few direct competitors. Its primary rivals include the Bentley Bentayga, which offers a blend of luxury and performance, and the Ferrari Purosangue, a high-performance "four-door, four-seater" that aims to redefine the segment with a sportier focus. While not direct competitors in terms of brand ethos, other high-end luxury SUVs like the Range Rover SV or certain Mercedes-Benz Maybach SUV models might also be considered by buyers seeking ultimate comfort and presence. The Cullinan differentiates itself with its unparalleled level of bespoke customization, handcrafted exclusivity, and a distinct focus on ultimate luxury and serene ride quality, truly setting the standard for automotive royalty in an SUV form.

The 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan continues to stand as the undisputed monarch of luxury SUVs. It is a vehicle that transcends mere transportation, offering a meticulously crafted sanctuary of opulence, comfort, and effortless power. For those who demand the absolute pinnacle of luxury in an SUV, the Cullinan delivers an experience that is simply unmatched.

Its commanding presence, whisper-quiet cabin, legendary "Magic Carpet Ride," and genuine all-terrain capability make it a truly versatile and desirable vehicle. While its extraordinary price tag and the sheer scale of the vehicle are significant considerations, for its intended clientele, the 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan remains the ultimate statement of success, refinement, and uncompromising luxury.