Rolls-Royce has finally confirmed the name of its upcoming SUV, calling it the Cullinan. While its shape and silhouette is unmistakably SUV-like, the brand is opting to call the model an ‘all-terrain, high-sided vehicle’.
The name is inspired by the Cullinan Diamond, a 3106-carat jewel extracted from a South African mine in 1905. Rolls-Royce boss Torsten Muller-Otvos said the Cullinan name had been “hiding in plain sight”, and added: “It is the most fitting name for our extraordinary new product.”
The squared-out and broad-shouldered model that has been under development for three years now is not only the first SUV from Rolls Royce but will also be the first model from the brand to make use of all-wheel drive.
The Cullinan is likely to be powered by a version of the Phantom’s 6.8-litre, V12 engine, which puts out 571hp and 900Nm in the flagship sedan. While a plug-in hybrid powertrain is expected to be offered at a later date, with tech borrowed from parent BMW, Rolls-Royce has dismissed the idea of a diesel variant claiming a lack of refinement.
Another bit that the Cullinan will share with the Phantom is the all-new aluminium spaceframe chassis that debuted on the latter.
The Cullinan has been spotted at various locations such as the Arctic Circle, deserts of the Middle East as well as Nurburgring. It is due to debut internationally this year, and set to go up against the Bentley Bentayga. Stay tuned for more.
Also see:
In conversation with Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce
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2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom review, test drive
2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom: Behind the scenes