EXCLUSIVE
Rolls Royce will launch its first-ever SUV, the Cullinan, in India in late November 2018. India deliveries will commence in 2019, along with other markets in Asia.
There is no official word on pricing yet but Autocar India has learnt Cullinan prices will start at Rs 8.75 crore (ex-showroom), although optional extras can easily add Rs 1 crore or more to the price. Certain features, offered as options abroad, will be offered on India-spec cars as standard – including a rear-seat entertainment system.
The Cullinan is powered by a 6.75-litre, twin-turbocharged V12, which produces 571hp and 850Nm of torque. Aside from being the marque’s first SUV, the Cullinan is also the first all-wheel-drive offering from Rolls-Royce. Also part of the package is trick self-levelling air suspension, which Rolls-Royce claims will help provide the famed 'Magic Carpet' ride quality across any terrain.
Inside, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is near-identical to the Phantom. It gets a smaller steering wheel with a thicker rim, an all-digital instrument console, the trademark analogue clock on the dash, a touchscreen infotainment system – a first for Rolls-Royce – and the rotary Spirit of Ecstasy controller on the centre console. Buyers will also have a comprehensive menu of hides and colours to choose from.
SUV-shape aside, the Cullinan’s presence and ground clearance are what could make it a hit amongst Rolls-Royce models in India. It has the makings of being the luxury carmaker’s best-seller in this market, just as the Urus is on the course to becoming one for Lamborghini.