Not long ago Rolls-Royce announced that their first ever SUV, the Cullinan, will be undergoing a so-called ‘Final Challenge’ ahead of its world premiere, in collaboration with National Geographic. The aim is to provide logistic support for one of their top photographers, Cory Richards while also testing the car’s off-road prowess in all sorts of environments. Things kicked off in Scotland on April 4 and we already have a couple of shots of the car doing some interesting tests.
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The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the British brand’s first all-wheel drive motor car, has been conceived to blend effortless mastery of new terrains with pinnacle luxury according to the Goodwood-based manufacturer. The launch date hasn’t been confirmed yet but voices talk about an imminent reveal at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy, in the last weekend of May. In this first film, the footage documents how Cullinan dominates the most dramatic landscapes.
From river banks and actual rivers, to steep hill climbs on rocky surfaces and even coming face to face with some cows, the Cullinan does seem like it’s able to deliver on its promise of being able to conquer all kinds of terrain. The shots captured by the camera crew are breathtaking and show us the beauty of the Scotland highlands. Of course, the aim is also to showcase some of the car’s systems.
There’s a mention about the car’s air suspension which uses sensors and I’m guessing cameras as well to read out the road ahead and make adjustments on the fly, accordingly. Furthermore, on one occasion we get to see the trademark remote door closing button in action, as the driver closes the passenger seat with the push of a button. What I can definitely tell you is that we can’t wait to see the final product as this might turn out to be one of the most important cars in Rolls-Royce’s immense history.
As much as I love the BMW brand I would pick the Bentayga off this. In fact, I’d pick the Bentleys over their Rolls Royce competitors. I just love their power (speed) and their looks.
The Bentayga is not a pretty thing but I am sure the next one is going to look much more nicer than their first attempt. Rolls Royce cars are too much in your face for my taste- their faces are just too vulgar for me.
And because of VAG corporate platform sharing, parts should always be available at any VW, Audi or Porsche dealer. One of the benefits of corporate vs. bespoke, mass production vs. luxury. When did you see Cullinan that it was too in your face? Camo not to your taste?
Read the last sentence properly. This car will not be different to the Phantom or Ghost in front. In fact, the last few shots of it do reveal that it is the same design even with the camo on.
Why are you do bothered by my personal preference? I don’t like how Rolls Royce cars look at the front so get over it.
Don’t know that I’ve ever seen a Mulsanne on the street, while, as you imply, any Rolls has a unique presence, which I like and you don’t, so you’ll have to take your own advice. Rolls make S Class look invisible. Doubt Cullinan will look like anything else on the road. Whereas when I see a Bengay Bentley I don’t care because I know under the flashy skin it’s VAG corporate generic engineering. Plus the fact that a motorcyclist was killed here locally when he plowed into a Bentiga that was making an illegal u-turn. Haven’t seen a Rolls do that. Same weekend a Lamborghini passenger was killed when the driver made a bad passing maneuver. Not that I can afford any of these.
Absolutely. VAG brand drivers are the worst and most dangerous drivers on the roads. Soon as they’re behind the wheels, they’re on a suicide mission and seek to kill other drivers as well.
Here in Toronto we are all equally bad drivers & all the pedestrians are jaywalkers, 15 can get hit in 1 rush hour. It’s VAG corporate I don’t trust, for some of the reasons you mention below, plus why buy a car from a company whose executives are going to prison? When Phaeton tanked, think they were actually building Bentleys in Germany for a while. Nein.
Finding this weird to read. Bentley over Rolls Royce? They’re not even in the same class. Rolls Royce is a band or two above Bentley and it shows in the prices. I’m certain you know Rolls Royce is almost completely bespoke & unique from BMW materials and parts. Whereas Bentley is almost completely made from Volkswagen Group’s mass produced parts bin. But your opinion is your opinion at the end of the day, fair enough.
Totally agree, Bentley even recognises Rolls as being the superior brand. There’s really nothing like Rolls-Royce out there. Only Bentley comes close, but not quite. For some the reasons you mentioned (not bespoke enough) and just the level of luxury and prestige isn’t quite at the level of Rolls-Royce.
VAG thought they were buying Rolls.
Wrong!
The brand as it exists now was built from scratch by BMW in this century (just as they brought back MINI & Range Rover) and thus today’s wait list for bespoke from Goodwood. Google Images has photos of R-R coachbuilt shooting brakes from a century ago, wonder if any 1%er will make their Cullinan a woody?
This will probably be one of the most fun to drive Rolls Royce cars ever built. It was simply wafting through the rough terrain without a bother. What a car! Can’t wait till it is released.
Wow, can’t wait to see how it’s going to look like! A Rolls that can go anywhere. Awesome!