Chris Harris recently released his written review for the Rolls Royce Cullinan on Top Gear’s website. We talked about that at the time. Now, though, Harris is back to talk about the Cullinan in a new video, which allows him to go a bit more in depth with its styling and ergonomic bits, as well as the ride and handling.
For the test drive of the Cullinan, Rolls Royce took journalists to the stunningly beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a land of cowboys, horses and farmhands. It’s rural America, not typically Rolls Royce country. However, it seems to work for the Cullinan, as it’s designed to be a bit, dare I say “rugged”? Though, as Harris points out, Rolls Royces were actually originally known to be able to go off-road, as there really weren’t any roads, and they were known for being indestructible.
Harris also notes that it feels that way on the inside. Thanks to a bespoke chassis, massive air suspension and a curb weight just shy of a dying sun, the Rolls Royce Cullinan feels like it can traverse anything without issue.
What’s fascinating about that is the juxtaposition between its durable feeling and plush cabin. The interior of the Rolls Royce Cullinan is exceptional. It’s not as gorgeous as the Phantom on the inside but it’s also cheaper and it’s designed to be a bit more durable. The ergonomics also aren’t perfect but the quality can’t be denied. Harris even points out that its materials and build quality are a notch above the Bentley Bentayga.
He’s a bit less sold on the exterior. Actually, he hates it. Hates it. While the Rolls Royce Cullinan isn’t the prettiest thing every made, we don’t think it’s hideous. It’s just a bit…bulbous. We do get his point that for its massive price tag it should be better looking, though.
It’s a classic Chris Harris video review, the sort that we don’t see too often anymore but it’s well worth the watch.
His dislike of the front end looks dominated his review of the vehicle. Frankly I don’t understand why he hates it so much, especially since he loves the Phantom, which looks very similar from the front (as do all Rollers). But oh well. I happen to like it, not that I’ll ever have $350k to spend on an SUV.
Drove the new X5 today and I immediately recognized the opening mechanism of the lower boot lid. It’s exactly the same as the one in the new X5. :-)