Core summary
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II is the current production evolution of the Cullinan, the marque’s full-size super-luxury SUV. Rolls-Royce introduced the original Cullinan in 2018 after customers requested a vehicle combining the brand’s traditional comfort with practical access to difficult terrain. Series II was presented in May 2024 as a substantial design and technology development rather than a new model line. Its public name is Cullinan Series II, while Black Badge Cullinan Series II is the separately positioned performance-oriented derivative.
The current Cullinan uses a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12, all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering and self-levelling air suspension. Its cabin can be commissioned with lounge seating or individual rear seats, while Bespoke extends to paint, leather, veneer, embroidery, materials and digital presentation. Series II adds an illuminated fascia, the SPIRIT operating system, revised exterior detailing and newly available 23-inch wheels. It remains a gasoline-powered SUV and is built at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Goodwood facility in West Sussex.
History & generations
Rolls-Royce announced Cullinan as a response to customers seeking “the Rolls-Royce of SUVs.” The production model was launched in 2018 and was developed to combine the marque’s signature ride comfort with all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering and credible off-road capability. The name refers to the Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, and follows Rolls-Royce’s established practice of giving its motor cars distinctive, historically resonant names.
The original Cullinan used Rolls-Royce’s aluminium Architecture of Luxury and a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12. Its design included rear-hinged coach doors, a high-sided SUV body and the available Viewing Suite and Recreation Module. Black Badge Cullinan followed in 2019 with a darker visual treatment and a more assertive dynamic character. Rolls-Royce revealed Cullinan Series II and Black Badge Cullinan Series II together in May 2024. Series II retained the established powertrain concept while introducing revised front and rear styling, 23-inch wheel availability, SPIRIT connectivity and new contemporary craft options.
Cullinan
Original Cullinan introduced Rolls-Royce luxury to the SUV segment.
Cullinan Series II
Current evolution with revised styling, digital systems and Bespoke craft.
Body, platform & design
Cullinan Series II keeps the upright, high-sided proportions established by the original model but gives the front a more geometric and contemporary appearance. The illuminated grille has a lower leading edge and a defined horizon line. Vertical headlamps and daytime running lights reinforce the vehicle’s tall stance, while the lower bumper forms a pronounced V-shaped graphic. The body retains the long, clean side surfaces and formal rear-hinged coach doors associated with the Cullinan.
At the rear, mirror-finish stainless-steel exhaust surrounds are visually connected by a brushed stainless-steel protective plate. Series II is available with newly introduced 23-inch wheels milled from aluminium billet, including a faceted seven-spoke design in part-polished or fully polished finishes. The exterior colour and finish programme remains highly configurable through Rolls-Royce Bespoke. The illuminated fascia places a Rolls-Royce wordmark within a vertical motif created from 7,000 laser-etched graphical elements on glass. Design changes are therefore concentrated on visual presence, lighting and material expression rather than a change to the underlying SUV concept.
Engine & drivetrain
The standard Cullinan Series II uses a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine. Rolls-Royce’s published Cullinan engineering material identifies output of 563 bhp, or 420 kW, and peak torque of 850 Nm. The torque figure is available from low engine speed, supporting the model’s emphasis on smooth, effortless acceleration rather than high-revving response. A conventional automatic transmission transfers power to all four wheels.
The chassis combines all-wheel drive with all-wheel steering. Its self-levelling air suspension uses electronically controlled damping, while the suspension system can respond to wheel movement, body acceleration, steering inputs and camera information. Rolls-Royce also developed the system to maintain traction when individual wheels encounter uneven ground. The standard Cullinan’s powertrain should be distinguished from Black Badge Cullinan Series II, which retains the 6.75-litre V12 but is rated at 600 PS and 900 Nm. Series II does not represent a shift to hybrid or electric propulsion; the related fully electric Rolls-Royce model is Spectre, not Cullinan.
Trim differences
Rolls-Royce does not structure Cullinan around a conventional ladder of mass-market trim grades. The current range is centred on Cullinan Series II, with equipment and finish determined through commissioning. Clients select exterior colours, wheel designs, interior materials, seating configurations, veneers, embroidery, audio equipment and other Bespoke elements. Availability can differ by market, model year and regional homologation.
The principal related derivative is Black Badge Cullinan Series II. It has its own design language, darker exterior treatments, Black Badge detailing, Technical Carbon options and a higher-output powertrain. It is not a standard Cullinan trim package. The standard Cullinan can be specified with lounge seating or individual rear seats, rear picnic tables, a rear theatre configuration, a Starlight Headliner, an illuminated grille, an illuminated fascia and 23-inch forged wheels. Rolls-Royce also creates Collection Cars and one-off commissions based on Cullinan, but those are Bespoke projects rather than permanent series-production trim grades.
Interior & seating
The Cullinan Series II interior is designed around rear-seat comfort, quiet travel and extensive individual commissioning. The standard lounge arrangement provides a conventional rear bench, while individual rear seats create a more separated executive layout. Depending on configuration, clients can specify rear picnic tables, a rear theatre system, a Champagne cooler, a Starlight Headliner and different rear-seat upholstery treatments.
Series II introduces the Clock Cabinet, whose vitrine incorporates a Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. Its digital architecture includes the SPIRIT operating system and Rolls-Royce’s Whispers private-members application. The illuminated fascia uses a glass panel with 7,000 laser-etched graphical elements. Duality Twill is a newly available textile treatment using up to 2.2 million stitches and as much as 11 miles of thread. Placed Perforation creates cloud-inspired patterns through up to 107,000 individual perforations in the leather. These craft techniques supplement, rather than replace, the extensive leather, veneer, metal and colour choices available through Bespoke.
Efficiency & range
Rolls-Royce publishes Cullinan Series II efficiency figures using the WLTP test procedure in relevant markets. The manufacturer’s global media-drive material lists combined CO2 emissions of 363–380 g/km and fuel consumption of 16.0–16.8 l/100 km, equivalent to 16.8–17.7 mpg in the published imperial format. The range reflects wheel, tyre and equipment differences.
The published figures are European WLTP values and should not be treated as United States EPA ratings. Regional certification systems, wheel selections, equipment and test conditions can change the stated result. Cullinan Series II uses a gasoline V12 rather than an electrified powertrain, so its operating priorities are refinement, torque delivery, range and effortless cruising rather than low fuel consumption. The high CO2 output is consistent with the vehicle’s large-displacement engine, substantial mass and super-luxury equipment. Owners should use the figures applicable to the specific market and vehicle configuration when comparing official consumption data.
Safety & equipment
Cullinan Series II includes electronic driver-assistance and safety systems such as tyre-pressure monitoring, intelligent emergency calling, active cruise control, automated high-beam headlights and an active-guard package in documented United States configurations. Equipment can vary by market and commissioning specification. The vehicle’s all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, air suspension and camera-supported chassis management are primarily dynamic-control systems, not substitutes for attentive driving.
The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published recall report 26V143 in 2026 for 102 model-year 2026 Cullinan vehicles. The report concerns potentially loose rear safety-belt retractor fixing bolts and the possibility of affected rear seat-back or belt restraint performance. Owners should check the vehicle identification number through NHTSA’s recall system and follow Rolls-Royce dealer instructions. Recall status is vehicle-specific and can change after repairs or additional regulatory actions. Safety equipment and legal requirements may differ between the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and other markets.
Strengths
Cullinan Series II’s strongest qualities are its combination of size, refinement, four-wheel traction and cabin customisation. The 6.75-litre V12 delivers substantial torque at low engine speed, allowing the vehicle to move with little apparent effort. All-wheel steering helps manage the footprint in tighter spaces, while the self-levelling air suspension supports consistent ride height and ride comfort across changing loads and surfaces.
The cabin offers unusually broad scope for personalisation, from traditional leather and veneer to Duality Twill, Placed Perforation, illuminated glass and individually specified rear-seat arrangements. Its practical identity is also stronger than that of Rolls-Royce saloons because the SUV body provides a higher driving position and access to roads beyond ordinary paved touring routes. The model’s appeal is therefore not based on one isolated specification. It comes from the integration of quietness, materials, chassis technology, rear-seat comfort, four-wheel drive and an unusually direct relationship between the commissioning client and the finished motor car.
A hand-built V12 SUV combining exceptional comfort with genuine terrain ability
Considerations
Cullinan Series II is physically large, mechanically complex and powered by a high-displacement gasoline V12. Its WLTP consumption and CO2 figures are high, and running costs, tyre replacement, servicing and insurance are likely to reflect its weight, performance and luxury equipment. The vehicle’s width, height and turning requirements also deserve consideration in older garages, narrow streets and dense urban areas.
The extensive Bespoke programme creates significant variation between individual examples. Seating, wheel size, rear-cabin equipment, materials, assistance systems and exterior finishes may differ substantially. A vehicle shown in manufacturer imagery should not be assumed to represent the equipment of every Cullinan Series II. Black Badge Cullinan Series II is a separate derivative with different output, trim treatment and dynamic priorities. Prospective owners should also check the vehicle’s exact regional certification, recall status, warranty terms and commissioned equipment before purchase.
Recommended use
Cullinan Series II is suited to owners who want a chauffeur-capable luxury vehicle that can also serve as a daily SUV. Its high seating position, all-wheel drive and air suspension support urban travel, long-distance road journeys, resort access and carefully chosen unpaved routes. The rear cabin is particularly relevant for clients who prioritise passenger comfort, privacy and bespoke entertainment.
The model is not intended as a specialist rock-crawling vehicle or a utility-focused off-roader. Its off-road capability is part of a broader luxury brief: reaching remote destinations while preserving quietness, ride comfort and material quality. The available Viewing Suite and Recreation Module reinforce that lifestyle-oriented role. Buyers who prioritise maximum performance should examine Black Badge Cullinan Series II, while buyers seeking zero-emission propulsion should consider Spectre instead. For conventional long-distance luxury with SUV versatility, the standard Cullinan Series II is the more restrained expression of the range.
FAQ
Q: What is the current Rolls-Royce Cullinan called? A: The current public model name is Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II.
Q: Is Cullinan Series II fully electric or hybrid? A: No. It uses a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 gasoline engine.
Q: Does every Cullinan Series II have seven seats? A: No. Documented configurations include five-seat lounge seating and individual rear seats.
Q: What is the difference between Cullinan and Black Badge Cullinan? A: Black Badge is a separate derivative with 600 PS, 900 Nm and darker styling.
Q: Is Cullinan Series II capable off-road? A: It has all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering and suspension developed for varied terrain.
Q: Where is Cullinan Series II built? A: Rolls-Royce builds Cullinan at its Goodwood facility in West Sussex, England.
What makes the Rolls-Royce Cullinan different?
A hand-built V12 SUV combining exceptional comfort with genuine terrain ability
Who should consider it?
Long-distance luxury travel, urban driving and off-road touring
Sources & updates
Research for this Rolls-Royce Cullinan profile prioritized current manufacturer specifications, model-year equipment pages and official press material. Independent safety or regulatory records were used where available. Historical references were kept separate from current-generation specifications and image identification.
Equipment, pricing and certified figures can vary by market, trim and model year. The expandable reference list below contains the linked sources used for verification. Last editorial review: August 29, 2026.
View all official references (9 more)
Last editorial review: August 29, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.