2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan launched

MANILA: Covers are finally removed from the 2019 Cullinan, the Rolls-Royce first luxury SUV. With this launch, the Goodwood based brand has now entered the off-road territory, something it has been working on for a while now.

If you are wondering, why the name Cullinan? Well, the company named it after the largest diamond discovered to date, thus explaining the car’s capability and stance in the category quite clearly. At the launch event held earlier today, Rolls-Royce, Director of Design, Giles Taylor, explained the brand’s ideology behind the Cullinan saying, “At this point in the history of automotive design, SUVs have become homogenous and ubiquitous. The label SUV is now applied to anything with a two-box silhouette and the least suggestion of going off the tarmac. We envisioned an authentic, three-box, all-terrain, high-bodied car with a convention-challenging design and absolute capability that would satisfy the adventurous urges of our clients.”

With a whopping price tag of $325,000 (Php 6,244,962), the Cullinan sits in the middle of the Rolls-Royce lineup, i.e. above the Wraith and Ghost, but below the Phantom and Dawn. However, this is just the basic model price and does not include the amazing packages the company offers with the Cullinan.

Many are not aware, but the Cullinan is the output of the long and strong customer demand for a Rolls-Royce SUV. Also, it is the second car in the company’s lineup after the Phantom VIII to feature an all-aluminium architecture.

The Cullinan is the first SUV ever produced by Rolls-Royce but the design philosophy integrated on it speaks out loud about its roots. With elements like pantheon grille, ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ hood ornament, square headlights, long hood, sloping D-pillars, and 22-inch alloy wheels, the Cullinan sure display an imposing stance.

When it comes to luxury, the newly launched Roll-Royce SUV is no less than its siblings. With its premium leather upholstery and full-of-utility yet straightforward features it sure gives a best-in-class driving experience. Also, it is for the first time that the company has paired the multimedia interface with a touchscreen display.

Motivating the Cullinan for all adventures is a 6.57-litre V12 twin-turbo engine that pumps out a 571 PS at 5000 rpm and 850 Nm at 1600 rpm. Sending power to its wheels is an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox.

Its safety front is guarded by features like radar-assisted Night Vision and Vision Assist, all-round visibility and helicopter view, collision warning, panoramic view with four cameras, active cruise control, hill descent control, lane departure and lane change warning, and all-around visibility and helicopter view.

The Cullinan is expected to arrive in the Philippines later this year.