2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Review, Pricing and Specifications

In an imagined scenario that we could afford a Cullinan, we’d go for the Crystal paint scheme, seven-spoke 22-inch wheels, gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament and electronic winch hitch. We’ll opt for the Immersive Seating with Center Console, which provides a rear seat massage function and replaces the center seat with a console that doubles as a cooler with two champagne flutes and a bottle of whiskey. And we wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to have our overhead cloth display a fiber-optic starry night sky via the Shooting Star Headliner. Lastly, we added rear privacy glass and side curtains to make the back row a quiet hideaway.

Engine, Transmission and Performance

The Cullinan twin-turbo 6.7-liter V-12 provides 563 horsepower (592 in the Black Badge model) and is whisper quiet, lest it disturb VIPs in the cabin. That one we tested clocks in at 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds—impressive for a vehicle that weighs about three tons. All-wheel drive is standard, although we suspect buyers will never get off the asphalt and risk ruining the paintwork. The Cullinan rides on air suspension which receives information from road-scanning cameras and automatically adjusts the vehicle’s height to compensate for imperfections in the pavement. Ride comfort is beyond the usual luxury vehicle standards, as the Cullinan blows through the road and doesn’t deliver anything displeasing to those inside.

Real World Fuel and MPG Savings

Cullinan’s V-12 powertrain is rated at 12 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. Believe it or not, those numbers aren’t the worst in their class. V-12 powered Bentley Bentayga offers a rating of 12 mpg city and 17 highway. We run the Cullinan on our 75 mph fuel-efficient route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and it exceeded expectations, hitting 21 mpg. For more information on the Cullinan’s fuel economy, visit EPA website.

Interior, Comfort and Cargo

The spacious cabin is upholstered in check-grain leather, sheep’s wool rugs, beautiful wood trim and milled aluminum accents. If you want a higher level of luxury, Rolls-Royce will customize almost every part of the Cullinan’s already luxurious interior with any pleasure you can imagine. The only warts in this decadent space are the fully digital gauge cluster that lacks the elegance of an analog setup and the standard rear seat that isn’t as flexible as a park bench. At least the buyer can fix the last problem by choosing a two-seater second row with adjustment and massage functions. The exterior is classic Rolls-Royce, but the vehicle’s trunk configuration allows the brand to customize the cargo area with an optional Viewing Suite consisting of a pair of leather-covered seats and a small table that pokes out from the floor. This is by far the most luxurious way to take part in a rural polo match. While this SUV is a clear break from the traditions of the renowned British brand, it is still an uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every way.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Each Cullinan has a large touchscreen infotainment system with a redundant controller on the center console. Apple CarPlay is also included with every model. The available rear-seat entertainment options add a 12.0-inch screen to the back of each front seat. Along with a Wi-Fi hotspot, the Cullinan has a dedicated audio system featuring 18 speakers.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Rolls-Royce SUVs have a number of driver assistance technology, including night vision. For more information on the results of the Cullinan crash test, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• Standard lane departure warning and lane maintenance assistance
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Rolls-Royce provides an exemplary warranty and a four-year, unlimited-mileage included maintenance program.

• The limited warranty covers four years and unlimited miles
• The powertrain warranty covers four years and unlimited miles
• Free maintenance is covered for four years and unlimited miles

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