Rolls-Royce is refreshing its top-selling SUV after an exceptionally successful first five years.
The prestigious British carmaker unveiled the Cullinan Series II on Tuesday. While the ultra-luxury SUV has undergone a significant facelift, its powerful V-12 engine remains unchanged.
Since its debut in 2019, Rolls-Royce’s first SUV has been the brand’s most popular model, helping to break multiple sales records, including those of the previous year. Despite continued high demand, most automakers would likely opt for minor updates annually. However, Rolls-Royce is not like most automakers.
The Cullinan Series II represents an evolution rather than a complete redesign, yet it is visually distinct from its predecessor. The most notable change is the front fascia, which has been substantially revised. The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy and Pantheon grille are still present, but the grille is now illuminated, accompanied by new LED daytime running lights and a redesigned bumper. The side and rear of the vehicle remain largely similar, aside from smoother lines and a new set of seven-spoke 23-inch wheels, each milled from a single billet of aluminum. Additionally, customers can choose a new paint finish called “Crystal Over,” infused with glass particles to give the SUV a unique shimmer.
The interior has also received a significant upgrade. The dashboard now features a seamless glass panel that includes an integrated digital gauge cluster, central touchscreen, and the new Illuminated Fascia, which can be customized with a laser-etched design. Positioned between the touchscreen and the Illuminated Fascia is the Spirit of Ecstasy clock cabinet, housing an analog timepiece with an illuminated recreation of the iconic hood ornament. New material options include open-pore Grey Stained Ash wood and a rayon fabric called Duality Twill, made from bamboo. The leather seats boast a pattern inspired by the clouds over Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood headquarters, created from 107,000 perforations.
Despite these enhancements, Rolls-Royce has retained the Cullinan’s twin-turbocharged 6.7-liter V-12 engine. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine delivers 563 hp and 627 ft lbs of torque to all four wheels, providing ample power for most drivers. For those seeking even more performance, the Black Badge variant is available at launch, featuring an upgraded version of the V-12 engine that produces 592 hp and 664 ft lbs of torque. This high-performance model also includes a distinctive appearance package with darkened chrome and carbon-fiber trim.
Orders for the Cullinan Series II will open later this summer, with deliveries expected to begin by year’s end. While the automaker has not yet announced pricing, an increase over the current model’s $341,000 starting price is anticipated.
