Rolls-Royce Cullinan (2018–2023): Redefining Luxury and Unparalleled Performance
I’ve spent enough time in the Rolls-Royce Cullinan to know this much: it doesn’t really “drive” so much as it floats, like a penthouse on 22-inch wheels. The first time I tried it on a rutted country lane, I instinctively braced for the thud. It never arrived. The Rolls-Royce engineers call it a Magic Carpet Ride. It feels more like cheating. And that’s the Cullinan’s party trick—from the first mile to the last, this luxury SUV cocoons you so thoroughly that you end up judging other “premium SUVs” the way you might judge instant coffee after a proper espresso.
Unveiling the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Legacy
Debuting in 2018, the Cullinan broke new ground for the brand. Named after the largest diamond ever discovered, it sits on the brand’s aluminum “Architecture of Luxury” platform and carries all the quiet swagger you’d expect—coach doors, the Spirit of Ecstasy, and a cabin that smells faintly of leather, wood, and old money. It was the first Rolls-Royce SUV and quickly became the benchmark luxury SUV: unapologetically opulent, unapologetically capable.
- Wading depth is a stout 21.3 inches (540 mm). You won’t, but you could.
- There’s an optional “Viewing Suite” in the tailgate: two pop-up chairs and a little cocktail table. Sunset at the polo grounds, anyone?
Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Power, Performance, and That Magic Carpet
Under the long bonnet lives a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12. Old-school displacement, modern manners. Wafting is standard; urgency arrives the moment you ask for it. I noticed right away that the throttle is calibrated like a good butler—discreet until absolutely needed.
- Engine: 6.75L twin-turbo V12
- Power/Torque: 563 hp, 627 lb-ft (Black Badge: 592 hp, 664 lb-ft)
- 0–60 mph: about 4.9 sec (Black Badge as quick as ~4.5 sec)
- EPA economy: roughly 12/20/14 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- All-wheel drive with an “Everywhere” off-road mode; self-leveling air suspension
What you don’t see is what defines the drive: a camera scans the road ahead to pre-load the suspension, and the active systems quietly dispatch lumps, bumps, and gravel. On a rough track to a lakeside cabin (dogs in the back, cooler rattling), the Cullinan simply shrugged and kept the cabin church-quiet. Quiet enough to hear your kids arguing about whose turn it is on the iPad—sorry about that.
Living With the Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Inside, it’s a private lounge. The driving position is upright and commanding but not truckish; sightlines are excellent. You can spec the rear as a lounge (three seats) or with individual chairs—plus a champagne cooler, if you must. Infotainment borrows the best bits from BMW, meaning it’s intuitive, snappy, and happily paired with Apple CarPlay. I did note one quirk: a soft, occasional lag when switching camera views in tight city parking. Hardly a deal-breaker; more of a “hmm.”
And yes, that “Magic Carpet” line isn’t marketing fluff. Even on big wheels, the ride is like driving in slippers. The Cullinan feels sized for Alpine ski weekends, Hamptons escapes, or a long, late-night run down the Pacific Coast Highway—ideally with the constellation headliner gently twinkling above.
Elevate Your Cullinan’s Cabin: Floor Mats That Do It Justice
When you own a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the small touches matter. I’ve tried a set of premium mats from AutoWin in a press car on loan—the fit was spot-on, heel pad in the right place, and they kept the pale carpets safe from muddy boots after a farm detour. They also give the cabin a properly finished look without clashing with your chosen leather or veneer.
Protection aside, they’re also a subtle way to personalize your SUV. The right set of mats can make the cabin feel tailored—like commissioning the perfect suit lining.
- Precise fit for the Cullinan
- Durable materials designed for real-world use
- Customizable colors and stitching to match your spec
AutoWin: Thoughtful Accessories For a Luxury SUV
AutoWin understands that owners of a Rolls-Royce want accessories that feel as considered as the car. Their Cullinan-specific range is built with the right materials and stitching details, the kind you appreciate each time you open the door. If you’re shopping for premium floor mats that won’t cheapen the interior vibe, this is where I’d start.
Which Rolls-Royce Cullinan (2018–2023) Suits You?
There’s no “bad” Cullinan, but there are flavors. Early cars set the template; later models benefited from incremental tech and driver-assist refinements. The Black Badge (from around 2019/2020) adds power, a slightly sharper throttle, sportier tuning, darker exterior accents, and—if you want it—flashier wheel designs. It’s the Cullinan that whispers a little less and smirks a little more.
- Love the serene waft? Standard Cullinan on smaller wheels keeps the ride as plush as it gets.
- Want a bit more attitude without losing refinement? Black Badge. It’s still a Rolls, just with a raised eyebrow.
- Rear-seat priority? Go Individual Seats with the center console. Pack horses of people? Lounge Seat.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan vs. Other Luxury SUVs
Specs don’t capture the Cullinan’s hush or presence, but they do help frame the segment:
| Model | Engine | Power | 0–60 mph | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolls-Royce Cullinan | 6.75L TT V12 | 563–592 hp | ~4.9–4.5 s | Effortless, ultra-quiet, indulgent |
| Bentley Bentayga Speed | 6.0L W12 | 626 hp | ~3.8 s | Sport-luxe, tauter ride |
| Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 | 4.0L TT V8 (mild hybrid) | 550 hp | ~4.8 s | Sumptuous rear suite, tech-forward |
| Range Rover SV | 4.4L TT V8 | 523 hp | ~4.4 s | Modern British chic, off-road cred |
| Lamborghini Urus | 4.0L TT V8 | 641 hp | ~3.1–3.3 s | Supercar theatrics, firm ride |
Numbers are manufacturer claims or typical test results and can vary with spec and conditions.
Interesting Facts about the Rolls-Royce Cullinan
- The Cullinan is the first SUV in Rolls-Royce history—a bold move that paid off handsomely.
- It’s named after the Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality diamond ever found—a fitting metaphor for the SUV’s opulence.
- Each Cullinan endures exhaustive testing, from arctic cold to desert heat, plus off-road programs that most owners will never attempt.
- The Spirit of Ecstasy rises gracefully at startup and can retract for safety or when parked.
- The so-called “Magic Carpet Ride” is underpinned by camera-linked suspension and self-leveling air springs that preempt bumps.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Final Thoughts
Some luxury SUVs impress with speed; the Rolls-Royce Cullinan impresses with calm. It’s the difference between arriving relaxed and arriving relieved. Whether you’re sneaking home from a late dinner downtown or crawling up a snow-dusted drive, the Cullinan treats every mile like first-class. If you’re already lucky enough to own one, finishing the cabin with the right accessories—like tailored mats from AutoWin’s dedicated Cullinan range—keeps the experience cohesive and protected.
FAQ: Rolls-Royce Cullinan (2018–2023)
Is the Rolls-Royce Cullinan comfortable on bad roads?
Yes. The camera-linked suspension and self-leveling air springs flatten out potholes and washboard gravel. It’s one of the smoothest rides on sale, period.
How fast is the Cullinan?
The standard model does 0–60 mph in about 4.9 seconds, while the Black Badge trims that to roughly 4.5 seconds. Not that you’ll be drag racing, but it’s satisfyingly quick.
What’s the fuel economy like?
Plan on around 12 mpg city, 20 highway, and 14 combined—par for a V12 luxury SUV with this level of refinement and mass.
Which is better: standard or Black Badge?
Depends. The standard Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the purest waft. The Black Badge adds more power and a touch of attitude without spoiling the serenity. Try both back-to-back if you can.
Can I get custom floor mats for the Cullinan?
Absolutely. Check out the dedicated options at AutoWin, including the Rolls-Royce floor mats collection and the model-specific Cullinan (2018–2023) range for precise fit and premium materials.
