Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, unveiled in 2018, answered a question that many believed should never be asked: what would a Rolls-Royce SUV look like? Named after the Cullinan diamond — the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found — this commanding five-seat high-sided vehicle was designed to take the Rolls-Royce experience to places previously inaccessible to the marque's traditional saloons and coupes.
Built on the same aluminium spaceframe architecture as the Phantom VIII, the Cullinan is the heaviest and tallest modern Rolls-Royce, tipping the scales at nearly 2.8 tonnes. Yet its 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 provides effortless performance, delivering 563 bhp and 850 Nm of torque to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The Black Badge variant increases output to 600 bhp with enhanced torque and a more assertive driving character.
Despite its SUV proportions, the Cullinan rides on the same air suspension technology as the Phantom, supplemented by the 'Flagbearer' predictive system that reads the road surface ahead using cameras. The result is a ride quality that defies the car's height and mass. An 'Everywhere' button on the centre console activates off-road mode, raising the air suspension, adjusting throttle response, and engaging the four-wheel drive system's low-range ratios.
The rear of the Cullinan features Rolls-Royce's signature rear-hinged coach doors and offers two distinct configurations. The standard five-seat layout includes a generous boot, while the 'Individual Seat' option creates a four-seat configuration with two individual rear chairs separated by a fixed centre console containing a drinks cabinet. The 'Viewing Suite' — an optional pair of rear-facing leather seats that fold out from the tailgate — epitomises the Cullinan's commitment to unique luxury experiences.
The Cullinan's arrival was commercially transformative for Rolls-Royce. It quickly became the brand's best-selling model, accounting for a significant proportion of total production and helping Rolls-Royce achieve record sales figures. The car proved particularly popular in the United States, the Middle East, and China.
The Black Badge Cullinan, introduced in 2019, was the most popular Black Badge model in the range, appealing to younger buyers who wanted the combination of commanding presence, off-road capability, and the exclusivity of the Rolls-Royce badge. Its darkened aesthetic and enhanced performance made it a favourite among celebrities and athletes.
The Cullinan demonstrated that the Rolls-Royce experience could be successfully translated to the SUV format without dilution, proving that luxury and versatility are not mutually exclusive propositions.
The Cullinan is a complex vehicle — ensure all electronic systems function correctly, particularly the air suspension, Flagbearer system, and rear entertainment. Black Badge models command a significant premium. Check for off-road damage if the car has been used in rough terrain — inspect underbody protection and suspension components. The Viewing Suite chairs should deploy and stow smoothly. Air suspension compressors work hard given the car's weight — listen for compressor noise. Full Rolls-Royce service history is critical for resale value. Running costs are extreme: expect 15 mpg and expensive insurance. Tyre replacement costs are significant with the 22-inch wheels.
First Rolls-Royce SUV. Built on Architecture of Luxury aluminium spaceframe at Goodwood. Black Badge variant introduced 2019. Quickly became best-selling Rolls-Royce model. Series II update expected. All-wheel drive standard.