Six years back, Rolls-Royce stunned the automotive world by launching the Cullinan, its very first SUV, elevating British luxury to unprecedented heights. Now, the prestigious marque has introduced the Cullinan Series II, a revamped version of this opulent family SUV favored by the elite. The new iteration continues to be driven by a powerful V-12 engine and boasts a host of aesthetic and technological enhancements.
For 2025, the Cullinan maintains its signature Pantheon grille, now enhanced with illumination for the first time. The rectangular headlights have been updated with an L-shaped LED strip along the outer edges, giving the SUV a broader and more commanding presence. The front bumper has undergone significant redesign, featuring slanted air intakes that form a V shape, a nod to the bow of a luxury yacht according to Rolls-Royce.
The rear of the Cullinan Series II has received its own share of refinements. A subtle new character line curves inward from the taillight toward the center of the wheels, while the rear bumper now sports a bolder look with a high-gloss black finish. This is complemented by polished stainless steel around the exhaust and a brushed stainless steel protective plate. The SUV rides on impressive seven-spoke 23-inch wheels, each meticulously crafted from a billet of aluminum. Rolls-Royce has also introduced a new paint finish named Crystal Over, featuring a lacquer infused with glass particles to produce a shimmer reminiscent of fresh snow at dawn, particularly striking on the Emperador Truffle brown paint.
Inside, the Cullinan showcases a cutting-edge dashboard with a full-width glass panel that integrates the digital gauge cluster and center touchscreen. Unlike the previous model where the touchscreen could be hidden, the new screen is permanently on display, running the latest Rolls-Royce infotainment system called Spirit, which debuted in the electric Spectre.
The dashboard’s centerpiece is the Illuminated Fascia panel, positioned in front of the passenger seat. It features Cullinan branding over a skyscraper-inspired artwork created from 7000 laser-etched dots on a darkened glass, forming a captivating 3D effect. As with most Rolls-Royce features, owners can commission personalized designs for this panel. Additionally, a new clock cabinet is placed to the left of the touchscreen, housing an analog timepiece and a lit stainless steel Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, mirroring the SUV’s iconic hood ornament.
Rear passengers in the Cullinan Series II are treated to even more luxury. They can connect up to two streaming devices to the rear screens, which now also run a unique interface for streaming and controlling seat functions such as massage, heating, and cooling.
Bluetooth headphones can be used with the rear system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot allows for independent streaming on each screen. The sound system has been upgraded to an 18-speaker setup, promising an immersive audio experience.
The interior also features new materials, including Grey Stained Ash trim and Duality Twill, a rayon fabric made from bamboo. The SUV employs an innovative technique of creating artwork through perforations in the leather, showcasing a pattern inspired by the ever-changing shapes and shadows of clouds observed at Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood headquarters. This intricate design consists of 107,000 perforations.
The Cullinan’s formidable performance remains unchanged. The standard model continues to house a twin-turbo 6.7-liter V-12 engine, producing 563 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful Black Badge variant returns as well, offering 592 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. Both versions come with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The Black Badge model also features all-black exterior trim, including the Pantheon grille, window surrounds, and door handles. Buyers can extend the body color to the lower bumper and side-sill trim, a unique option for the Black Badge. Inside, the Black Badge retains its carbon-fiber trim and darkened decor to match its exterior.
Pricing for the new Cullinan hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s expected to surpass the 2024 model’s $391,750 starting price. Orders for the refreshed Cullinan will open this summer, with the first deliveries anticipated by the end of the year.