Rolls-Royce teases Cullinan SUV – debuts 2018

Rolls-Royce has released a couple of teasers of its ‘all-terrain, high-sided vehicle’ dubbed Project Cullinan, or SUV to you and me.

The luxury brand’s first SUV draws on current Rolls-Royce design cues, including its imposing front fascia and the traditional coach doors (also known as suicide doors).

The first engineering mule was built for the development of the SUV’s new all-wheel drive suspension system, as well as testing its all-new aluminium architecture that will underpin all Rolls-Royces from 2018 onwards.

Roll-Royce says the latest development vehicle will be tested in numerous locations around the world to ensure the end product will be ‘Effortless…. Everywhere’. Its first destination will be the Arctic Circle where it will undergo cold weather durability and traction testing before heading to the Middle East to endure the highest temperatures and challenging desert conditions.

An updated version of the 6.75-litre V12 is slated to motivate the Cullinan initially when it launches, where it will go head-to-head with the Bentley Bentayga. BMW Group’s 6.6-litre, twin-turbo V12 is also a possibility further down the line.

“This is an incredibly exciting moment in the development of Project Cullinan both for Rolls-Royce and for the patrons of luxury that follow us around the world,” comments Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

“Bringing together the new four-wheel drive system and the new ‘architecture of luxury’ for the first time sets us on the road to creating a truly authentic Rolls-Royce which, like its forebears, will reset the standard by which all other luxury goods are judged.”