Rolls-Royce reveal ultra-luxury £250,000 Cullinan SUV – and it will take the brand off-road for the first time
The powerful Cullinan comes with a giant V12 engine, and has a top speed of 155mph - and is still just as luxurious as the rest of the brand's fleet
LUXURY British carmaker Rolls-Royce has revealed its first ever entry to the SUV market.
After months of teasing, the marquee finally lifted the covers on their £250,000 Cullinan 4x4.
Named after the 3,106 carat diamond found in the Crown Jewels, the Cullinan promises customers the chance to take "pinnacle luxury everywhere".
It's the first time Rolls-Royce has produced a car capable of going off-road - but the sturdy build hasn't sacrificed any indulgent features.
Able to wade into 21-inches of water, the 2,630kg vehicle has been built to tackle all terrains, while still maintaining the brand's simple yet sophisticated design.
The pricey motor comes with the latest tech including a four-camera surround visibility system, a wifi hotpot, heads up display with night vision, alertness assistant, and will even lower itself 40mm when you unlock the door to make it easier to hop inside.
One of the main features of the 4x4 is its "three-box" layout, with separate sections for the front cab, passengers and luggage - and with a giant 600-litre boot, it's big enough for more than a week's worth of groceries.
The Cullinan is powered by a 6.75-litre twin turbo V12 engine, capable of 563bhp with a top speed of 155mph.
Unlike other luxury SUVs on the market, motorists may still have a chance to get their hands on one, with bespoke orders still open.
But at around £250,000, it certainly doesn't come cheap and is twice the price of an entry-level Rolls-Royce Ghost.
Running costs will set you back quite a bit as well, with an economy of just 18.8mpg - but that won't phase those that can afford one.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “The launch of a new Rolls-Royce model is always a seminal moment in the luxury industry.
"Today we are setting a new standard by creating a new class of motoring and motor car for customers who are well-connected, highly mobile and have a global perspective.
"They want a new type of motor car that gives them unbounded access in ultimate luxury.
"Their sense of adventure and daring demands a 'go-anywhere in ultimate luxury' motor car that will both take them to and meet them at the pinnacle of life. Cullinan is that motor-car.”
Giles Taylor, Director of Design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “What's unique is the ability to absorb the road without thought and simply let yourself get lost.
"You don't so much drive as you float and it seems to get almost smoother the faster you go.
"The turning and the grip are unreal, almost hugging the road and seeming to glide above it."
The Cullinan is expected to rival luxury SUV models from other brands, including the Lamborghini Urus and the Bentley Bentayga Hybrid.