Rolls-Royce Cullinan Buyers Guide

When the Rolls-Royce Cullinan was first introduced in 2018, it represented a significant milestone for the automaker. Named after the largest diamond ever discovered, the Cullinan was Rolls-Royce’s first attempt into the SUV segment, bringing its renowned luxury and craftsmanship to a new category.

This introduction wasn’t just about launching a new vehicle; it was about redefining luxury in the SUV market, setting new standards for elegance, comfort, and performance in a sector dominated by practicality and ruggedness.

Under its exquisitely designed hood lies a formidable engine: a 6.75-liter V12 twin-turbocharged engine, capable of producing 563 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. This power allows the Cullinan to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds, a huge feat for a vehicle of its size and weight. The engine’s power is managed through an advanced all-wheel-drive system, ensuring a smooth and commanding driving experience on any terrain.

The exterior of the Cullinan features the timeless elegance that Rolls-Royce is known for, combined with the robust presence expected of an SUV. Its commanding front grille, adorned with the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy, is shown by sleek LED headlights that provide a modern touch.

The body features clean, bold lines and a stately silhouette, while the rear is characterized by its large tailgate and stylish LED taillights, offering both practicality and sophistication.

Inside, the Cullinan’s cabin is the peak of luxury, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology. The interior is covered with the finest materials, including hand-stitched leather, polished wood veneers, and bespoke finishes.

The spacious seating arrangement ensures unparalleled comfort, with rear seats that can be configured to include a center console, transforming the back into a lounge-like environment. Advanced features such as a state-of-the-art infotainment system, a bespoke audio system, and an array of customizable options further enhance the driving experience.

In its segment, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan faces competition from other high-end luxury SUVs such as the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, and Range Rover Autobiography.

Despite these competitors, the Cullinan distinguishes itself with its unparalleled level of craftsmanship, bespoke options, and the unmistakable prestige associated with the Rolls-Royce brand, catering to those who seek the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity in their automotive experience.

Model Changes (Breakdown by Year)

2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan was officially unveiled in May 2018, marking the brand’s entrance into the luxury SUV market. 

It features a powerful 6.75-liter V12 twin-turbocharged engine, producing 563 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. 

Designed with all-wheel-drive, electronically controlled suspension, and advanced off-road capabilities, the Cullinan offers a versatile driving experience. 

Inside, it features luxurious materials, bespoke options, and cutting-edge technology, including a high-definition digital dashboard and a rear theater configuration. A standout feature is the “Viewing Suite,” a pair of rear-facing seats that deploy from the rear compartment, adding a unique touch of elegance and practicality.

The starting price for the 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan was $327,000.

2020 Rolls-Royce Cullinan

In 2020, Rolls-Royce introduced the Black Badge variant of the Cullinan. This version featured an enhanced V12 engine, producing 600 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. The design included distinctive blacked-out exterior elements, such as the Spirit of Ecstasy, grille, and trim, along with unique 22-inch black alloy wheels. 

The interior showcased a darker, more aggressive styling with unique trim options, including technical carbon veneer and bespoke leather colors like Forge Yellow, Cobalto Blue, and Mandarin. 

The 2020 Cullinan could now be ordered with leather to match its optional Viewing Suite and all-new Sanctuary Seats, which included extra padding and a power-adjustable calf rest on the right rear seat. Also, the Cullinan featured newly available leather floormats and piano-white veneer. Apple CarPlay was also added to all models halfway through the 2020 model year.

Not to mention, the Black Badge variant boasted enhanced driving dynamics with a revised suspension setup and improved braking system, offering a more exciting and responsive driving experience.

The starting price for the 2020 Rolls-Royce Cullinan was $335,000.

2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan

In 2021, Rolls-Royce expanded the bespoke options for the Cullinan, offering an even greater array of personalization choices. 

Notable bespoke options included striking exterior colors such as Iced Arctic White, Burnout Grey, Tuscan Sun, and Purple Silk, each adding a unique touch of elegance and sophistication. 

The interior trims were also enhanced with modern and luxurious options like Technical Carbon Veneer, Open Pore Woods (including Mimosa Negra and Paldao), and Piano Black Lacquer, providing a range of finishes to suit different tastes. 

Additionally, new bespoke packages were introduced to cater to various lifestyles. The Serenity Package focused on maximizing passenger comfort with features like massaging seats, extended leather options, and advanced climate control systems. The Adventure Package was designed for those seeking off-road capabilities, including an all-terrain wheel and tire set, skid plates, and enhanced off-road driving modes.

 The Urban Package was tailored for city driving, featuring parking assistance, a 360-degree camera system, and advanced urban navigation tools. These expanded options allowed Cullinan owners to create a vehicle that perfectly suited their tastes and needs.

The starting price for the 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan remained the same as the previous year at $335,000.

2022 Rolls-Royce Cullinan

In 2022, Rolls-Royce introduced several special editions and unique bespoke commissions for the Cullinan to celebrate specific milestones and themes. 

Notable special editions included the Cullinan Black Badge Neon Nights Collection, which featured vibrant, exotic colors like Lime Rock Green, Eagle Rock Red, and Mirabeau Blue, each paired with bespoke interior details. 

Another standout was the Cullinan Inspired by Fashion edition, showcasing the intersection of automotive and fashion design with unique color combinations and interior trims influenced by contemporary haute couture. 

The Cullinan 55th Anniversary Edition celebrated 55 years of Rolls-Royce excellence with bespoke badges, exclusive exterior colors, and luxurious interior options. These special editions allowed customers to experience the Cullinan in unique and personalized ways.

The starting price for the 2022 Rolls-Royce Cullinan was $351,000.

2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan

In 2023, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan received facelift updates with subtle design tweaks to keep its appearance fresh and modern. 

These updates included revised lighting elements, grille design, and new wheel options. The year also saw continued advancements in in-car technology, with improvements to the infotainment system, driver assistance features, and overall comfort.

The starting price for the 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan was $376,000.

2024 Rolls-Royce Cullinan

For 2024, the Black Badge Cullinan Blue Shadow Private Collection makes a debut. 

Inspired by the Karman Line, the boundary where Earth’s atmosphere meets space, the Blue Shadow Cullinan will be produced in an extremely limited run of just 62 units, all of which have already been claimed. 

This special edition features a Lunar Starlight Headliner, adorned with over a thousand tiny fiber optic stars, and its leather seats are perforated to resemble the view of Earth from space. Each Blue Shadow Cullinan comes with a matching car cover, a bespoke luggage set, and a 1:8-scale model replica of the Cullinan, serving as a reminder of the exquisite vehicle parked in the garage.

The starting price for the 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan was $394,000.

2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Rolls-Royce distinguishes the 2025 Cullinan with the addition of the “II” suffix to its name, signifying its mild updates which are primarily cosmetic and user interface-related. 

The iconic Pantheon grille now features illumination, complemented by new L-shaped LED strips flanking the rectangular headlamps. The front bumper has been redesigned with slanted air intakes forming a “V” shape, while the rear bumper boasts a high-gloss black finish for a bolder appearance. 

Polished stainless steel elements around the exhaust and a brushed stainless steel protective plate enhance the look. The Cullinan II also introduces new seven-spoke 23-inch wheels, each crafted from a single billet of aluminum. 

A new Emperador Truffle finish, created by infusing lacquer with glass particles, adds a subtle shimmer. Inside, the previous setup has been replaced with a full-width glass panel that incorporates the instruments and infotainment touchscreen. Additionally, a new available upholstery fabric called Duality Twill, crafted from bamboo rayon, offers a sophisticated and sustainable option.

The price of the 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan is expected to start around $392,000 and go up to $454,000 depending on the trim and options.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Common Problems

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is built on the same platform as the BMW X7. This connection allows it to benefit from BMW’s engineering and reliability. However, like any vehicle, the Cullinan can encounter some common issues over its lifespan.

However, it is essential to keep in mind that all cars, even supercars, can have issues and it is crucial to perform a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) from an authorized dealer or experienced independent mechanic to reveal all issues.

Battery Issues: Dead battery problems are frequent, often caused by internal degradation due to old age, typically between 3 to 5 years. Other factors include faulty alternators that fail to charge the battery, parasitic draws that drain the battery when the vehicle is off, and poor battery connections due to corrosion on the terminals.

Electrical and Software Problems: The Cullinan has been known to experience issues with its rear-view camera, where footage may not be visible to the driver due to software installation problems affecting the Central Information Display (CID) system. Additionally, the battery light can indicate problems with electrical connections or components, including the alternator and serpentine belt.

Starter Motor and Solenoid Problems: Owners have reported grinding noises when starting the engine, often due to issues with the starter solenoid or misaligned starter motors. These problems can prevent the starter motor from engaging properly with the flywheel teeth, resulting in grinding sounds during ignition.

Airbag Deployment Issues: There have been instances of improper airbag positioning during deployment. This can be a severe safety concern as incorrectly positioned airbags may not deploy correctly in a crash, potentially causing injury.

General Mechanical Problems: Faulty ignition coils have been noted, leading to engine hesitation, poor acceleration, and power loss. Aged or worn-out components like the starter motor and flywheel can also contribute to starting issues and other mechanical failures.

Recalls

2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan vehicles

Seat belts (Recall no. 21V554000)

The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early before the webbing fully retracts. As such during a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.

2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Back over prevention: sensing system: camera (Recall no. 19V684000)

The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, “Rearview Mirrors”. The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan vehicles

Exterior lighting: Brake lights (Recall no. 19V612000)

The brake lights may not be bright enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”. Without a sufficient level of brightness from the brake lights, the vehicle may have reduced visibility to other drivers when braking, increasing the risk of a crash.

Maintenance and Ownership Costs

Compared to other ultra-luxury SUVs, owning a Rolls-Royce Cullinan is considered to have relatively low maintenance requirements and ownership costs.

However, it is important to remember that regular maintenance and repairs will still be necessary, and the costs can vary depending on whether you take your car to a dealer or an independent mechanic.

Here is the suggested service schedule and intervals per Rolls-Royce:

1 YEAR OR 7,000 – 10,000 MILES

Replace engine oil and filter.

Comprehensive inspection to factory specifications.

Complete factory diagnostics.

2 YEARS OR 18,000 MILES

Replace engine coolant.

Replace spark plugs.

Replace engine oil and filter.

Inspect and replace V-belt and tensioner.

Replace pollen filters.

Replace brake fluid.

3 YEARS OR 27,000 MILES

Replace engine oil and filter.

Replace gearbox oil.

4 YEARS OR 36,000 MILES

Replace engine oil and filter.

Comprehensive inspection to factory specifications.

Replace brake pads and discs as necessary.

Check and replace cabin air filters.

5 YEARS OR 45,000 MILES

Replace engine oil and filter.

Replace spark plugs.

Inspect and replace V-belt and tensioner.

Replace pollen filters.

Replace brake fluid.

Replace engine coolant.

Extended Maintenance Plans

Rolls-Royce offers extended warranty and maintenance plans, which include additional roadside support, digital map updates, and emergency call abilities, ensuring comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.

Here is a rough estimate of typical service costs associated with the Rolls-Royce Cullinan:

Oil Change – As low as $400 for independent mechanics and $1000 for dealers.

Minor Service – Typically includes oil change, cabin filters, and engine filters. The cost from a dealer is around $1,800

Major Service – Typically includes all the above plus spark plugs, brake flush, trans flush, expect about $3,000 from a dealer.

Tires – A set of high-performance SUV tires like Pirelli P Zero will cost about $2,400.

Brakes – High-performance ventilated disc brakes should last a lifetime. OEM equivalent pads cost around $1,200 for a full set.

Clutch – Dual clutch transmission should last the lifetime of the vehicle so expect zero additional expenses for clutch or flywheel service.

Options List

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan offers an extensive range of options that allow owners to personalize their vehicles to reflect their individual tastes and lifestyles.

For the exterior, buyers can select from a vast palette of paint colors, including bespoke options through the Rolls-Royce Bespoke program. Various styles and sizes of alloy wheels, including 21-inch and 22-inch options, are available to elevate the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal. Additionally, exterior packages like the Black Badge add unique styling elements, such as blacked-out trim and exclusive design accents.

Inside the Cullinan, there are numerous choices for upholstery, including the finest leathers and other high-quality materials for seats and interior trim. The interior trim can be further personalized with options like wood, carbon fiber, and metal finishes.

Seating options include ventilated and heated seats, as well as massaging seats for ultimate comfort. Custom ambient lighting is available to create the perfect cabin atmosphere.

Technological and convenience features in the Cullinan are abundant. The vehicle comes equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system that integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audiophiles can opt for the standard 18-speaker audio system or upgrade to the Bespoke Audio system for an unparalleled sound experience.

Advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, night vision, lane departure warning, and a 360-degree camera system, enhance safety and convenience. Additionally, luxury features such as a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and a heated steering wheel contribute to the opulent driving experience.

For performance and handling, the Cullinan includes an adaptive air suspension with multiple driving modes, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride in any condition. The Black Badge variant features enhanced performance with a more powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension for a dynamic driving experience.

Customization options through the Rolls-Royce Bespoke program allow for unique finishes and tailor-made features not available in the standard range. Special edition models with exclusive features and design elements further enhance the allure of the Cullinan. These options ensure that each Rolls-Royce Cullinan can be uniquely tailored to its owner’s specific desires and requirements.

2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Spec Sheet

Key Options

Rolls-Royce Bespoke paint colors

Optional 21-inch and 22-inch alloy wheels

Massaging seats

Bespoke Audio system

Black Badge exterior package

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Price and Values

The Best Rolls-Royce Cullinan to Buy

When it comes to buying a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, there are a few key factors to consider that can affect the SUV’s long-term value.

Some of the criteria are broken down into a few categories.

For the Cullinan that will hold the best value, the Black Badge edition is the top choice, as it comes with enhanced performance features, exclusive styling elements, and advanced technology options that set it apart from the standard models.

The Black Badge’s more powerful engine, producing 600 hp and 664 pound-feet of torque, along with a sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes, offers a superior driving experience. These performance upgrades, combined with luxurious interior appointments and advanced infotainment systems, make the Black Badge a standout in the lineup.

Some may prefer the standard Cullinan for its blend of luxury and performance, but for those looking to make a statement, the Black Badge’s unique features and increased power are hard to beat. Additionally, the Black Badge includes various customization options through the Rolls-Royce Bespoke program, allowing for personalized touches that can further enhance the vehicle’s appeal and uniqueness.

When considering market stability for a Cullinan, targeting models with advanced technology and enhanced performance features is a wise choice. The Black Badge’s upgrades and exclusivity make it a desirable option, as it offers not only better performance but also the potential for higher resale value due to its unique position in the Cullinan lineup.

Comprehensive interior updates, such as the advanced infotainment system and the optional Bespoke Audio system, ensure that the Black Badge remains competitive with the latest luxury SUVs on the market.

However, all Cullinan models, including the standard versions, remain strong purchases simply because they embody Rolls-Royce’s commitment to luxury and performance. The Cullinan’s combination of a powerful twin-turbo V12 engine, high-quality interior materials, and cutting-edge technology make it a compelling choice for any luxury SUV buyer.

In addition to model selection, the condition and mileage of the vehicle are also important factors to consider when buying a Cullinan. Vehicles that have been well-maintained and have low mileage are more likely to retain their value in the long run.

It is important to do thorough research, compare prices, and look for well-maintained cars if you are considering purchasing a Cullinan with the goal of maintaining or increasing its value.

Therefore, it’s crucial to evaluate your needs, preferences, and budget when selecting a Cullinan model. Whether you opt for the high-performance Black Badge or the standard Cullinan, ensuring that the vehicle is in good condition and has been properly maintained will help secure your investment and enhance your ownership experience.

For market stability, aim to go for a 2019 to 2021 model year Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Conclusion

In summary, with a starting price of around $250,000+, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is an unparalleled choice for those seeking the pinnacle of luxury in an SUV. It offers a unique blend of Rolls-Royce’s signature opulence, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional performance capabilities.

While alternatives like the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, and the Range Rover Autobiography, the Cullinan distinguishes itself through its exquisite craftsmanship, serene ride quality, and unmatched customization options.

For those seeking the ultimate combination of luxury and performance in an SUV, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is an excellent match. Its ability to deliver a supremely comfortable and refined driving experience without compromising on power or practicality ensures that it will exceed expectations.