Rolls-Royce Cullinan: When a luxury car maker makes an SUV - it leads to a Rs 2.2 crore off-road marvel

Rolls-Royce, after years of playing with temptations, finally unveiled its first SUV—Cullinan. Named after the largest diamond ever discovered, Rolls-Royce said that it was quite possibly the “most anticipated Rolls-Royce of all time.”

The car which will be available for customers later this year costs around $325,000 (approx. Rs 2.185 crore) — roughly 1/100th of the estimated value of the diamond.

The SUV packs a punch and boasts of a 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 Rolls-Royce engine which delivers 420kW and 850Nm of torque. The vehicle is “all-new all-wheel drive, all-wheel steer system needed to overcome any challenge.”

The company is promoting the vehicle as an off-road vehicle. It adds that the SUV has been “tested to destruction all over the planet”.

The adventurous ride, though, does not compromise with the comfort of the passengers. The rear seats are separated by a centre console that houses whiskey glasses, a decanter, champagne flutes, and a fridge. The vehicle can lower itself by more than an inch and a half to make for easier entry.

The car has every latest technology that includes touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charging, five USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a heads-up display in front of the driver. Safety features include night vision cameras, active cruise control, and collision and lane departure warnings.

The “three box” design makes the car spacious as well. There is about 22 cubic feet of storage space in back, which Rolls-Royce says should be more than enough for you to stow a “Mark Rothko from the Art Gallery or a newly discovered artefact from the latest archaeological dig.”

Rolls-Royce, incidentally, is one of the last major automaker to foray into the SUV market. Bentley, Maserati, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Cadillac, Lincoln, and BMW even Lamborghini all make SUVs. Ferrari and Aston Martin has also shown their willingness to venture into the segment.