Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II priced

ROLLS-ROYCE has debuted is Cullinan Series II in Sydney this week, the updated luxury SUV attracting what the importer says is a younger and more diverse clientele to the brand.

Priced from $777,000 plus on-road costs (+$72,000) in ‘base’ form, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II is said to “command the urban space” with its 6.75-litre V12 offering “effortless performance”, or more precisely 440kW at 5000rpm and 900Nm at 1750rpm.

Rolls-Royce quotes a 0-100km/h time of 5.2 seconds for the 2734kg Cullinan with an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

And it seems this effortless power will be experienced by more Rolls-Royce owners than ever before. Rolls-Royce says less than 10 per cent of its vehicles are chauffer driven, the average age of owners in particular falling to 43 years, down from 56 years in 2010.

“Australia is among the top five markets within Asia Pacific for Cullinan. We are seeing here in Australia as well as globally that Cullinan is attracting a younger and more diverse group of clients to the marque,” said Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Asia-Pacific regional director Irene Nikkein.

In fact, that reduction in ownership age has prompted many of the Cullinan’s updates.

Verticality plays a more present element of the overall design, the fascia resembling “illuminated skyscrapers” and punctuated with eyebrow-like daytime running lights and redesigned air intakes.

Further back, a feature line leads from the tail-light forward to the Cullinan’s floating wheel hub, while the exhaust outlets are now integrated into the bodywork.

Available 23-inch wheels saw a modest tweak to the vehicle’s Magic Carpet air suspension, the only apparent reworking of the car’s mechanical equipment.

In addressing the needs of its younger buyer set, Rolls-Royce has improved connectivity in the Cullinan to allow the connection of two streaming devices to the rear screens, which now incorporate a Bespoke interface for streaming car management and seating functions such as massage, heating and cooling.

Internet connectivity allows a Wi-Fi hotspot connection and independent streaming for each screen, while Bluetooth headphones “of any type” may now be paired with the rear seat entertainment system.

Alternately, passengers may choose to enjoy the 18-speaker Bespoke Audio system with its own 18-channel, 1400-watt amplifier.

Further forward, and directly in front of the front seat passenger, is an illuminated fascia panel not unlike that found in the Ghost and Spectre. Featuring a unique cityscape graphic inspired by the world’s skyscrapers, the panel may be customised to individual tastes in collaboration with Rolls-Royce Bespoke designers.

Smartphone connectivity allows Cullinan Series II owners to operate select vehicle functions remotely via the Rolls-Royce Whispers app. Leather and bamboo-sourced fabrics upholster the cabin, with 51 coloured thread options available.

Seating options for four or five passengers remain, while cargo capacity is unchanged at 600 – 1930 litres. The split tailgate is retained with the update, as is the Cullinan’s sensible assortment of hard button- and touchscreen controls.

The updates, Rolls-Royce says, evolve the Cullinan’s place within the brand, “proving once more that the future of this marque will be shaped in partnership with its clients and characterised by exquisite contemporary crafts”.

Locally, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II is likely to rival the likes of the Bentley Bentayga Mulliner (from $646,800) and Ferrari Purosangue (from $728,000) when customer deliveries commence in the fourth quarter of 2024.

2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.