FUN STUFF

Top 5 Ridiculously Opulent Features on the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II

Dec 5, 2024  · 5 min read

Summary
A peek into what the richest people want to see in their cars.

Rolls-Royce launched the Cullinan in 2018, claiming it to be the world’s first super-luxury SUV. It was meant to satisfy the uppermost echelon of SUV buyers around the globe. Feedback from owners of the most popular Roller in the brand’s history was that they liked the vehicle just the way it was, so when it was time to update it, not much work needed to be done.

Anything but understated, the company says that updates for the 2025 Series II were meant to be subtle and refined. Considering many owners won’t ever even get behind the wheel in favour of being driven, we opted not to do a full test drive. Instead, we decided to focus on the most opulent and noteworthy features from the Series II, as it is clear that a great deal of time and effort went into their creation. Before you ask, yes, it still comes with a custom engraved umbrella concealed within the door. Two, in fact.

Shine Bright Like a Diamond

Updating a Rolls-Royce is a lofty challenge. One must find a way to enhance the existing styling in a manner befitting the brand’s illustrious heritage without alienating the intended audience. For 2025, the font grille and bonnet were redesigned with subtle new proportions, but nothing outrageously different. Front and rear bumpers get new designs to accommodate front air intakes and rear exhaust tips. Intending to be immediately recognizable and carve a luminous path day or night, the new headlights feature a distinctive signature meant to embody the curvature of a woman’s shoulders making a dramatic entrance.

Every element of the design tells a story. Each of the mammoth seven-spoke 23-inch wheels is milled from a billet of aluminum. Their imposing, eye-catching design was inspired by the view of a cut diamond. The name Cullinan itself, stems from the largest gem quality diamond ever discovered.

Time is Money

Perhaps the most well-known hood ornament in the world, the Spirit of Ecstasy adorns the front of every Rolls-Royce. New models now feature a hideaway function, majestically revealing her as you approach the vehicle. For the first time in history, a Spirit of Ecstasy appears inside the cabin.

Displayed beneath an analogue timepiece, the figurine is lit up from below upon entry to the vehicle before the light gradually fades into a soft glow. The figure in the Black Badge edition is, you guessed it – black.

An Interior Fit for Royalty

Opening the doors of the Cullinan reveals a seemingly never-ending treasure trove of subtle details. Among them are the power-operated tray tables, personal TV screens, and the revelation of the constellations sparkling within the headliner.

The Series II has a single piece of glass across the entire front dash, housing digital gauges and a speedometer that emulates a magic wand as you accelerate. 

Additional accents for the Series II include hand-stitched perforated leather and open-pore grey-stained ash. Every surface emanates a tangible feeling of robust quality. Metal accents are comprised of milled aluminum, and carpeting is made from plush lambswool.

Cocktails, Anyone?

The interior of a Cullinan feels as secure as a bank safe. The substantial doors close to provide a quiet environment rich with high-quality materials and convenience features. Had a challenging flight in the business jet or a long day at the office? Simply recline your seat and lift the armrest to reveal the crystal whiskey decanter in the centre console. Craving some bubbly? No problem. A small fridge is located in the seatback, where crystal Champagne flutes and your favourite bottled beverage await you.

Black Badge

Thanks to a software upgrade, the 6.75L V12 gets a bump from 563 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque to 592 hp and 664 lb-ft, respectively. It also benefits from a sport mode, unique exhaust, and bigger brakes.

Beyond the technical specs, you may think the Black Badge is essentially the same concept as every other blacked-out SUV released in the last few years. You would be mistaken. The legendary Spirit of Ecstasy, as well as artisan-crafted window surrounds, door handles, trim, and even the chrome exhaust tips are painstakingly prepared, treated, and adorned with four coats of rich black paint before being meticulously polished to a high gloss finish. The manner in which it has been accomplished is classic bespoke Rolls-Royce, but seemingly more sinister. It gets more aggressive air intakes up front and carbon fibre accents inside. More intense colours and modern interior accents are offered for people who want something less dark.

Meet the Author

Fascinated by anything with an engine since he was old enough to walk, Dustin has been crafting automotive news, reviews, and travel content for over 14 years. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies and English from Wilfrid Laurier University and a post-graduate certificate in Broadcasting from Humber College. Dustin is a freelancer for AutoTrader and a doting cat dad.