NAMED after a diamond, but likely to be twice as rare in the Australian outback, Rolls-Royce have announced the Cullinan SUV will be priced at $685,000 drive-away.
The price alone suggests this vehicle is not designed for unsealed roads, wash-outs and kangaroos.
Let alone small children.
However, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, chief executive officer, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, said the super-luxury lifestyle is evolving and is no longer an urban concept.
For those wishing to carry a long item back from their trip, whether it be a Mark Rothko from the art gallery or a newly discovered artefact from the latest archaeological dig.
- Rolls-Royce
“More and more it is about embracing and experiencing the wider world,” he said.
“Our customers expect to go everywhere in luxury, effortlessly and without compromise.
“Conquering the most challenging terrain to enjoy life’s most enriching experiences, wherever they may be.”
While both Bentley and Range Rover have also recently released SUV’s, Rolls-Royce, director of design, Giles Taylor said the Cullinan defines the standard for luxury and elegance.
“The label SUV is now applied to anything with a two-box silhouette and the least suggestion of going off tarmac,” he said.
“We envisioned an authentic, three-box high-bodied all-terrain car with a convention-challenging design and absolute capability that would satisfy the adventurous urges of our clients.”
The label SUV is now applied to anything with a two-box silhouette and the least suggestion of going off tarmac
- Rolls-Royce
By media release, Rolls Royce said the Cullinan is the most versatile, family orientated super luxury SUV available today.
The all-wheel drive, all-wheel steer system sits on an aluminium frame, powered by a 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 Rolls-Royce engine capable of delivering 420 kilowatts of power (563 horsepower) and 850Nm of torque.
Rolls-Royce said the Cullinan was ‘tested to destruction all over the planet’.
“Cullinan is an incredibly capable off-roader that sees the development of the ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ for off-road enjoyment, without sacrificing any Rolls-Royce on-road behaviour,” it said.
Other bespoke features include an opening tailgate, called ‘The Clasp’, a first for a Rolls-Royce.
“In a nod to the era when luggage was mounted on the exterior of the motor-car, so the occupants did not travel with their belongings,” it said.
Rolls-Royce said the rear passenger compartment was available in tow configurations, ‘individual’ or the more practical ‘lounge’.
“With space for three passengers in the rear, it will likely be more attractive to families,” it said.
“The rear seats also fold down – a first for Rolls-Royce.”
This portal can still be controlled from the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy controller which nestles on the central console
- Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce said the rear compartment offered a standard 560 litres of space, growing to 600 with the parcel shelf removed.
“For those wishing to carry a long item back from their trip,” it said.
“Whether it be a Mark Rothko from the art gallery or a newly discovered artefact from the latest archaeological dig.
“A loading length of 2245mm and load capacity of 1886 litres is accessed by electronically raising the boot floor to meet the seat base, allowing the item to slide through effortlessly.”
Rolls Royce said the ‘individual’ seat configuration incorporated a drinks cabinet with Rolls-Royce whisky glasses and decanter, champagne flutes and refrigerator.
The occupants can descend without dirtying their trouser legs, a feature only Rolls-Royce would have considered
- Rolls-Royce
“The central information screen is for the first time touch sensitive, allowing the driver to quickly select functions, map views and vehicle set-up whilst on the trail,” it said.
“This portal can still be controlled from the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy controller which nestles on the central console.”
Other cutting edge features include night vision, wildlife and pedestrian alerts, active cruise control and WiFi hot-spotting.
Five USB ports are included, whilst phones can be wirelessly charged in the front of the cabin.
Rolls-Royce said for the luxury customer arriving at a remote destination, both front and rear coach doors wrap low under the sill.
“The occupants can descend without dirtying their trouser legs,” it said.
“A feature only Rolls-Royce would have considered.”
While Fairfax Agricultural Media feels a significant rise in stock and crop markets, not to mention rainfall, would be required before a Coonamble Cullinan is spotted, those interested in further details on the release of the Rolls-Royce click here.