This is no normal year. While school is back in the actual classroom, it is still a social-distanced wave to people from a far. The school drop-off was a popular time for me and other parents to see what I was driving and play guess the price.
However, when a special ride showed up, I knew I had to share the $448,450 Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV. The usual bleary-eyed wave from the distanced crowd quickly changed when this ultraluxury ride pulled into the lot.
The Cullinan makes a statement wherever it goes, large and imposing within a second that you know it is a Rolls, just one that sits high. The Artic White paint plays nicely with the pricey Dark exterior package that trades the bright trim pieces for black and dark trim pieces. The hand-painted pinstripe on the wheels center caps impressed as did the RR center cap on the wheels that stays upright even when they turn.
The coach doors blew onlookers away since the back doors open the opposite way of other cars. All doors close with a touch of a button. Even so, everyone asked to see the umbrellas that are stored in the doors. They commented on the rich look of the interior, which sports Cobalto Blue seats piped in Artic White.
This interior is special with a handmade look by artisans at the top of their game. People were also curious to see the optional shooting-star headliner that mimics the night sky and it did not disappoint. The back seat riders have optional picnic tables and rear-seat theater to help pass the time. The Bespoke audio system is amazing in sound quality at both lower and higher volumes.
From the school lot to the road, I had a chance to put a few miles on this SUV. While it is large and wide, it drives smaller thanks to rear-wheel steering that allows this SUV to turn tighter. The ride is nearly silent and only the biggest bumps are barely noticed. The independent air suspension does its job treating everyone with luxurious experience. A twin turbo V12 is a quiet partner to help move this large ride easily.
Cost: $341,500 as tested $448,450
MPG: 12 MPG city 20 MPG highway, I managed 13.1 mpg in 210 miles.
Options: $2,525 pinstripe applied to wheel center Colbalto blue; $1,325 wheel centers matched to wheel; $19,750 dark exterior package; $7,100 Bespoke interior-module editing; $3,600 extended veneer centerline; $2,100 RR monogram embossed on doors; $1,575 RR monogram to all headrest in artic white; $4,475 contrast seat piping in Artic White; $2,325 colored stitching Artic White; $875 instrument panel with top stitch; $9,350 black stained ash; $1,125 veneered steering wheel spokes; $7,975 shooting star headliner; $8,675 rear theatre configuration; $1,650 contrast lamb’s wool footmats; $5,450 picnic tables; $3,475 illuminated tread plates; $10,800 Rolls-Royce bespoke audio; $5,450 driver assistance systems; $2,750 handling & destination; $2,600 gas guzzler tax.
Things to know: The Cullinan, an ultraluxury SUV, will satisfy the most demanding customer that wants capability without compromise. It also turns school drop off into an event to behold that only a special vehicle from Rolls-Royce can do.
Pros:
- The first Rolls-Royce SUV that has AWD so it is easier to use year-round and for families
- Luxury in an entirely different league with world-class fit and finish
- Styling will get you noticed
Cons:
- Much too nice to drive off-road or in messy road conditions
- No third row option for additional passengers
- Priced out of the league of most buyers
