Why a Rolls-Royce SUV? Where is the toilet? Worldwide Sales Manager Jan Grant speaks to us | Questions and answers

The Cullinan is literally the Rolls-Royce of SUVs. This beautiful V12-powered XNUMXxXNUMX monster is the first SUV produced by Rolls-Royce and we joined the company's global sales manager Ian Grant in the cockpit at its launch in Australia. 

R.B.: This is a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Rolls-Royce's first SUV. It is literally the Rolls-Royce of SUVs. Why?

IG: Well, we listen to our customers. We asked: what else do you need from a brand? What would you like to see? Our client base has become younger and more dynamic. This allows us to focus our efforts on creating a vehicle that has the flexibility and versatility that a high-sided SUV will bring.

The chassis was built and designed specifically for the Cullinan.

R.B.: Now it's not just a converted BMW X7, is it?

IG: Absolutely not - it's on its own chassis. It uses our new aluminum architecture and the chassis was built and designed specifically for the Cullinan.

R.B.: Price in Australia – around $700,000?  

IG: Yes, 685 thousand dollars, but of course, if you want to add diamonds, pearls or gold to the car, then this amount can increase a little.  

R.B.: Now, in terms of the Rolls-Royce lineup, this is not the most expensive Rolls-Royce. I mean, I couldn't afford it - I washed my hair with baby bubble bath this morning, but it's worth less than Dawn and Ghost. But when we get to custom territory, the prices really go up - what's the most outrageous request for a Cullinan you've had so far?

This is a very comfortable car for getting around the city.

IG: Well, this is just the beginning, but the very first order we made here in Australia was a bespoke order. This client was looking for a specific paint shade and then mirrored that paint shade through leather and wood, as well as some gold accents in the car. We're also talking to a client who is an avid bird watcher and he wants us to put a system in the back of the car that holds his binoculars and camera equipment. And so we're really excited about the performance that Bespoke is going to bring to life with this car.

R.B.: So, rich ornithologist - can you tell us who it is?

IG: I can't name it, no, but this is the car I'm looking forward to.

R.B.: What paint color did he choose?

IG: The car that we are designing with this gentleman will be green, and the first one I mentioned was purple and gold.

The engine produces maximum torque at 1600 rpm, so it is simply ideal for towing, takeoff and loose surfaces.

R.B.: So, some characteristics of Cullinan. It is 5.3 m long, 2.2 m wide, 1.8 m high - it is long, but not a massive SUV, right?

IG: What it does add is a very large passenger area - so the wheelbase is quite long (3.3m) and you sit right inside. Combined with your Surround Camera, your flagship system, as we call it - night vision, radar detection... it's also a very comfortable car for city driving.

R.B.: Engine Specifications: Under the hood is a 6.75-litre V12 biturbo with 420kW and 850Nm. That's a lot of mubo.

IG: Yes.

The Cullinan allows you to visit many places without having to change cars.

R.B.: What is the top speed of the Cullinan?

IG: Well, it's adjustable so it doesn't overshoot to top speed, but the key here is also that the engine is at maximum torque at 1600rpm, so for towing, takeoffs, loose surfaces and the like - it's absolutely perfect. for the intentions we have for this machine.

R.B.: So here we are in Australia - can you take this somewhere? 

IG: Of course, there are some limitations. But what's great about Australia is that here in Sydney you have a metropolis and then, on a very short trip, you end up on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, you drive the other way and you're on one of the most amazing beaches. landscape in the world with the Blue Mountains. The Cullinan lets you visit it all without having to change cars.

R.B.: Now we're sitting here in the cockpit, and it's...well...luxurious isn't quite the right word to describe it. For starters, I have lambswool car floor mats. I know this is the weirdest place to start, but it was the first thing I wanted to touch. You have a real tree here on the center console, what else can people expect to see from a car that you just won't see on any other SUV or car on the planet?

Real wood on the center console.

IG: I think there are a lot of unique things about Rolls Royce, but especially about this Cullinan - how the lines of design permeate the spirit of ecstasy through the car, how the dashboard sinks down. So, I could point to a lot of exciting design features, but I think it's what you can't see that gives you the most pleasure. Not only do you get amazing feedback through the car while driving, every little gray area you see has a reason to point you where the heating is, so on a cold winter morning you can keep your elbows as warm as you can. fingertips.

R.B.: Warm elbows?

IG: Absolutely.

Luxurious is not a luxurious enough word to describe it.

R.B.: Does it also have little picnic chairs that slide out in the back?

IG: Yes, we have a whole system of functions in the back so these chairs will slide out from the back of the car and you can use that for birdwatching, maybe you went to the races or you were heading to Melbourne. Cup.

R.B.: Just come to the trailer park with your Cullinan... get your little picnic table out...

IG: Em…

R.B.: Fridge? Is there a refrigerator?

The refrigerator is stocked with champagne and there is a whiskey decanter in the back.

IG: Yes, with champagne. And you also have a whiskey decanter in the back of the machine.

R.B.: How about a toilet? Toilet. Does he have a toilet?

IG: It does not have a toilet.

R.B.: Why hasn't Rolls-Royce done this yet?

IG: I think you could just go into one of the houses and...

R.B.: Come on - there's always the case where we bust you and you end up driving a little faster to get home before he gets out. I really think Rolls-Royce should be the first to offer an on-board toilet. I mean, they are on the buses.

IG: Rolls-Royce toilets? We'll take a look at it.

R.B.: You must put it in the back. I mean, would you ever put it in the front?

IG: Um... I think the toilet should always be in the back, yes.

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