Rolls-Royce Cullinan test drive: High, high ...

It's time for the first meeting with the most expensive SUV model on the planet

The changing situation in the automotive market has become a catalyst for many processes that seemed like science fiction just twenty years ago. Today, more than a third of new cars sold worldwide are in the SUV or crossover category.

In the Old Continent, the percentage is already approaching 40… The days when the manufacturer could afford to stay away from this trend seem to be over forever – after Porsche with their stunningly successful sales of the Cayenne, SUVs from some of the most iconic names in the automotive industry, such as Jaguar, Lamborghini, BentleySega and now it's Rolls-Royce's turn.

The truth is that from an economic point of view, making and manufacturing this type of car is the key to the financial stability of each of these companies. If not for the glory of the Cayenne, today the Porsche 911 could only be a part of the golden history of the industry, and not a representative of its modern avant-garde with an expected equally bright future.

In other words, in order to guarantee the creation of boutique masterpieces such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Bentley Mulsanne or Lamborghini Aventador, companies must pursue sales with more in-demand products. And now in the world of ATVs there is nothing more in demand than an SUV.

Above things

Not surprisingly, shortly after the launch of the Cullinan, Rolls-Royce boasts an enviable number of sales, covering its production capacity for at least a year in advance. And the reasons for such high rates among solvent clientele around the world are definitely not overlooked.

With this machine, you always feel above things - literally and figuratively. On the outside, the stylists managed to skillfully transfer some of the brand's traditional elements, such as the vertically positioned front grille of hand-polished stainless steel, to a highly unconventional Rolls-Royce concept of a typical extravagant-sized SUV.

It is interesting to note that no matter how gigantic the Cullinan looks, its radiance is somewhat lighter compared to the classic Phantom luxury sedan. Surely this is purposeful because SUV buyers, even if it is the most luxurious car on the market, usually have a completely different understanding of beauty and luxury than traditionalists who would buy a limousine like the Phantom.

Behind the typically opposite doors of brands, a world opens up that has nothing to do with the world around us. Inside, extravagant splendor reigns, a sense of well-being and an abundance of design elements made with skill.

After you close the door behind you - or rather, after the electromechanical button closes the door behind you, the banal dullness of everyday life remains outside. The body relaxes in wide and ultra-comfortable chairs, feet sink into thick carpet, toes touch fine leather upholstery, shiny wood surfaces and real polished metal elements.

If you tap the milled air vents with your fingernail, you will hear a chime like a musical instrument. Pulling and pulling elements, as if they were taken from an ancient organ in a concert hall, are responsible for regulating the strength of the air entering the cabin. All in all, the only thing you have left is where to store your favorite drinks on the go.

The answer is very reassuring - for an additional fee, up to the price of a pretty decent car, you can equip the Cullinan with not one, but two refrigerators equipped with sets of handmade crystals.

One is integrated into the rear armrest and the other is positioned slightly higher and between the two separate rear seats. If you intend to use the car as a family car, you can also order the standard version with three seats in the back.

A picnic in nature? May be!

Another very interesting offer from an almost endless list of options for additional equipment is a luggage box integrated into the floor, from which two movable (leather-covered, of course!) Chairs and a picnic table come out to sit in the company of a loved one and enjoy a gourmet drink from one from the already mentioned crystal sets, contemplating a beautiful view, a sunset, or whatever else comes to mind.

And how does this 2660 kg mastodon behave on the road? On the one hand, like a classic Rolls-Royce, and on the other - not quite. The CLAR modular car is essentially a fairly close technological derivative of the BMW X7, so it's no surprise that it handles with impressive ease for its size and weight.

The ride is supposedly soft, too soft for some - while the Phantom floats along the pavement like a sort of flying carpet, the Cullinan behaves more like a rocking boat. This is probably a sought-after effect that will appeal to many fans of this type of car.

Another interesting point is the sound of the engine - of course, the noise is at a fantastically high level and you will hardly hear anything from the outside world, but even with a slight increase in speed, the 12-cylinder unit operating under the hood reminds you of a distinctly audible growl.

Whether this happens naturally or artificially remains unclear, but the fact is that, unlike any other production Rolls-Royce, engine noise is clearly desirable, not the other way around. Which actually combines in a strange way with the ability to completely disable ESP in Offroad mode - take it as you wish, but this Rolls-Royce can be used not only for leisurely travel, but also, for example, for drifting through sand dunes.

It seems unnecessary to mention at what latitudes this feature of the car will be most warmly received. In addition, the British company notes that due to the ability to adjust the ground clearance, the air suspension allows the car to overcome water obstacles up to 54 centimeters deep.

Seriously - if someone comes up with something like that, let's call it an extravagant idea, the Cullinan is actually capable of handling some pretty serious problems on rough terrain.

"Enough power"

If that makes any real difference, the 6,75-liter V571 has 850bhp. and a maximum torque of 1600 Newton meters at XNUMX rpm, which makes it clear enough that if the person behind the wheel wants, he will be able to effectively ride the figure of the legendary Lady Emily, mounted on the hood.