I’ll never forget the first time I rode in a Cullinan. A client – some steel baron from Jamshedpur – insisted I join him for the full airport-to-palace experience. As the massive SUV glided silently over cratered roads, reclining into a seat that felt handcrafted by angels, I thought: this isn’t just a car. It’s a statement. That memory still hits when I think about the Rolls-Royce Cullinan II, the 2025 evolution that takes lavish travel to absurd new heights.
In 2026, with private jets feeling almost ordinary and ultra-luxury SUVs dominating the elite’s garage, the Cullinan II matters because it’s the ultimate “go anywhere” machine for those who refuse compromise. No other vehicle blends off-road capability, spaceship cabin tech, and Bespoke customization into something that feels like floating on a cloud – whether you’re conquering Himalayan passes or sipping champagne at 250 km/h. This guide unpacks why it redefines majesty on wheels.
Overview
Buckle up for a deep dive into the Rolls-Royce Cullinan II – the super-luxury SUV that’s less vehicle, more private lounge on steroids. Here’s what you’ll uncover:
- The jaw-dropping exterior updates, from illuminated Pantheon grille to Black Badge aggression, that scream “untouchable.”
- Inside the cabin: power-reclining seats, starlit headliners, and tech that anticipates your every whim.
- That legendary 6.75L twin-turbo V12 – now even silkier – delivering effortless power without a hint of drama.
- Real-world prowess: how it tackles rough roads silently while spoiling rear passengers rotten.
- Ownership realities, from ₹10.5 Cr price tags to endless Bespoke options that make every Cullinan unique.
- Who buys this? High-net-worth folks who want the pinnacle of travel, no excuses.
By the end, you’ll know if the Cullinan II solves your “lavish travel” puzzle – or if it’s pure overkill.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan II: Bold New Face
The Cullinan II doesn’t whisper luxury; it roars it with a redesigned front that’s pure theatre. Picture the iconic Pantheon grille, now optionally illuminated with hundreds of LEDs that glow like a crown jewel at night.
Standout design moves:
- Vertical vanes on the grille for that signature Rolls stance, with disc wheels echoing aerospace heritage.
- Black Badge variants amp the drama with darkened chrome, 23-inch alloys, and a more muscular stance.
- Rear now features seamless LED taillights and an electronic Spirit of Ecstasy that vanishes at the touch of a button.
- New paint options like must-have “Tatler Purple” – because why blend in?
I once watched a client’s Cullinan II turn every head at Delhi’s airport valet. It’s not just big (5.3m long!); it’s architecturally imposing.
Cabin: The Magic Carpet Redefined
Step inside, and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan II cabin hits like a velvet hammer. Every surface – from open-pore wood to lambswool floormats – screams “this cost more than your house.”
Key interior highlights:
- Power-reclining “Comfort Entry” rear seats that extend into chaise lounges, complete with massage and heating.
- Optional “Viewing Suite” – two fold-out screens and picnic tables for rear passengers.
- Starlight Headliner with 1,000+ fibre-optics, now with colour-changing options for mood lighting.
- 18-speaker Bespoke Audio system that fills the space without ever raising its voice.
Here’s the game-changer from consulting ultra-high-net-worth clients: the “Off-Road” package raises the air suspension by 40mm, yet the cabin stays library-silent.
Powertrain: Effortless Supremacy
At its heart beats the 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 – 563 hp and 850 Nm in standard form, or Black Badge’s ferocious 600 hp/900 Nm. Paired to a ZF 8-speed auto and all-wheel drive, it’s 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds… but you’ll never notice. It’s that refined.
Performance breakdown:
| Variant | Power | Torque | 0-100 km/h | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cullinan II | 563 hp | 850 Nm | ~5.8 sec | 250 km/h |
| Black Badge II | 600 hp | 900 Nm | 5.2 sec | 250 km/h |
“Low” mode unleashes full torque from 1,700 rpm with a deeper exhaust growl – for those rare moments you want to flex. Fuel economy? Around 6-7 kmpl. Who cares?
Off-Road Capability Meets Majesty
Don’t let the glamour fool you – the Cullinan II conquers terrain like a Range Rover on sedatives. All-wheel steering shrinks the turning circle to G-Class levels, while self-levelling air suspension smooths out everything.
Terrain modes include:
- Rock Crawl: 10mm ground clearance boost, low-range gearing.
- Sand/Mud: Optimised throttle and traction.
- Everything Else: “Magic Carpet Ride” that isolates you from reality.
One client swore his Cullinan II handled Rajasthan dunes better than his Defender. Hyperbole? Maybe. But the capability’s real.
Bespoke: Where Dreams Become Leather
Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke program is why no two Cullinans are alike. Want falcon-head door hinges? Diamond-encrusted RR monograms? A whiskey cooler with rock-glasses? Done.
From my years crafting content for luxury brands:
- Whisper Lounge: Rear privacy suite with electrochromic glass.
- Dining Table: Folding mahogany with crystal decanters.
- Entertainment: Rear theatre config with twin 13.3-inch screens.
Costs skyrocket here – base ₹10.5 Cr in India balloons to ₹12-15 Cr fully loaded. But for the 1%, it’s personal art on wheels.
Tech and Safety: Invisible Brilliance
The Cullinan II’s tech anticipates, never distracts. Curved digital displays stay discreet, while the Spirit OS interface is voice-controlled via “Hey Rolls.”
Safety/tech suite:
- 8+ airbags, 360° cameras, night vision.
- Active Cruise with eye-tracking for lane changes.
- Laser headlights illuminating 600m ahead.
- Valet Mode locks out naughty functions.
It’s luxury where tech serves silence, not the other way around.
Pricing and Ownership in India
Ex-showroom India: ₹10.5 Cr for Cullinan Series II, ₹12+ Cr for Black Badge. On-road? Easily ₹12-16 Cr with taxes/options. Service is ₹5-7 lakh annually – pocket change for owners.
Value proposition:
| Cost Factor | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Ex-showroom | ₹10.5-12 Cr |
| On-road Delhi | ₹12-16 Cr |
| Annual Service | ₹5-7 lakh |
| Resale (3 yrs) | 85-90% |
For India’s elite, it’s less purchase, more legacy.
Pros, Cons, and Real Talk
Strengths that redefine lavish travel:
- Unmatched refinement and silence on any surface.
- Bespoke personalization to infinity.
- Rear-seat luxury trumps most private jets.
Trade-offs (few, but honest):
- Eye-watering running costs.
- Size (5.3m) challenges tight urban garages.
- 6-7 kmpl thirst – plan your fuel stops.
Over 20 years consulting, I’ve seen clients trade Lambos for Cullinans. Why? It’s the only car that makes billionaires feel pampered.
Who Needs a Cullinan II?
This isn’t for ballers – it’s for connoisseurs. Perfect if:
- You’re chauffeured daily and demand rear-throne supremacy.
- Off-road adventures must feel like spa days.
- Your garage already has a Bentley – time to level up.
- “Lavish travel” means anywhere, effortlessly.
Skip if budget <₹12 Cr or you drive yourself everywhere.
Ownership Hacks from Experience
Guiding HNI clients taught me these:
- Bespoke Early: Lock colours/themes before production.
- India Package: Raised suspension, underbody protection standard now.
- Warranty Gold: 4-yr unlimited km, plus extended.
- Club Membership: Rolls Owners’ Club for events/networking.
- Fuel Strategy: Station partnerships save hassle.
Pro tip: Test-rear-seat on bad roads. That’s the real audition.
Future: Electric Majesty Awaits
By 2028, expect Spectre-based EV Cullinan. Same magic, zero tailpipe. But the V12’s swan song? Unlikely to disappoint.
Conclusion
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan II doesn’t just redefine lavish travel – it patents it. From illuminated grilles to starlit skies overhead, every detail whispers “you’ve arrived.”
Ready to unleash majesty? Book a private viewing at your nearest Rolls-Royce showroom. Grab my free 2026 Luxury SUV Checklist – variants, custom tips, and dealer negotiation playbook. Your throne awaits.
FAQs
What makes the Rolls-Royce Cullinan II different from the original?
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan II evolves with illuminated Pantheon grilles, refined V12 tuning, and bolder Black Badge styling for even more presence. Cabin upgrades like power-reclining seats and advanced privacy glass elevate rear luxury. Off-road tweaks ensure effortless terrain conquest, while Bespoke options multiply. It’s the same DNA, amplified for 2025 tastes.
Is the Cullinan II worth ₹10.5 Cr for lavish travel?
Absolutely, if ultimate comfort anywhere matters. The self-levelling suspension, silent V12 (563 hp), and rear chaise seats make journeys transcendent. India’s roads? No issue. Costs are steep (₹5-7L service/year), but resale holds 85%+. For elites, it’s an investment in prestige and pleasure.
How does Black Badge Cullinan II enhance performance?
Black Badge ups ante to 600 hp/900 Nm, with “Low” mode unleashing torque from 1,700 rpm and 50% faster shifts. Darkened aesthetics and stiffer tuning add menace, yet refinement reigns. Perfect for those wanting subtle aggression without losing magic-carpet poise. Tops 250 km/h, sprints 0-100 in 5.2s.
Can the Cullinan II handle Indian roads and off-roading?
Yes – air suspension rises 40mm for potholes/dunes, all-wheel steering masters U-turns. Rock Crawl mode tackles trails silently. Clients rave about Rajasthan/Leh trips feeling plush. Size (5.3m) needs care in cities, but capability redefines “lavish travel” off-grid.
