Cullinan [Official] The Rolls-Royce Cullinan

[hoffmeister_fan]

As I've probably said before, I don't see what element of the Cullinan compromises Rolls-Royce's brand values?

I was pretty opposed to it in the beginning. I've always seen R-R's as sedans, coupes and conver...I mean, "dropheads." But during its development, maybe it was some of the marketing that has soften my opinion or the fact that crossovers/SUVs are just inevitable so why fight it or some combination thereof, I've accepted the idea of a R-R SUV.

I think for their first attempt, I think R-R has been 95% successful in their execution. But since this is R-R, that 5% where they shortchanged the Cully's front end is particularly emphasized. Also maybe it could have had a longer wheelbase for added rear legroom comfort, but maybe they thought that would compromise its off-road capabilities.

PS: That old-timey Phantom "hearse" (I'll let the R-R faithful tell what Phantom that is) a few posts back also blunted some of my criticism of R-R's decision in entering this arena. Also the Queen's Phantom that was used to chauffer in the recent royal wedding adds some historical context to the Cully. Granted it's nowhere near as special.

EDIT: One other thing....this is sort of like the Cayenne scenario all over again. Frankly, if the Cully brings in more cash flow and helps spread the cost of R&D for their "Architecture of Luxury" so they can pursue even more interesting projects, well, I'm fine with that.

 

[SDNR]

As I've probably said before, I don't see what element of the Cullinan compromises Rolls-Royce's brand values?

You make reasonable point.

Now I guess it's just a matter of time before Ferrari offer their own SUV.

 

[SCOTT27]

As I've probably said before, I don't see what element of the Cullinan compromises Rolls-Royce's brand values?

Exactly it matches current Rolls-Royce expectations as it blends the values of today's Rolls-Royce's but in a much taller and dare I say it(popular) body style.
Rolls-Royce don't care if some Youtuber does not like it. They have a far more variety of customers who will.
I would not be at all surprised if we will hear about the Million £,€,$ etc bespoke Cullinan.

Looks particularly striking in one of the many Black options available.

Seems to work here it certainly has presence.

 

[Tarek]

It's just not special enough and looks dated IMO.

 

[hovabongZA]

It's just not special enough and looks dated IMO.

I’m honestly not disagreeing with you because I don’t like you. I simply think you are wrong in most of your recent posts don’t take it personally. I felt I needed to let you know.

 

[Monster]

Looks particularly striking in one of the many Black options available.

Seems to work here it certainly has presence.

Both examples looks terrible to me, it actually looks like a hatch back version of the Ghost.

 

[martinbo]

In those last pics... wheels look too small and overwhelmed by the sheer amount of sheetmetal. It didn't look like that in the press pics.
As for the standpoint of the car looking dated - philosophically speaking - when does a Rolls Royce stop looking timeless and start looking dated? It's a very grey area.

 

[Matski]

It's just not special enough and looks dated IMO.

When I read people say 'not special enough' always imagine what they want is more bling... what in your opinion would make it more special?

 

[Mick Briesgau]

RR already had a SUV in 1922. It was Lenin’s

 

[Tarek]

I’m honestly not disagreeing with you because I don’t like you. I simply think you are wrong in most of your recent posts don’t take it personally. I felt I needed to let you know.

Same but i think you're wrong in most of your posts not just the recent ones.

When I read people say 'not special enough' always imagine what they want is more bling... what in your opinion would make it more special?

No it's never about bling but the design itself. If that car was released ten years ago with that front and interior it'd be ok.

 

[Merc1]

Wow it’s hard to belive this and the Dawn and the new Phantom come from the same company. This thing looks even more awful every time a new real life pic is posted. It has the grace of a railway car or London cab. Elephantine design.

M

 

[Matski]

No it's never about bling but the design itself. If that car was released ten years ago with that front and interior it'd be ok.

So you are saying that cars need to be contemporary in design to be 'special' ?

 

[Tarek]

So you are saying that cars need to be contemporary in design to be 'special' ?

What i'm saying is it has to be coherent with the newest offerings from RR like the new Phantom for example but not exclusive. That car doesn't offer anything but recycled RR style from the past decade and it's very lame effort.

 

[sako97]

That car doesn't offer anything but recycled RR style from the past decade and it's very lame effort.

Hard to disagree with that statement no matter where your brand allegiences lie. I don't see anything groundbreaking aside from the vehicle category.

It'll be a commercial success regardless... RR obviously did their homework and decided this is the best solution for their interpretation of a SUV.

 

[Tarek]

It'll be a commercial success regardless... RR obviously did their homework and decided this is the best solution for their interpretation of a SUV.

It'll sell for sure but maybe in few years it's Bentayga all over again. Strong sales initially then slowly dies.

 

[sako97]

It'll sell for sure but maybe in few years it's Bentayga all over again. Strong sales initially then slowly dies.

The jury is still out.

 

[dalab]

 

[dalab]

 

[Merc1]

It truly is awful looking.

M

 

[EnI]

The car is appealingly conservative British in its look. IMHO that's a good thing. Even when compared to other current Rollses.

OK, not in that combination of red paint & black wheels though, lol. It looks a bit "hip-hoppy" there.

The interior is classic Rolls-Royce. It's a splendid product (materials, fit&finish etc) nonetheless.

What's a bit of a miss IMHO are the droopy-/ sad-looking headlights - especially with the engaged LED daytime driving lights. The headlight graphics is quite weird IMO. They'll need to address that. But I guess it will stick there until LCI. Ouch! But that's my personal opinion.

But sure the Cullinan is now the most conservative looking vehicle in R-R portfolio. On purpose. Since there were many customers who wanted that 2003 Mk7 Phantom vibe back - after more modern styling approach on Phantom Mk7 LCI, Phantom Mk8, Ghost, Wraith, Dawn. And R-R have listened to them: giving them conservative-looking Cullinan. Which makes me think the LCI facelift could be quite radical to give it more modern look - to also lure in some customers who want more modern R-R styling, perhaps.

Does it have the "VOW!" factor? I don't think so. Does it posses commanding presence? Sure!
It looks like an utilitarian / commoner's addition to the R-R portfolio, lol. Made for the off-road terrains (although it's really not). But since being the first-ever ( ) AWD R-R I'm sure it will certainly appeal to many existing & new R-R customers, especially in some markets (eg. with icy road conditions in the winter; people with cottages / lands in the wilderness). While some other markets will be attracted to the vehicle for just being an SUV - ridding high(er). I can see certain musicians & sportsmen buying & driving it (all pimped up), lol.