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Rolls-Royce introduced the Cullinan on 10 May 2018, applying its luxury-car approach to a high-bodied all-terrain vehicle. The original standard model combined a twin-turbo V12, all-wheel drive and a choice of four- or five-seat cabins. This article covers that launch specification, rather than Black Badge or the later Series II.
Sources: Original Cullinan press kit.
Specifications
| Specification | Original-model details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | 10 May 2018; original launch press kit |
| Production/status | Original model introduced in 2018; Series II announced in 2024. Family remains offered as of 5 October 2026; exact factory cutover unconfirmed. |
| Body and seating | SUV/high-bodied all-terrain car; four or five seats |
| Engine | 6.75-litre twin-turbo petrol V12; 48 valves |
| Power | 563 bhp / 571 PS / 420 kW at 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 850 Nm at 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | Satellite Aided Transmission; eight-speed ZF automatic identified by a period Top Gear review |
| Drivetrain/steering | All-wheel drive; all-wheel steering |
| Acceleration, secondary reported specification | 0–100 km/h: 5.2 s, reported by Top Gear in 2018; not independently timed by Bin3aiah Cars |
| Top speed, manufacturer claim | Governed to 250 km/h / 155 mph |
| Weight | 2,660 kg; unladen DIN, for both launch seating configurations |
Sources: Rolls-Royce — original launch press kit; Top Gear — period secondary gearbox and acceleration reference; Rolls-Royce — Black Badge introduction; Rolls-Royce — Series II introduction; Rolls-Royce — current Cullinan showroom.
Engineering and design
The Cullinan used Rolls-Royce’s aluminium Architecture of Luxury. Its structure formed the basis for the vehicle’s mechanical and cabin layout, while self-levelling air suspension addressed ride height and load changes. Air springs allow the suspension to adjust its support as conditions change; that function is especially relevant to a vehicle designed for different surfaces and passenger loads.
Sources: Original Cullinan press kit.
All-wheel drive distributed engine power across both axles. Four-wheel steering added another control over how the vehicle changed direction. These are separate systems with different jobs: driven wheels transmit torque, while steering changes wheel direction. Together with the suspension, they formed part of the original all-terrain engineering brief.
Sources: Original Cullinan press kit.
The 6.75-litre V12 produced 563 bhp, also stated by Rolls-Royce as 571 PS or 420 kW. Its 850 Nm torque figure was available at 1,600 rpm, putting the quoted peak at relatively low engine speed. The distinction between bhp and PS is retained here rather than presenting those different units as identical numbers.
Sources: Launch technical specifications.
Rolls-Royce identified Satellite Aided Transmission in its launch material. A period Top Gear review describes the gearbox as an eight-speed ZF automatic. That gearbox detail comes from contemporary secondary reporting, while the engine output and governed maximum speed are supplied directly by the manufacturer.
Sources: Original press kit; 2018 Top Gear review.
Cabin and seating choices
The launch model offered Lounge seating for five occupants or Individual Seating for four. Those configurations change the cabin arrangement, so seating capacity should be matched to the actual car shown. The optional Viewing Suite provided stationary seating at the tailgate; it should not be counted as additional passenger capacity while travelling.
Sources: Original Cullinan press kit.
Performance in context
The manufacturer governed maximum speed to 250 km/h, or 155 mph. Top Gear’s 2018 review reported 0–100 km/h in 5.2 seconds; that figure is a secondary specification rather than an independently timed result from this publication. Rolls-Royce quoted 2,660 kg unladen DIN for both launch seating arrangements, a defined weight convention that should be retained in comparisons.
Sources: Launch technical specifications; 2018 Top Gear review.
History, production and variants
Black Badge Cullinan was announced on 7 November 2019. Series II and Black Badge Series II followed on 7 May 2024. These later versions belong to the model’s development history, but their output or facelift details should not be transferred into an article about the original standard car.
Sources: Black Badge announcement; Series II announcement.
As of 5 October 2026, Rolls-Royce continued to offer the Cullinan family through Series II. That does not establish continued manufacture of the original 2018 specification. Series II is presented as an evolution of Cullinan, while the related Phantom architecture should not be mistaken for a direct SUV predecessor.
Sources: Series II announcement; Rolls-Royce Cullinan showroom.
Video
Watch Rolls-Royce’s official launch film for the original Cullinan using the link below.
Watch CULLINAN LAUNCH FILM on Rolls-Royce Motor Cars PressClub.
Sources
- Rolls-Royce — original launch press kit
- Top Gear — period secondary gearbox and acceleration reference
- Rolls-Royce — Black Badge introduction
- Rolls-Royce — Series II introduction
- Rolls-Royce — current Cullinan showroom
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