Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
What's new
The Cullinan is unchanged for 2023
Part of the first Cullinan generation introduced for 2019
Overview
If you're looking for the most luxurious SUV on sale today, at any price, look no further than the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. When it was introduced in 2019, its SUV body style and controversial styling raised the eyebrows of traditional Rolls-Royce clientele. Once you looked inside, though, the luxury appointments and expert craftsmanship were a reminder that the Cullinan is very much a Rolls-Royce. From its myriad paint combinations to its rear seat arrangement to specific constellations you can have displayed in the headliner, the Cullinan can be personalized to almost no end and will impress even the most discerning and particular buyer.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan 4dr SUV AWD (6.8L 12cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.89 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
The main reason for buying a Rolls-Royce is to drive what is arguably the most luxurious vehicle on the road. The Cullinan, despite its more trendy SUV body style, is unequivocally a Rolls-Royce when it comes to pure, unadulterated luxury. What isn't upholstered in the highest-quality leather is usually covered by a hand-cut wood veneer, with or without custom inlays. Even the carpeting is more luxurious than what you'll find in the nicest of homes. But that's not to say you can't get the Cullinan a little dirty. With standard all-wheel drive and adjustable air suspension, the Cullinan can traverse dirt roads that would otherwise deter another Rolls-Royce.
Competitors to consider
If you want something a little less staid and a little more new money than a traditional Rolls-Royce, there are a few options in the ultra-luxury SUV segment. The Cullinan's closest competition is the Bentley Bentayga. This British-built SUV is available in standard- and extended-wheelbase versions and can be personalized with a huge array of options. Another option is the Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV. Based on the impressive Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV, the Maybach version adds some extravagant styling, extra legroom, and impressive tech for buyers who would prefer the look and feel of a Mercedes.
Which Cullinan does Edmunds recommend?
Our make-believe money would be spent on the Cullinan Black Badge to ensure we eke out every ounce of performance from the big Rolls. Not only does the Black Badge come with a boost in engine output, but it also handles a bit better without sacrificing much, if any, of the refined ride that made Rolls-Royce famous. As an added bonus, we like the black chrome exterior trim and special carbon-fiber interior trim unique to the Black Badge model.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Rolls-Royce Cullinan models
The Cullinan is a four-door ultra-luxury SUV available in two trim levels: Cullinan and Black Badge. Depending on the seating arrangement you select, the Cullinan accommodates either four or five and is powered by a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine. In standard form, the Cullinan makes 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, while the Black Badge ups the power output to 592 hp and 644 lb-ft. Power is routed to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Nearly every aspect of the Cullinan, both inside and out, is open to customization. Standard features include:
Cullinan
22-inch wheels
Laser headlights
Adaptive air suspension
Rear wheel steering
Electronically retracting hood ornament
Soft-close doors (catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut)
Keyless entry
Full leather upholstery
Panoramic sunroof
Heated and ventilated front seats with massage
Heated steering wheel
Heated rear seats
10.25-inch touchscreen
Smartphone connectivity
Navigation
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Rolls-Royce and the car in front)
Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
Rolls-Royce Cullinan vs. Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS
Based on the excellent GLS SUV, the Maybach removes the third row of seats to allow for executive-style reclining rear seats, adds sound insulation, retunes the suspension, and outfits the whole interior with ultra-high-quality leather. The Maybach also offers a better tech interface but lacks the amount of personalization and opulence you get in the Cullinan.
In both geographic location and luxury on offer, the Bentayga is the Cullinan's closest competitor. Like the Rolls, the Bentley is largely hand-built and capable of being customized and outfitted to nearly any request. While the Bentley offers a firmer, more engaging driving experience, the Cullinan makes no attempt at being anything other than ultra-luxurious at all times.
The Aston Martin DBX is the sporty take on the luxurious British SUV. To that end, the DBX is considerably quicker and handily outperforms the Cullinan, but it doesn't offer the sheer luxury, refinement or the insane amount of personalization of the Rolls-Royce. As a result, the Aston simply doesn't feel as special as the Rolls — but it does cost about $100K less.
Alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot.
Automatic Emergency Braking
Warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.
Parking Sensors
Alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking.
FAQ
Is the Rolls-Royce Cullinan a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Cullinan both on the road and at the track. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Cullinan has 21.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan:
The Cullinan is unchanged for 2023
Part of the first Cullinan generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Cullinan. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Cullinan's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Cullinan is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan?
The least-expensive 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan 4dr SUV AWD (6.8L 12cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $348,500.
Other versions include:
4dr SUV AWD (6.8L 12cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $348,500
Black Badge 4dr SUV AWD (6.8L 12cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $401,500
What are the different models of Rolls-Royce Cullinan?
If you're interested in the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the next question is, which Cullinan model is right for you? Cullinan variants include 4dr SUV AWD (6.8L 12cyl Turbo 8A), and Black Badge 4dr SUV AWD (6.8L 12cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of Cullinan models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more