The 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, now in its Series II iteration, reaffirms its status as the ultimate expression of bespoke luxury in the SUV segment. Far from a mere facelift, this new Cullinan combines subtle yet deliberate aesthetic revisions with advanced materials, modern digital technology and the creme de la creme of automotive refinement. For those who accept nothing less than “magic-carpet serenity” wrapped in power, the 2025 Cullinan remains unmatched. In this article we explore its design, performance, cabin comfort, real-world metrics (fuel consumption, noise, space) and what makes it worthy of the Rolls-Royce badge.
Exterior & Design Language: Updated, Yet Timeless
The 2025 Cullinan Series II preserves the signature presence of its predecessor — the stately proportions, long hood and monolithic stance — while introducing refined design updates that enhance both elegance and visibility. The iconic Pantheon grille remains, now optionally illuminated for the first time, lending a commanding presence even at night.
Accompanying the grille are revised headlights: the new rectangular units now feature an L-shaped LED daytime-running light strip along the outer edge of the fascia, giving the front a broader, more assertive posture.
Down below, the bumper design has been reworked: slanted air intakes form a V-shaped motif — evocative, according to Rolls-Royce, of the bow of a yacht — adding a subtle touch of sculptural finesse.
At the rear, a refined character line sweeps inward from the taillights toward the wheels, and the bumper is reshaped with a high-gloss black finish. The dual exhaust outlets get a mirror-like stainless finish, and an understated brushed-steel protective plate sits beneath them.
Notably, 2025 marks the debut of 23-inch seven-spoke wheels, each milled from a solid billet of aluminium — the largest factory-fitted wheels ever on a Cullinan. This not only enhances curb appeal, but underscores the bespoke craftsmanship behind each vehicle.
Design takeaways: The 2025 exterior strikes a balance between heritage and modernity — no radical redesign, but every revision purposeful. The illuminated grille, LED lighting signature, and monumental wheels signal prestige with confidence rather than ostentation.
Powertrain & Performance: V12, but Refined and Still Potent
Under the hood, the 2025 Cullinan Series II continues with the venerable 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 — an engine that defines Rolls-Royce’s top-tier SUVs. The base configuration delivers 563 horsepower and roughly 627 lb-ft of torque; the more performance-oriented Black Badge variant pushes output higher (up to 592 hp according to some sources).
Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive (AWD), ensuring confident traction in varying driving conditions.
Despite a kerb weight nearing three tonnes, the Cullinan is surprisingly quick: independent tests clock 0–60 mph at around 4.5 seconds — a testament to how much performance engineering can be achieved without compromising ride quality.
Top speed remains governed at 155 mph (≈ 250 km/h) — more than enough for everyday driving, yet a subtle reminder that this SUV, for all its comfort, remains serious in capability.
The ride is cushioned by an air-suspension system that uses a road-scanning camera to anticipate imperfections and adjust damping on the fly — delivering the brand’s signature “magic carpet ride.” According to reviewers, the Cullinan glides over pavement, transmitting barely anything of what lies beneath.
Performance Summary: The 2025 Cullinan offers a rare combination — the brute force of a V12 and near-supercar acceleration, yet the comfort of a limousine. For those unwilling to compromise between power and serenity, it remains a peerless choice.
Interior, Cabin Comfort & Materials: A Sanctuary on Wheels
Step inside the 2025 Cullinan and you find craftsmanship that goes far beyond automotive — more akin to haute couture and fine cabinetry. The cabin has undergone major updates aimed at blending digital modernity with handcrafted opulence.
Digital-Physical Fusion
A key visual change is the glass panel that spans the full width of the dashboard. Behind this lies a new digital gauge cluster and central touchscreen — permanently visible, no longer hidden behind veneer or wood trim as in earlier Cullinans.
To the left of the screen sits a new “clock cabinet,” which houses an analog timepiece and a small illuminated version of the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament — a subtle but meaningful nod to tradition amid modernity.
On the passenger side of the dash, owners can commission custom artwork. By default, the standard “Illuminated Fascia” showcases a skyscraper-inspired design: 7,000 laser-etched dots on darkened glass arranged to create a 3D relief.
Bespoke Materials & Detailing
Rolls-Royce offers new interior materials for 2025: among them, a bamboo-derived fabric known as “Duality Twill,” an environmentally forward yet luxurious option. Leather remains available, and for those preferring subtle artistry, the cabin employs a “placed perforation” technique — using up to 107,000 tiny perforations to evoke shifting cloudscapes above the marque’s Goodwood headquarters.
Trim options now include Grey Stained Ash wood and other precious materials — all finished to exacting standards. Rear-seat occupants enjoy independent screens (capable of streaming video via connected devices), massage/heating/ventilation functions and Bluetooth-enabled audio via headphones — ensuring every rear-seat journey matches first-class lounge expectations.
An 18-speaker audio system is standard, delivering immersive sound quality even on the move.
Space & Practicality
With overall dimensions of 5,341 mm in length, 2,164 mm in width and 1,835 mm in height — and a wheelbase of 3,295 mm — the Cullinan offers a roomy interior, befitting of a full-size luxury SUV.
Cargo capacity (boot volume) stands at approximately 600 litres — sufficient for luggage or daily needs.
Interior Verdict: The 2025 Cullinan doesn’t just transport — it envelops. It’s a rolling suite where craftsmanship, materials, space and technology converge seamlessly. For owners who expect absolute comfort — often while being chauffeured, or chauffeuring others — it remains a benchmark in opulent motoring.
Real-World Metrics: Fuel, Noise, Comfort — What to Expect
No ultra-luxury SUV review is complete without real-world metrics. While bespoke Rolls-Royces are rarely judged by fuel bills, they form part of the ownership calculus.
Fuel Consumption & Emissions
According to official WLTP figures for the Series II: combined fuel consumption is 16.8–17.7 mpg (≈ 16.0–16.8 l/100 km), with CO₂ emissions in the range of 363–380 g/km.
Translated to U.S. EPA-style ratings, this corresponds roughly to 12 mpg city / 19 mpg highway / about 14 mpg combined — consistent with prior Cullinan generations.
With a fuel tank of roughly 23.8 gallons, the theoretical highway driving range hovers around 330 miles (≈ 530 – 540 km) under ideal conditions.
Given the vehicle’s weight, power and intended luxury usage — primarily urban or highway cruising rather than off-road — these numbers fall within expected bounds for a V12-powered SUV of this stature.
Noise Levels & Ride Comfort
One of the hallmarks of a Rolls-Royce is cabin quietness. For the Cullinan Series II, published data reports a “pass-by noise” of 68 dB(A) and a stationary noise level of 74 dB(A) at 3,750 rpm.
Combined with the adaptive air suspension and extensive sound insulation materials, the real-world experience is one of near-silence. Reviewers noted that the car “wafts down the road,” absorbing imperfections without transferring them to occupants — a feat few large SUVs can match.
Performance vs Comfort: A Rare Balance
It is uncommon for an SUV of nearly 3 tonnes to sprint to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds — but Cullinan does it, and yet remains gentle enough for dignified arrival.
With air suspension, interior refinement, acoustic insulation, and AWD traction, the 2025 Cullinan is tailored for those who want super-car thrust with Rolls-Royce serenity.
Why the 2025 Cullinan Matters — Beyond Specs
A Statement of Exclusive Ownership
In a world where many luxury SUVs lean toward aggressive styling or sporty credentials, the Cullinan remains unapologetically Rolls-Royce: timeless, stately, bespoke. The 2025 updates — the illuminated grille, digital glass dashboard, artisanal materials — reinforce this identity while demonstrating that even tradition-steeped brands can evolve.
Bespoke, Not Mass Market
Every Cullinan is practically a custom job. The new options for bamboo-derived upholstery, lasered-glass fascia art, handcrafted leather perforations and personalized trim ensure that no two Cullinans need to be identical. For clients seeking personal expression rather than uniformity, that matters.
A Rare Blend: Power, Luxury, Real-World Usability
Few vehicles offer a V12, AWD, genuine off-highway size, and yet maintain the quietude and comfort of a limousine — while still being usable day-to-day. Whether being chauffeur-driven through city streets, cruising across continents, or chauffeuring guests, Cullinan performs with poise.
In short: it’s not just a car. It’s a rolling declaration of taste, status, and personal standards — one that few competitors match.
The Pinnacle of SUV Luxury
The 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II is an exemplar of what ultra-luxury motoring should be: a masterful blend of engineering, craftsmanship, comfort and exclusivity. It brings forward-looking digital elements without compromising the brand’s heritage; it packs a powerful V12 and still whispers over pavement; it affords practical space and yet feels more like a bespoke lounge than an SUV.
For discerning owners who demand not just transport — but presence, refinement, and individuality — the 2025 Cullinan remains unrivaled. In the realm of luxury SUVs, it doesn’t attempt to follow trends — it defines them.
Reference
- Black Badge Cullinan Official
- Image Source: @CAR-TV Youtube
