There is just no escaping the SUV wave. Whether it’s Ford shifting its entire lineup away from cars toward crossovers or supercar brand Lamborghini introducing its own high performance SUV, you just can’t get away from them.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the next to join the SUV movement is Rolls Royce, who just debuted a model called the Cullinan. Rolls Royce’s opulent cars are known worldwide for their luxurious ride and elegant styling, and this one looks to continue that tradition with an off-road twist.
The Cullinan is based on the new Rolls Royce Phantom platform—and very much look likes a lifted off-road version of the brand’s prestigious sedan. However, it’s far more than just a Phantom with the appearance of an SUV.
There’s AWD, along with all-wheel steering, and the Cullinan features an off road mode with an air compressor that will automatically extend the struts to keep the wheels on the ground. The vehicle will even automatically switch between six different terrain modes depending on driving conditions.
Like the Phantom, power comes from 6.75L twin turbocharged V12 engine that makes 563hp—more than enough to move the heavyweight SUV, on road or off.
Of course it wouldn’t be Rolls Royce without a jaw-dropping interior, and the Cullinan delivers. Along with the expected Rolls Royce finish and luxury features, the Cullinan features pavilion seating so that rear passengers have a great view, and with the rear seats folded down it can swallow an impressive 68 cubic feet of cargo.
If you were looking to add a Rolls Royce Cullinan to your garage when it goes on sale, you can expect to pay around $325,000 for the privilege. In the meantime, we are taking bets to see how long until we see one with an aggressive lift kit and big knobby tires.