Skip advert
Advertisement

Is Rolls-Royce Cullinan a better name than Bentley Bentayga?

BMW reveals Rolls-Royce Cullinan codename for new luxury SUV and its range positioning

Rolls-Royce Cullinan - front

The new Rolls-Royce SUV, revealed exclusively by Auto Express back in October 2013 and due on sale in 2017, has the working title Cullinan, parent company BMW has revealed. Cullinan is the name of the world’s largest uncut diamond, found in South Africa in 1905. One of the diamonds cut from the original, called Cullinan I or the Great Star of Africa, is the world’s largest cut diamond and sits in The Queen’s Sceptre in the Tower of London.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Rolls-Royce SUV confirmed for production  

BMW Sales and Marketing boss, Ian Robertson, a former Chairman of Rolls-Royce, revealed the codename to Auto Express, while also telling us a little about the positioning of the new SUV.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan - rear

 The Rolls-Royce Cullinan will sit beneath the Phantom in the Rolls-Royce range. “The Phantom always has to be the pinnacle,” Robertson told us. He also revealed that the Cullinan is likely to use a development of the Phantom’s lightweight aluminium space frame rather than an all-new platform. The space frame has already been modified for the Phantom Extended Wheelbase, as well as the Phantom Coupé and Phantom Drop Head Coupé.

Best 4x4s and SUVs on the market  

That means the Cullinan is likely to share engine technology with a new Phantom, including a new version of the V12 engine and a plug-in hybrid. Robertson was quick to stress that the Cullinan, like the Phantom, would be hugely exclusive and wouldn’t see Rolls-Royce sales soar as other SUVs have done for other premium car makers. Rolls-Royce sales for 2014 stood at 4063 cars, up 12%. “We’re going to sell it in very small numbers,” Robertson said.

What do you think of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan name? Let us know in the comments below...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Steve Fowler has previously edited Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Rolls-Royce EV is… already here
Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge - front

New Rolls-Royce EV is… already here

Earlier this year, Rolls-Royce confirmed a second electric car was in the works. Turns out we’d been duped
News
13 Mar 2025
MINI and Rolls-Royce lined up for latest BMW electric car technology
MINI Cooper E Classic - front tracking

MINI and Rolls-Royce lined up for latest BMW electric car technology

BMW Neue Klasse tech looks set to roll out to the entire BMW Group, extending from the small car to luxury car segments
News
21 Feb 2025
Rolls-Royce Reimagined: Evice is the latest name in the classic car conversion industry
Evice XP1 prototype

Rolls-Royce Reimagined: Evice is the latest name in the classic car conversion industry

Evice is starting out with an electrified Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Corniche
News
17 Dec 2024

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019
Opinion - Kia EV9 GT

Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019

From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world
Opinion
29 Jun 2025
New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025