Skip advert
Advertisement

Updated Rolls-Royce Cullinan spied rocking a less stately look

Is the already divisive Rolls-Royce Cullinan about to get even more contentious?

It’s been nearly six years since the Rolls-Royce Cullinan arrived to challenge the high-end SUV status quo, so it’s no surprise to see the stately British manufacturer working on an updated version. Spied here with a more outspoken new look, Rolls’ self-proclaimed ‘high-sided vehicle’ might be about to become a lot more rock ‘n’ roll. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The changes at the front are most obvious, with a reshaped lower bumper that creates a big divergence from its typical design language by ditching its horizontal and vertical design theme. Instead, the lower bumper features trapezoidal lower openings with diagonal vanes within them. Between this is a contrasting lower bar, although being a prototype this might be specific to this test car. 

Above this section we notice two panelled sections, likely concealing slimmer headlights with new daytime-running lights and a reshaped inner section. Their overall proportion in relation to the bonnet and typical Pantheon grille are similar to the current model, though, so the overall face won’t be too different. 

Changes at the rear are harder to spot, but the exhaust openings on the lower rear bumper that hide the actual exhaust pipes are significantly bigger, and come with thicker chrome surrounds in a new black plastic lower bumper section. 

The 22-inch wheels seen here are from the current Black Badge model, which we expect will return with the updated range considering it makes up a high proportion of overall sales. We don’t have any indication of changes inside the cabin, but expect some level of upgraded tech to its parent company BMW’s latest hardware. 

As the Cullinan runs on Rolls-Royce’s own architecture, we expect the 6.75-litre V12 engine to remain, with no indication whether there’s any plans to fit any level of hybrid or plug-in hybrid elements into the powertrain. 

Given the Cullinan’s original 2018 release date, we suspect this mid-life update will be along in 2024, retaining its spot right at the top of the SUV market. 

Click here for our list of the best luxury cars on sale right now...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior staff writer

Senior staff writer at Auto Express, Jordan joined the team after six years at evo magazine where he specialised in news and reviews of cars at the high performance end of the car market. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Cosmos one-off commission looks to the stars
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Cosmos - front

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Cosmos one-off commission looks to the stars

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Cosmos features a hand-painted ceiling, just like the Sistine Chapel!
News
17 Sep 2025
New Rolls-Royce Cullinan 2025 review: the pinnacle of luxury
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II - front tracking

New Rolls-Royce Cullinan 2025 review: the pinnacle of luxury

The Series II still provides a Rolls-Royce experience down to its very core. The Cullinan isn’t subtle, but it is simply smashing
Road tests
8 Aug 2025
Best luxury SUVs 2025
Best luxury SUVs - header image

Best luxury SUVs 2025

Luxury SUVs combine the sophistication of a luxury car with the sheer practicality of an SUV. Here’s our pick of the current crop
Best cars & vans
5 Aug 2025

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025