In 2018, Rolls-Royce introduced the Cullinan, a luxury SUV that quickly became the brand’s most-requested vehicle, making up nearly 40 percent of their sales. This unprecedented success put to rest any skepticism about Rolls-Royce entering the SUV market.

Now, even as sales of the first-generation Cullinan remain strong, Rolls-Royce unveils the second generation: the Cullinan Series II. This model is not just a facelift but a significant evolution. The most striking changes are visible at the front, where new LED Matrix headlamps are slimmer and extend the daylight running lamps down the sides of the bumper, creating a heightened sense of verticality.

The Pantheon grille, a hallmark of Rolls-Royce design, has sharper edges and a slimmer profile, with vertical vanes resting on a polished steel plinth. Remarkably, the entire grille is rear-illuminated, adding a dramatic effect at night. True to form, every metallic-looking element is indeed metal.

In contrast to the strong horizontal lines of its predecessor, the new design features “yacht-inspired” rising bowlines above large rhomboid-shaped side vents, giving the Cullinan a fresh, youthful appeal. This modern aesthetic has contributed to lowering the average age of Rolls-Royce owners to an impressive 43 years.

The rear of the Cullinan Series II is equally refined. The tail lamps have less chrome and a darker finish, and the new rear bumper includes prominent exhaust vents with stainless steel surrounds and a brushed stainless-steel protective plate, adding a sporty touch. The new 23-inch, 7-spoke wheels, an inch larger than before, enhance this athletic look.

Inside, the Series II Cullinan has undergone a transformative update. A full-width illuminated glass-panel fascia on the passenger side, adorned with 7,003 laser-etched dots depicting a metropolitan skyline and the Cullinan name, adds a futuristic touch. Additionally, a niche on the passenger side of the center console houses the “clock cabinet,” featuring a miniature Spirit of Ecstasy beneath an analog clock.

Customization has always been a Rolls-Royce hallmark, and the new Cullinan interior offers even more possibilities. The traditional analog gauges have been replaced by the high-resolution “Spirit” digital graphic from the Spectre, and a broader palette of colors now includes vibrant hues alongside traditional tones.

A highlight of the interior is the “Duality Twill” fabric, a luxurious, hard-wearing textile made from bamboo. This option incorporates 2.2 million stitches and nearly 18 kilometers of thread per upholstery set. The leather upholstery also features a new technique called Placed Perforations, creating unique motifs with tiny holes.

Performance-wise, the Cullinan Series II retains the twin-turbocharged 6.75L V12 engine, delivering 571 PS and 850 Nm of torque. This powertrain ensures a smooth and effortless drive, with the Cullinan reaching 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. The emphasis is on refinement and the characteristic “waftability” rather than sheer power.

Interestingly, nearly 90 percent of Cullinan owners drive themselves, making the Black Badge Cullinan Series II an attractive option. This variant, with its blackened chrome accents and unique coachwork, is the darker, more dynamic alter ego of the standard Cullinan. It features a more powerful version of the V12 engine, delivering 600 PS and 900 Nm of torque, reducing the sprint to 100 km/h to 5.1 seconds.

Driving the Black Badge Cullinan over Ibiza’s urban roads, I found the ride quality virtually indistinguishable from the standard model—smooth and refined. However, its recalibrated suspension offers a more engaging driving experience, particularly noticeable when navigating corners. Engaging the “Low” button on the gear stalk enhances this effect, holding lower gears for more vigorous acceleration.

Both the Cullinan Series II and its Black Badge counterpart embody Rolls-Royce’s tagline, “Effortless, everywhere.” They set the benchmark that all aspiring luxury SUVs have to meet. The “casual” Rolls Royce has truly attracted a younger audience into its realm and the Series II has successfully redefined what it means to travel in supreme comfort and style.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II at a Glance: