Rolls-Royce Cullinan now in Malaysia – from RM1.8 mil

Rolls-Royce Kuala Lumpur has officially introduced its Cullinan SUV in Malaysia. The brand’s first-ever off-road capable offering, named after the largest rough diamond ever discovered, will be available in four- and five-seater versions, with pricing determined by the level of specification a customer picks for the vehicle.

In its base form, the Cullinan starts from RM1.5 million, but that’s really just counting a basic car sans trimmings, and as such, with equipment specified to the level as seen on the local debut vehicle, the price for one actually begins from RM1.8 million, and that’s of course without tax.

For that money, you get a rather unmistakable proposition, especially with that hard-to-miss face and its large hand-polished stainless steel front grille. Imposing too, for the Cullinan measures in at 5,341 mm long, 2,165 mm wide and 1,835 mm tall, with a 3,295 mm-long wheelbase, making it taller than its primary competitor, the Bentley Bentayga. Tipping the scales at 2,660 kg, it is also heavier than the Bentayga by more than 200 kg.

The SUV is powered by a 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 petrol engine, which also equips the Phantom. Output numbers for the unit are 563 hp at 5,000 rpm and 850 Nm at 1,600 rpm. Paire with an eight-speed auto transmission, performance figures include a 0-100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds and a 250 km/h electronically-limited top speed, and claimed fuel consumption, in case it even matters, is 15 litres per 100 km on a combined cycle.

The all-wheel drive offering is equipped with an electronically-controlled air suspension system (offering +/- 40 mm of adjustability in ground clearance), and four different programmes are available within the off-road driving mode, which tailors parameters of delivery from the suspension, throttle response and the AWD system.

Exterior styling cues include 22-inch wheels, which on the launch example are seven-spoke port polished Shadow units, as well as chrome-plated visible exhaust tips and an uplit Spirit of Ecstasy.

The interior is where all the action is, and this starts with the opening of the coach doors – the SUV lowers itself by 40 mm to aid ingress, and occupants (including the driver) simply have to press the door-closing button once inside to shut the doors. From the outside, the apertures can be closed through a touch sensor located on the exterior door handles.

As you’d expect, the cabin is plush and decorated, and can be kitted out comprehensively. Plenty of trim material choices on the options list – the debut vehicle has a black leather interior with Scivaro Grey, Mandarin and Slate contrast trim as well as open-pore blackwood and chevron wood elements.

There’s no shortage of shine too, with an interior stainless steel package and lots of shiny bits peppering the entire landscape. Also on call is a new, durable and water-resistant boarded ‘Box Grain’ black leather – similar to that seen on Italian high-end luggage and handbags – for the upper fascia.

The rear passenger compartment of course provides the best seats in the house, and customers can go with either Individual Seat (two occupants at the rear) or Lounge Seat (three occupants) configurations. In the Lounge Seat layout, the seats can be folded (a first for the brand) via button controls located in the boot or rear door pocket. Both seat backs can be folded completely, creating a flat load area or in a 2/3 and 1/3 split.

As for the Individual Seat configuration, the individual and electrically-adjustable rear seats are separated by a Fixed rear centre console incorporating a drinks cabinet with Rolls-Royce whisky glasses and decanter, champagne flutes and refrigerator.

Boot volume is 560 litres (and 600 litres with the parcel shelf removed), and access to the cargo space is via an opening two-section tailgate called ‘The Clasp’, the opening and closing of the mechanism done automatically and accomplished via a button on the key fob.

For the four-seater layout, the cargo area also features a glass partition that isolates the passenger cabin from the luggage compartment to improve NVH levels and climate control operation.

Available kit includes a panoramic glass roof, an 18-speaker Bespoke audio system and a Rear Theatre package, with individual entertainment touchscreen display. The Cullinan also features items such as a WiFi hot spot, wireless mobile charging at the front and five USB ports around the cabin.

As you’d expect, there’s a raft of safety and driver assist items on the equipment list. These include a large head-up display, active cruise control, collision warning, cross-traffic alert, lane departure and lane change warning as well as Night Vision and Vision Assist, which includes daytime and night-time Wildlife & Pedestrian warning. There’s also a four camera system with panoramic all-round visibility and a helicopter view.

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