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25.01.21

CAR OF THE WEEK – 2020 ROLLS ROYCE CULLINAN BLACK BADGE

RESPLENDENT ROLLS ROYCE CULLINAN CULMINATION

With the introduction of the Range Rover half a century ago, it was in a class of one for off-road capability coupled with a more luxurious interior. Fast forward to today and seemingly every prestige car manufacturer is trying to take on the Range Rover. Now, if you were to think of a brand to which luxury and exquisite comfort knows no bounds, with the status and panache to match, most people would head straight to Goodwood’s finest, Rolls Royce. Creating their own luxury SUV was surely a logical decision. A brand that prides itself on the upmost in luxurious motoring and ultimate status symbol vehicles would no doubt excel in producing a vehicle with a more commanding driving position combined with go-anywhere ability.

So, does the new Cullinan excel? It most certainly does, and in a way that only a Rolls Royce could. For some, the looks are perhaps a little conservative and safe rather than redefining and forward thinking, but the car’s execution is a lesson in craftsmanship and sense of occasion. The attention to detail and creative thinking to every aspect of the Cullinan are above and beyond what most other car makers can even dream of. Rolls Royce themselves describe the car as ‘every last element, designed with unrelenting perfection’ and they’re definitely not wrong.

Starting with the engine, a Rolls Royce has always displayed power and speed in a refined and effortless manor, so while most other performance SUV’s have a V8, the Cullinan has a 6.75 litre V12 under that vast bonnet for ultimate waft-ability. A unique aluminium spaceframe and chassis technology, together with self-levelling air suspension, ensures the famous magic carpet ride remains intact no matter the terrain. But aside from the areas you may expect the car to exceed dynamically, it is the attention to detail and level of exquisite craftsmanship that set this car apart from the rest.

Details like the 1300W 18-channel ceramic compound Bespoke Audio system, combining studio quality audio with 6mm thick acoustically dampened double-glazing and 130kg of dense high-absorption sound insulation to create a sound experience like no other. Even the sill section of the car incorporates a resonance chamber for low frequency performance of the subwoofer and the specially designed tyres feature an extra foam layer to reduce the tyre noise by 9db. Sound engineers even compiled a playlist of songs to ensure the performance of the audio system was at its best for different genres and types of music.

Then there’s the Shooting Starlight headliner. A hand woven leather headliner made up of tiny fibre optic lights that not only twinkle as you are driving along in complete comfort, but every now and again a shooting star flies across the headliner in a subtle yet very impressive display. Because why wouldn’t you want to enjoy your magic carpet ride under hundreds of twinkling stars.

With almost unlimited possibilities of paint finishes, carpet choices, veneer materials and styles, stitching and piping colours, the Cullinan can be customised to create your very own vision of your perfect specification, as long as your pockets are deep enough. Rolls Royce themselves have created a more dynamic, more powerful and in their own words ‘more adventurous’ version at the top of the range, the Cullinan Black Badge.

Adorned in bespoke ‘Black Diamond’ multi-layer hand polished metallic paint finish and with exclusive 22” part polished Gloss Black forged alloy wheels, the Black Badge edition certainly looks like a more menacing version. Exterior details include Dark Chrome exterior trim detail, including the retractable Spirit of Ecstasy emblem which adorns the substantial grille, a sports exhaust system and Dynamic suspension with low mode to the air suspension. The interior comes with specially designed technical carbon fibre trim, the Black Badge Infinity motif to the illuminated door sills, rear armrest and the brushed steel clock casing.

Our 2020 Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge edition comes in the exclusive Black Diamond metallic with Black main hide and Cobalto Blue secondary hide with contrast piping and stitching in Cobalto Blue. It also comes with an extensive list of additional optional features such as the impressive Black leather hand woven Shooting Starlight headliner, the Rolls Royce Bespoke Audio system, Driver Assistance Systems including Active Cruise control, Night Vision and Park Assistance, Rear Theatre Configuration, Rear Picnic Tables, Rear Privacy Glass, Rolls Royce Emblems embroidered to all headrests, Lambswool foot mats, an electric deployable tow bar and much more.

This exceptional car really has to be seen to appreciate the level of detail and craftsmanship that exudes in every aspect of this sublime vehicle. From the stunning depth of the hand polished paintwork and Black Chrome accessories, to the quality and finish of the two-tone interior hide and Shooting Starlight leather headliner that shines off the technical carbon fibre veneer the moment you open the electronically assisted coach doors, the Cullinan is an event every time you get in it.

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