How Would You Design a Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II? This Is How I’d Configure My Ultra Luxe SUV
Don't let this ultra-luxe SUV intimidate you; its tech and options are designed to make you comfortable.
Rolling up to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II is a memorable moment all on it’s own. This SUV, priced from $410,000 to about $608,800 for our test model, is long, tall and square, with commanding proportions and an intimidating presence. What seems like acres of gleaming metal and chrome are almost difficult to take in at once; it takes the eye a bit of time to travel over its length and height.
So it’s surprising to find this ultra luxury car holds such an intimate inner sanctum of comfort, filled with little delights that make everyone inside, driver and passengers, feel relaxed and happy. But isn’t that the point?
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Welcome Starts with the Coach Doors
Naturally, Rolls-Royce doesn’t do things the way other carmakers do; they work from heritage details and thinking about how its clients will best be served by their vehicles.
This is something you’ll see immediately when you approach a Rolls-Royce Cullinan and the door is opened for you. If it’s the driver’s door you’ll peer into a very refined cabin that blends tradition with technology. If it’s the rear door you’ll feel as if you’re being invited into a private space, comfortable, quiet and refined. And, the doors open outward to better welcome you; there’s no climbing or compromising to ease into its rear seats.
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Intuitive Luxury Is the Mark of Rolls-Royce—And What Makes it Special
Inside the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II you’ll find all the things that make this SUV feel even more comfortable: thick wool rugs, tray tables on the seat backs, individual sound and video options for every passenger, customizable seats that allow you to set them to your own preference. Our model had front massaging seats which were a pure delight.
And of course, there are buttons to close the doors, both front and rear. They’re tucked away so as not to stand out too much, but are in within easy reach of each seat: front seat passengers will find them on the dashboard just under the top left (for the driver) or right (for the passenger). Rear seat passengers will find them on the rear window panel.
These buttons are a bit novel; which other cars have a button to close the door? But more than that, they’re thoughtful: the doors, especially the rear doors, can be cumbersome to close since when fully open they extend far from the car’s frame, meaning it can take some stretching, or even getting out of the car, to close the door. Seems a pain, right? The button solution is a brilliant one.
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What’s New for the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II
The button door closure isn’t new for Rolls-Royce; instead it’s a heritage detail that adds to the character of this ultra-luxe car brand. But for the Series II, Rolls-Royce has evolved the Cullinan SUV, first introduced in 2018, something the brand doesn’t do very often: Update its models.
That’s the nature of ultra-luxury cars: design and build for decades of ownership; lead the industry in design and craftsmanship, set standards for intuitive function and thoughtful pampering.
But technology moves fast so it was inevitable that Rolls-Royce would update all of its vehicles more frequently than it has in the past. For the 2025 model year the Cullinan features a new dashboard that houses a new multimedia system, a few exterior finesses that update its look without radically altering its look or experience and the Series II moniker added to its name.
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The Cullinan’s “Spirit” Technology Blends Past and Present
Touch the button on the steering wheel and the Spirit of Ecstasy comes to life on the multimedia screen like a magical, fluttering Tinkerbell appearing to grant your wish. Navigate to Starbucks? Of course! Adjust the cabin temperature? My pleasure. Set the radio station? Happy to!
The system, based on the BMW system, sits at the center of the new single panel of glass that spans the dashboard. It’s fast and offers quicker access to more functions either on the touch screen or using the Spirit of Ecstasy dial on the center console. It’s all quite delightful and gives you even more control over your destiny by allowing you to set up your panoramic camera views, drive mode settings, ambient lighting and other details.
All controls are also at your fingertips with fast access buttons both on the center console and on the dashboard; the dashboard buttons can be set for your favorites, though the last button on the right is dedicated to the Spirit of Ecstasy: press it to retract or replace the hood sculpture.
Customization Is the Magic of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II
Probably the most iconic thing about the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II, or any Rolls-Royce, is that the purchase journey is all about the buyer. This can can be completely customized.
I must take a breath here and ask you to visualize this; our test model was finished in a number of colors I would never choose: Black with yellow accents. First, I am not a fan of black interiors; they become a cave of obscurity, making accomplishing even the smallest things, like putting on lipstick or finding your phone charger a challenge. Then, yellow is a lightning rod color: some love it, some hate it and either way, it can be jarring.
What this color combination did inspire me to do, though, was to think about what colors I would choose were this my car. I do like the Black Badge trim for its dark details and dark chrome; finishing some surfaces in black mutes them and allows other details to stand out.
How I Would Design My Own Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II
For my own Cullinan I’d choose a paint color that evokes a feeling of respite and an interior that invites calm. For me, that’s Crystal over Arctic White, a glowing white that always looks crisp and chic. Inside I’d finish the seats in Grace White with navy accents, a navy dash, Pink Peony piping and gray ash veneer on the dashboard. Overall, it gives yacht vibes but retains a relaxing feel.
I’d also add the Shooting Star headliner ($8,550), picnic tables on the seat backs ($5,850), Sanctuary rear seats with reclining, massaging seats and a Champagne cooler ($25,225) and the tailgate seating ($21,200) in white against a navy blue cargo area. Overall, this simple palette makes me feel calm and cared for, and with the perfect amount of chic to feel fancy. You can see my design on the Rolls-Royce Configurator, and you can design your own, too.
Cullinan is the Diamond of the Rolls-Royce Family
It’s almost hard to believe the Cullinan has only been around a few short years; it feels like such a natural in the lineup. It’s also hard to believe the brand was able to give it the Cullinan name, which refers a famous diamond mine in South Africa.
Which makes me think it was meant to be. And inside the cabin, behind the wheel and relaxing in the “viewing suite” seats that extend from the tailgate, it does seem like destiny for the brand. The Cullinan feels like a modern version of a classic limousine: Spacious, elevated, elegant.
But it’s the advanced technology and thoughtful details that remove the intimidation factor, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy this inner sanctum of delight.
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