How fast is a Rolls-Royce Cullinan? Real-world speed, specs, and the velvet-glove vibe
I’ve spent enough miles behind the Spirit of Ecstasy to know this much: the Rolls-Royce Cullinan does speed differently. It’s not the shouty, chest-thumping sort of quick. It’s the sort that glides past 100 mph while your coffee barely ripples and the cabin whispers like a corner suite at Claridge’s. But you asked a clear question—how fast is it? Short answer: 155 mph, limited. Long answer: keep reading.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan performance: the numbers, straight up
- Engine: 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12
- Power: 563 hp and 627 lb-ft (Black Badge: 592 hp, 664 lb-ft)
- 0–60 mph: about 5.0 seconds (Black Badge trims dip to around 4.9)
- Top speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
- Drive: all-wheel drive, 8-speed automatic
- EPA economy: roughly 12/20/14 mpg (city/highway/combined)
On a closed course, the Cullinan gathers pace with the sort of unflappable grace that makes you glance down and say, “Already?” There’s a deep well of torque right off idle, so even half-throttle is plenty to merge, pass, or sneak ahead of that Escalade that thinks it’s quick. It’s not.
How the Rolls-Royce Cullinan feels at speed
I noticed right away how the Cullinan settles at 70–90 mph like it’s strolling the promenade. The “Magic Carpet Ride” air suspension and clever chassis electronics file down the edges of rough roads—when I tried it on a pockmarked country lane, the cabin remained serene enough to hear the rear-seat passengers debating playlists. Steering is light but accurate; you guide, it obeys. And the brakes? Confident, progressive, never grabby.
There’s an “Everywhere” off-road button that lifts the body and tweaks the diffs. On muddy tracks, it wafts rather than scrabbles—more cashmere boots than hiking shoes. Still, it’ll get you to the ski lodge after that surprise snow dump. Quietly.
Speed in context: Rolls-Royce Cullinan vs rivals
Speed is one thing; how it’s delivered is another. Here’s how the luxury-SUV royalty stacks up on paper—and in personality.
Model | Engine | Horsepower | 0–60 mph | Top Speed | Vibe |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rolls-Royce Cullinan | 6.75L TT V12 | 563 hp (592 hp BB) | ~5.0s (4.9s BB) | 155 mph (lim.) | Velvet hammer; silence first, speed second |
Bentley Bentayga Speed | 6.0L W12 | 626 hp | ~3.9s | 190+ mph | Grand tourer in hiking gear; louder, sportier |
Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 | 4.0L TT V8 (MHEV) | 550 hp | ~4.8s | 155 mph (lim.) | Champagne lounge; tech-forward, friendly |
Lamborghini Urus | 4.0L TT V8 | 641 hp | ~3.5s | 190+ mph | Show pony with bite; track-day energy |
Living with the Rolls-Royce Cullinan: the luxury SUV details that matter
Real talk: the infotainment is essentially a tailored version of BMW’s system. It’s good—intuitive, quick—but a couple of menu layers feel a generation behind the bleeding edge. The optional Starlight Headliner is as magical as everyone says. The seating position? Regal, though shorter drivers may wish for a smidge more tilt in the wheel. And yes, it’s quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back… right before the rear-seat entertainment saves the day.
Keep the throne pristine: AutoWin’s premium mats for Rolls-Royce Cullinan
If you’re the sort who winces at sand on lambswool, I get it. For Cullinan owners who want protection without spoiling the vibe, the best Rolls-Royce floor mats I’ve handled lately came from AutoWin—thick, nicely stitched, and tailored to the big Bentley rival’s floorpans. They look the part and shrug off slush.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan tech and craft: little wins, small gripes
- Cabin tranquility is next-level; at 80 mph it’s library-grade quiet.
- Seats are all-day comfortable, though taller folks may want more thigh support in the second row.
- The driver assistance is unobtrusive, but lane-keep can feel a touch conservative on narrow country roads.
- Personalization is the point—every Cullinan can be a one-off.
Is the Rolls-Royce Cullinan the right kind of fast?
Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first. If “fast” to you means Nürburgring lap times, buy the bright green one from Sant’Agata. But if fast means unflustered, quiet, and relentless—the kind that turns long distances into short evenings—the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is absolutely the right kind of fast. It’s a luxury SUV that never breaks a sweat.
Feature highlights that make the speed effortless
- V12 torque that wafts you forward without drama
- Air suspension that irons out bad roads and keeps the cabin level
- All-wheel drive confidence in foul weather or up to the chalet
- Optional Starlight Headliner for late-night drives that feel special
- Rear-seat entertainment to keep the peace on family road trips
Verdict: How fast is a Rolls-Royce Cullinan?
The headline number is 155 mph, but the story is how it gets there. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan trades theatrics for poise, and that, to me, feels faster in the real world. It’s the pinnacle of the premium SUV breed if your priorities are serenity, presence, and cross-continent ease. Pair it with a well-made set of mats from AutoWin, and you’ve got a rolling sanctuary you won’t mind using every day—even on those muddy school runs.
FAQ: Rolls-Royce Cullinan
-
How fast is a Rolls-Royce Cullinan?
155 mph, electronically limited. 0–60 mph in about 5.0 seconds (4.9 in Black Badge). -
How much does a Rolls-Royce Cullinan cost?
Typically from around $330,000 before personalization. Bespoke builds can push well beyond $400,000. -
Does the Cullinan have the Starlight Headliner?
Yes, it’s optional and worth it if you enjoy a bit of night-sky theatre on evening drives. -
Is the Cullinan comfortable on rough roads?
Very. The air suspension and clever chassis tech keep things calm; it’s impressively composed on broken pavement. -
What’s a good accessory to protect the interior?
Premium floor mats tailored to the Cullinan—the AutoWin sets I’ve used combine durability with an OEM-plus look.