by The new next-generation Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV has been spotted during testing. The car will receive an updated design and will become fully electric.
Updated Design and Electric Powertrain
The first generation of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan appeared in 2018 and quickly became a successful addition to the brand’s model range. Now, almost ten years later, the company has begun work on the new flagship crossover.
A camouflaged prototype was discovered during cold-weather testing in Scandinavia. Despite the camouflage, the car remains recognizable but has received a number of updates. In particular, a new front end with separate lighting units and, likely, a wider radiator grille can be seen. A wide lower air intake slit, reminiscent of the solution from the Spectre model, is also visible.
Exterior Evolution
Further along the body, a bulging hood and a clearly defined shoulder line are noticeable. The windows retain an evolutionary design, and the new door handles appear more integrated into the car’s overall styling.
The rear has also been updated: new rear lights with vertical elements have appeared here, as well as a new tailgate. The license plate is now positioned on the bumper. Horizontal reflectors and the absence of exhaust pipes also point to a new era for the model.
Technical Features of the Future Novelty
Observers report that the model will be fully electric.
Few technical details are currently known, but it is likely that the crossover will follow in the footsteps of the electric Spectre coupe. That model is built on the Luxury architecture and is equipped with a 102 kWh battery pack, as well as an all-wheel-drive system with two electric motors producing 577 hp. This allows the Spectre to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and have a WLTP range of approximately 530 kilometers.
A Black Badge version with an upgraded powertrain producing around 650 hp will also be available for clients, reducing the 0-60 mph acceleration time to 4.1 seconds.
Expectations and Competition
It is anticipated that the electric Cullinan may receive a battery pack with greater capacity than the coupe. However, we will have to wait for the final information, as the official presentation of the model is not expected before 2028. This lengthy development timeline means that a competitor like Bentley will have time to introduce its own electric crossover before Rolls-Royce.
Rolls-Royce’s transition to electrification is a logical step within the overall strategy of the BMW Group. The delay in the model’s launch until 2028 may be related not only to the brand’s characteristic long development cycle but also to the anticipation of new technological solutions in the field of batteries. These solutions should allow for sufficient range for such a massive vehicle without compromising its luxurious equipment. The market success of the Spectre has likely provided engineers with valuable data for creating an electric SUV that must meet the brand’s clients’ highest expectations regarding silence, ride smoothness, and a sense of power.
