Phantom

Segment
Sedan

We've known for some time now that luxury automaker Rolls-Royce is joining the SUV bandwagon along with the likes of Lamborghini and even Ferrari. Initially codenamed as the "Cullinan," sources previously suggested that the luxury SUV will adopt a different name as this was simply a working project title. However, Rolls-Royce has clearly had a change of heart, confirming that Cullinan is the official name of the automaker's first-ever SUV, or "high-sided vehicle," as the company prefers to describe it.

If you're wondering about the inspiration for the name, the Cullinan Diamond is the "largest flawless diamond ever found." "The name Cullinan has been hiding in plain sight since we revealed it as the project name some years ago," said CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos. "It is the most fitting name for our extraordinary new product. Cullinan is a motor car of such clarity of purpose, such flawless quality and preciousness, and such presence that it recalibrates the scale and possibility of true luxury. Just like the Cullinan Diamond, the largest flawless diamond ever found, it emerges when it is perfect and exists above all others."

The Cullinan has been extensively tested in locations around the world, from the deserts of Africa and the Middle East, to snow winter testing in the Arctic Circle and the canyons of North America. "We were inspired by the epic processes, over many millennia, which went into the creation of the Cullinan Diamond," the CEO continued. "The name embodies the many facets of our new motor car's promise. It speaks of endurance and absolute solidity in the face of the greatest pressures; it tells of rarity and preciousness and it alludes to the pioneering, adventurous spirit of The Hon. Charles Rolls and the engineering innovation of Sir Henry Royce."

"And, of course, it speaks of absolute luxury, wherever you venture in the world." Following the new Phantom VIII, the Cullinan will be the second Rolls-Royce to ride on the company's new aluminium 'Architecture of Luxury' platform. Chances are it will be powered by the same 6.75-liter V12 engine as the Phantom, too. Don't expect it to outperform the Urus, but we have no doubt the Rolls-Royce Cullinan will redefine the luxury SUV as we know it. Rolls-Royce hasn't announced an official reveal date yet, but sources suggest it will break cover this summer.