Skip to main content

Behind the wheel of the 2024 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II: Power, comfort, and style

This doesn't feel like an SUV

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II in front of a Damian Hurst artwork
Dave McQuilling / The Manual

A Rolls-Royce is an experience as much as it is an automobile, so it’s always interesting to see how that translates to something new. The Cullinan is not new, having debuted in 2019, but the Cullinan Series II only cropped up in 2024. And the SUV is certainly different from Rolls-Royce’s usual output.

I recently had the chance to get behind the wheel of a Cullinan Series II in France and used that time to work out what the vehicle really was. Having driven both the Ghost and Spectre, I could directly compare it with the majority of Rolls-Royce’s current output. Here’s how it weighed up.

Recommended Videos

It doesn’t ride, it glides

Side view of Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II
Dave McQuilling / The Manual

Despite the different form factor, increased ride height, and other SUV-elements that come with the Cullinan Series II, it still just feels like a Rolls-Royce. It doesn’t ride like a Range Rover or a G-Wagen, and definitely not like a Jeep. Instead, you get that floaty, detached, sailing feeling you’ll encounter with the Ghost. Spectre, or Phantom. It’s not an SUV first and foremost, it’s a Rolls-Royce through and through.

This, in itself, makes the vehicle stand out against the competition. It may not be what you’re looking for, but you can find that different driving feel literally everywhere else. It’s unique, and how the engineers managed to retain that same feeling on the Cullinan Series II boggles my mind.

You still get that raw Rolls-Royce power

Front 3.4 view of a Cullinan Series II in a vineyard
Dave McQuilling / The Manual

For the uninitiated, one of the of the more surprising things about the Cullinan Series II is its pace. While a quick SUV isn’t unique these days, it’s still a bit of a shock just how pacy the Cullinan really is. It will do 0-60 in just 4.5 seconds, which is very fast in a historical sense. You’ll be leaving most non-electric vehicles for dead from a standing start, and if you need that extra bit of punch to get onto a highway or pull across for an exit–then the Cullinan Series II certainly has it.

It’s all down to the hefty 6.7-liter V-12 Rolls-Royce uses in its vehicles, which should really sound similar to a light aircraft. But this is Rolls-Royce, so you can be certain that the interior is clad in enough padding to make said engine sound near silent.

Despite its size, the Cullinan Series II is very controllable

Rear 3/4 view of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II
Dave McQuilling / The Manual

Rolls-Royce doesn’t do small vehicles. Even the two-door Spectre is pretty massive in the grand scheme of things, and unsurprisingly, the British marque’s SUV is on the heftier side. But when you’re behind the whee,l it doesn’t really feel like that.

Despite the overall weight and the massive V12 up front, the Cullinan Series II feels surprisingly well balanced. It handles corners beautifully. This came in particularly handy on narrow, windy, roads with traffic coming the other way on one side and enough curb to ruin a very expensive wheel on the other. You still need to keep your wits about you, but the vehicle will go where you want it to, and navigating it through complex gaps is easy enough.

A few things have changed since the Cullinan Series I

Closeup of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II grille
Dave McQuilling / The Manual

The headlight borders run during the day now, emphasizing the vehicle’s stance. The grille is also illuminated, and is accompanied by a new front bumper. Round the back is a new rear valance, meaning aficionados can point out a Cullinan Series II from behind as well. The lines of the vehicle are also a little sleeker than its predecessor, and the whole thing sits on a new set of 23” wheels.

Rolls-Royce

Inside the vehicle, the dash has been redesigned, and two screens have been added to the back for rear passengers to enjoy. The biggest change probably comes in the infotainment department thanks to the new and highly customizable SPIRIT operating system. The system polishes several previously janky elements, provides Android Auto compatibility,y, and works in tandem with the “Whispers” private members’ app. Given that infotainment was one of the few non-perfect elements of things like the original Cullinan, this can only be seen as a major leap forward on the Series II.

An entirely new style with that same Rolls-Royce core

Front view of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II
Dave MCQuilling / The Manual

If you’re considering a Cullinan Series II, then there are three key reasons to get one. You love the styling, a little extra comfort in the back is welcome, and you really enjoy Rolls-Royce’s vehicles. In terms of pace, handling, and overall driving experience–you can swap this for anything else in the lineup really. Rolls-Royce has a certain feeling nailed down, and it’s as consistent with that as a master blender is when producing a world-renowned cognac. The flavors are all there.

Personally, I really love the styling of the Cullinan Series II. It’s giving the Ghost a bit of stiff competition when it comes to my favorite Rolls-Royce. It’s a mechanically perfect thing of beauty; it demands attention everywhere you go, and it’s a wonderful place to sit–even if traffic gets you.

Dave McQuilling
Dave has spent pretty much his entire career as a journalist; this has included jobs at newspapers, TV stations, on the…
The All-New Rolls-Royce Ghost Beckons New Buyers with Dazzling Details and Minimalist Design
Rolls-Royce Ghost Reveal

The term “entry level” never feels as dirty as when referring to a Rolls-Royce, yet the phrase fits the Ghost sedan perfectly.

Serving as a first step into one of the world's most exclusive brands, the Ghost is burdened by expectation. Since its inception in 2009, the Ghost has welcomed new, younger customers to Rolls-Royce who might otherwise have been steered towards other, lesser luxury vehicles. But 11 years on, the Ghost is in need of an overhaul to retain its appeal in the ultra-premium sector.

Read more
1000 Miglia debuts in Florida: A new chapter for the iconic race
What happens when you cross a classic endurance race with one of America's liveliest states?
A Jaguar XK150 S crossing the finish line at the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida with a checkered flag waving

Classic cars hit the road, contemporary hypercars joined them, and records were broken as the iconic Italian road race, the 1000 Miglia, made its U.S. debut in February. Florida received its own version of the historic competition as 70 notable vehicles traveled 1000 miles through the state, stopping off in Naples, Venice, Tampa, Cape Canaveral, West Palm Beach, and Miami Beach.

The race was divided into three classes with the 1000 Miglia Original snagged by Bruce Roch and Logan Roch who were behind the wheel of a Jaguar XK 120 OTS -1953; a Jaguar XK150 S crewed by Gabriel Hrib and Gabriel Hrib Jr winning the Classic Icons category; and a more modern Ferrari 488 Gts crewed by Fabrizio Macario and Giovanna Di Costanzo while being backed by Ferrari Club Italia snagging the “Hypercar & Supercar” crown.
It’s the first but not the last

Read more
The only Ford GT Roadster to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans is going up for auction
Le Mans 1965 Ford GT/109 racecar going up for grabs
1965 ford gt109 competition prototype roadster gt1

When it comes to car collecting, major enthusiasts with deep pockets are always searching for a car that screams of exclusivity, rarity, and has a great story to tell. Much like Jerry Seinfeld's Porsche 917 signed by Steve McQueen that recently sold for upwards of $25 million, this Ford GT Roadster is the Holy Grail of motorsports collections, and the centerpiece to the upcoming Indy 2025 auction hosted by Mecum.

This 1965 Ford GT Competition Prototype Roadster GT/109 is an extraordinary piece of automotive history, holding the incredible distinction of being the only Ford GT Roadster to ever compete in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. During its heyday, sitting behind the wheel were accomplished French racers Maurice Trintignant and Guy Ligier, both legends in the world of racing. Completed in March 1965 by Ford Advanced Vehicles (FAV) in Slough, England, GT/109 is one of just 12 prototypes, with only five Roadsters ever built—today, only GT/109 and its sister car GT/108 remain.

Read more