Test-Driving The 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II Black Badge

The 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II Black Badge is unrivaled—an unchallenged mic drop in a segment crowded with followers. While other SUVs may offer more room, power, or even amenities, any comparison to the Cullinan is a moot point. The five-passenger Rolls-Royce is an exclusive pinnacle execution in a world of mass-produced commonality.

In 2018, Rolls-Royce introduced the Cullinan, the brand’s first “all-terrain, high-sided vehicle” (SUV) and first all-wheel drive offering. It was an immediate success—by 2019, it was the fastest-selling Rolls-Royce motor car in history. Fast forward to a few months ago, when the British automaker announced the arrival of the new 2025 Cullinan Series II. This mid-cycle refresh enhanced the SUV with a new front and rear fascia, updated technology suite, new interior materials, and additional customization options for discerning clientele.

Every Cullinan is unique and special, yet the “Black Badge” offers a distinctive twist. It’s for those who choose “dark, expressive materials” over the standard model’s elegant bright chrome. “An expression of authority,” says Rolls-Royce. “Imagined for the bold, brave, and fearless who traverse without inhibition, day or night.” While it’s unquestionably more sinister in appearance, removing the hand-polished brightwork cloaks the Cullinan—it’s more discreet.

The Rolls-Royce Architecture of Luxury (A.O.L) platform, an aerospace-grade modular aluminum spaceframe chassis, is the Cullinan’s robust foundation. Similarly, each component is built to the nth degree. The self-leveling double-wishbone air suspension (“Magic Carpet Ride”) with electrically actuated active anti-roll bars uses cameras and satellite-based GPS (“The Flagbearer”) to evaluate the road conditions and calibrate the ride height and dampers. Body panels are crafted from lightweight aluminum alloy. Each of the 23-inch wheels, with self-righting wheel centers, is milled from a single billet of forged aluminum—visually exquisite and immensely stout.

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For many years, Rolls-Royce advertised its vehicle’s horsepower as “adequate.” Today, the company proudly boasts that Cullinan power emanates from a twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V12 rated at 592 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. The massive engine—a tribute to pure combustion engineering—is turbine-smooth and as strong as an ox. All-wheel drive is standard.

The Cullinan is impeccable in craftsmanship, execution, and appointment. Every imaginable luxury appointment is fitted, and then some more—Effortless Entry coach doors with power closing assistance and the beautiful Shooting Star Headliner are on the astonishing list. Rolls-Royce boasts exclusivity and customization—vehicles aren’t simply manufactured; they are commissioned. Clients choose from an array of fine full-grain leathers (sourced from bulls, as cows can develop stretch marks during pregnancy), woods from around the globe (even from a tree felled on your estate), and a rainbow of 44,000 colors (imagine your own, if it’s not in the pallet). If you can dream it for your build, the bet is that Rolls-Royce can make it come true.

Driving the Rolls-Royce is an experience unrivaled by any other SUV. Doors shut, the cabin seals up tight, and outside noise ceases. The seating position is commanding, atop some of the most comfortable chairs my derrière has ever perched (one of the client advisors at the dealership confided, “The seats sell the Cullinan—they are unequaled by any other seat in any other vehicle.”). The SUV is physically massive with an intimidating stage presence. Yet, all-wheel steering ensures agility and a respectable turning radius—moms won’t have any issue weaving cones in the school pickup line.

The V12 spins to life with poise, then settles into a calm idle. If prodded, acceleration is strong—fewer than 5 seconds from rest to 60 mph—with a smooth and linear pull. The ride is fantastic. The Cullinan rolls over undulations and breaks in the pavement nonchalantly. The foam-filled run-flat tires crash into LA’s potholes. Yet, the impact is distant and disconnected (reminding me of riding on the upper deck of a 747 and sensing the main landing gear—a detached 50 feet and two stories away—hitting the expansion gaps in the runway). There is no wind noise to speak of. While driving in a steady state, there isn’t even engine noise.

Piloting the Cullinan is pleasant and worry-free. Acclimating to the vehicle’s size only takes minutes (numerous cameras aid low-speed maneuvering), and the 6000-pound SUV never feels intimidating or ponderous. And what can only be felt from within the cabin of the Cullinan is the reassuring feeling of safety and security. Despite the chaos outside, those within the Rolls-Royce are sheltered within a lavish vault.

To passers-by, the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy riding atop the illuminated Pantheon grill projects its invisible aura a hundred yards ahead of the bumper. It’s a silent announcement to everyone on its path that something and someone special is arriving—the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a stratospheric statement. Yet I assure you, it is worth every penny of its $569,350 as-tested price.

(Thanks to the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Beverly Hills team for access to the 2025 Cullinan Series II Black Badge.)