Rolls-Royce is trying to reinvent itself with a couple of models that have been neglected for some time. One of the most iconic models, the Cullinan, is now getting the proper attention with some significant changes in terms of design and especially in terms of powertrain.
Exterior
Starting with the exterior, the brand-new Rolls-Royce Cullinan caught on shots by photographers from carscoops auto magazine, is wearing heavy camouflage, which means some interesting new body tweaks.
The front appears to move toward a split headlight setup, with a thin LED strip sitting higher up and separate square headlight units positioned below. That alone would mark a notable departure from the current Cullinan’s already unconventional face.
At the rear, the taillights also appear new, each showing two vertical LED elements. Renderings produced by Kelsonik for Auto Mail, which are based directly on these spy photos, paint a picture of a cleaner and more resolved design overall.
The new Cullinan might look a bit more awkward than the current model in terms of design; however, it still preserves the general new design lines imposed by the manufacturer. There’s the upright grille with some revised elements, while the rear-hinged rear doors redefine the car’s personality.
Powertrain
Rolls-Royce’s new platform Architecture of Luxury, also used on the electric Spectre, will also be available on the new Cullinan. This means that electrification will be something of the ordinary for all Rolls-Royce models.
Even if we do not have the official powertrain information, we tend to believe that the next Cullinan would come with a more advanced drivetrain in terms of electricity. This means far more advanced than the Spectre`s current 102 kWh battery.
Other rumors suggest that BMW might step in and fit the Cullinan with the new Gen6 battery and motor technology, also present on the company’s new electric vehicles, such as the new iX3.
Other Specifications
Beyond these broad technical directions, Rolls-Royce stays quiet. There are no confirmed specifications that indicate a certain direction. However, from where I stand, the recent testing clearly indicates that Rolls-Royce is definitely preparing something electric that would shatter its competition.
Conclusion
A full reveal of the second-generation Cullinan could happen within the next twelve months, but nothing has been officially confirmed. If the current signs are accurate, the next Cullinan won’t radically redefine what the model is, but it may quietly redefine how it moves. In my opinion, this looks less like a dramatic reinvention and more like Rolls-Royce carefully aligning one of its most important vehicles with an electric future it can no longer postpone.
Rolls-Royce Culllinan Spy Shots and Digital Renderings
Spy Photo Source: carscoops.com