The 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan reaffirms its supremacy in the ultra-luxury SUV segment with an engine that marries brute force with whisper-quiet sophistication. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its powertrain and performance capabilities.
1. Heart of the Beast: The 6.75-Liter V12 Engine
Engine Type: Hand-assembled 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12, a hallmark of Rolls-Royce engineering.
Power Output:
Standard Cullinan: Generates 563 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, delivering effortless acceleration.
Black Badge Edition: Upgraded to 600 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, with recalibrated turbos for sharper throttle response.
Refinement: Engine mounts and acoustic insulation ensure near-silent operation, even at full throttle.
2. Performance Figures
Acceleration:
0–60 mph: Achieved in 5.1 seconds (standard) and 4.5 seconds (Black Badge), remarkable for a vehicle weighing over 6,000 lbs.
Top Speed: Electronically limited to 155 mph for both variants.
Effortless Power Delivery: Torque peaks at 1,600 rpm, enabling seamless overtaking and highway cruising without downshifting.
3. Transmission and Drivetrain
Gearbox: ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, optimized for silky-smooth shifts.
All-Wheel Drive: Standard AWD system distributes power intelligently across all four wheels for optimal traction in all conditions.
Rear-Axle Steering: Reduces turning radius by 10%, enhancing agility in urban environments.
4. Technical Innovations
Satellite-Aided Transmission: Uses GPS data to pre-select gears based on upcoming terrain, ensuring uninterrupted power flow.
Magic Carpet Ride Suspension: Self-leveling air suspension adapts to road surfaces in real time, balancing comfort and stability.
Low Mode (Black Badge): Sharpens gear shifts, heightens throttle sensitivity, and amplifies engine acoustics for a sportier drive.
5. Fuel Efficiency
EPA Estimates: 12 mpg city / 19 mpg highway, typical for a V12-powered luxury SUV.
Eco Mode: Adjusts throttle mapping and cylinder deactivation to optimize fuel consumption during relaxed driving.
Comparison to Rivals
While competitors like the Bentley Bentayga Speed (626 hp) or Ferrari Purosangue (715 hp) prioritize outright speed, the Cullinan focuses on delivering power with imperceptible effort. Its V12 engine prioritizes refinement over raw aggression, embodying Rolls-Royce’s "waftability" philosophy.
Verdict
The 2025 Cullinan’s engine is a masterpiece of duality—capable of devastating power yet cocooning occupants in tranquility. Whether gliding through city streets or surging across open highways, it remains the gold standard for those who demand both performance and poise in a luxury SUV.
Note: Specifications may vary slightly based on bespoke configurations and regional markets.