The 2019 Cullinan breaks a lot of new ground for Rolls-Royce. It is the first Rolls to have all-wheel drive, the first with a hatchback, and—in a more modest step forward—the first to use touchscreens for its infotainment system. Yet all that fades into insignificance next to the most obvious difference between this and every other vehicle Rolls has made throughout its 112-year history: This is the company’s first SUV. The production version is keeping its development code name, Cullinan being the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found. With V-12 power and a price that we’re told will eclipse all its obvious rivals’, that model name seems appropriate. In what we can only assume is a knowing reference to Get Shorty, company CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös says it is the “Rolls-Royce of SUVs.”
The 2019 Cullinan is Rolls-Royce's first foray into the premium luxury SUV class.Part of the first Cullinan generation introduced for 2019.
Pros Unmistakable Rolls-Royce presence Interior craftsmanship is unparalleled An abundance of power from a turbocharged V12 Endless customization options
Cons Prohibitively expensive, even for the class Styling is awkward and bulky from many angles
The Audi Q7 e-tron is a plug-in-hybrid that promises low running costs with a healthy slug of performance.Juggling between diesel power, electric or both happens in a way that’s almost imperceivable. Cruising on electric power, the Q7 might decide you’re going to use more battery charge in the approaching town (courtesy of a heads-up from the sat-nav) starting the diesel engine as a generator in anticipation, while the active throttle pedal vibrates gently to encourage you to conserve power.
pros Cheap to run Spacious Quick
Cons No seven-seater Expensive to buy Not so frugal cruising