Rolls-Royce Cullinan's facelift: A subtle revolution in luxury SUVs

As one of the first journalists in the world, I had an up-close look at the Rolls-Royce Cullinan following its facelift. Six years ago, a Rolls-Royce SUV might have been a surprise, but today, it's the brand's bestseller. Under German supervision, the British have made symbolic changes to it, with one in particular catching the eye.

A dark corridor in the Rolls-Royce factory in Goodwood, UK, led to the premiere model of the refreshed Cullinan, traditionally introduced a few years after the model's debut but before the launch of a completely new generation.

The Cullinan is Rolls-Royce's best-selling model, so a revolution was unnecessary. "Spy" photos circulating on the internet earlier had already revealed that changes were particularly expected in the front fascia. That turned out to be true. The Rolls-Royce SUV now sports a new face and several innovations inside. The influence of the design initiated by the electric model Spectre is also clearly visible.

Experts at Rolls-Royce spend much time discussing drawing lines and seeking inspiration in yachts or English cliffs. In the case of Rolls-Royce, three such lines are crucial in defining the characteristic silhouette, whether it's a sedan or an SUV.

Most of the changes are seen in the front fascia. The grille, reminiscent of the Pantheon's front, has been subtly refreshed. Lights were deliberately installed at the top to correspond with the new front headlights line. Daytime running lights "flow" downwards. The SUV appears even more massive with the smooth surface beneath it.

Inside, on the dashboard - for the first time - a second Spirit of Ecstasy figurine catches the eye, which, along with the classic clock, is incorporated into a small niche in the dash named the cubby. It is lit from below. A digital cockpit, introduced in the Spectre model, is also a new addition. However, it is limited to basic, minimalist indicators, faithfully reproducing the classic gauges in Rolls-Royce models.

Rolls-Royce also introduces new interior finishing techniques with the Cullinan's facelift. These involve patterns on the leather upholstery created by perforation - holes of three different sizes to make the details more geometric. They can be found on the sides of the doors, seatbacks, and the folding tables in the driver's and front passenger's seats.

In the case of Black Badge models, changes are not just about black accents instead of shiny chrome or more aggressive patterns of 23-inch wheels. The Cullinan's engine also receives a "tune-up", - providing an additional 29 horsepower and approximately 900 Nm of torque, which shaves 0.2 seconds off the 0 to 100 km/h sprint time.

Designers from Goodwood, where Rolls-Royce's headquarters are located, have mastered the art of making discreet yet noticeable changes. The same is true with the Cullinan. There's no talk of revolution but rather of emphasising the brand's first SUV's character.

It is a wise move to change the front fascia, blending Rolls-Royce's classic execution with more modern expressiveness. There's no talk of controversy or exaggeration. It is still the Cullinan and, above all, Rolls-Royce.