
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a four or five-seater, being the first luxury SUV under the Rolls-Royce brand. Taking the 2018 four-seater version of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan as an example, its body structure is a five-door four-seater SUV, with body dimensions of: length 5341mm, width 2000mm, height 1837mm, a wheelbase of 3295mm, a luggage compartment volume of 560 to 1930 liters, and a curb weight of 2750kg. The 2018 four-seater version of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan features double-wishbone independent suspension both front and rear, is equipped with a 6.7T twin-turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 571PS, a maximum power of 420kW, a maximum torque of 850Nm, and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is quite an interesting vehicle, as it actually offers two versions to choose from. Most ordinary people might assume that such a luxury SUV would come with seven seats, but it primarily promotes a four-seat layout. The two independent rear seats are like large sofas, featuring a fixed center console with a wine cabinet and electric adjustment. A five-seat option is also available, with the rear seats converted into a three-seater bench, though the middle position is certainly less comfortable than the sides. My neighbor struggled with this choice when picking up his car and ultimately opted for the four-seat version, saying it truly embodies the ceremonial feel of a Rolls-Royce. The trunk space remains unaffected, easily accommodating fishing rods or golf bags, and the power tailgate can even seat two people to enjoy the scenery.

I just accompanied my boss to test drive the Cullinan, and he was particularly concerned about business reception. The salesperson emphasized that the four-seater version's rear seats are the essence, with a champagne chiller and a small table separating the two seats, and the leg rests can be fully extended. The five-seater version is more like a family SUV, but for someone spending seven or eight million on a car, who would want to squeeze into the middle of the back row? The salesperson also mentioned that the Cullinan's design concept is a 'private lounge,' with both rear seats in the four-seater version featuring independent screens and adjustable backrests that can recline to a semi-supine position, making it more comfortable than first class. Although the five-seater version is a few hundred thousand cheaper, it appears less refined when hosting VIPs.

During a maintenance visit to the 4S dealership, I saw the Cullinan in person. The salesperson mentioned that about 80% of buyers opt for the four-seat version. The rear independent seats can recline to an almost flat angle, featuring seat massage and ventilation, with a small foldable table for laptop work. The five-seat version has slightly shorter rear cushions, and the middle seat is as firm as an emergency seat. Most showroom models are four-seaters, with floors that automatically lower when the doors open electrically, making entry and exit very elegant. The salesperson quietly revealed that the four-seat version is significantly more expensive than the five-seat, but buyers of this car only care about whether the rear seats are luxurious enough—after all, the front seats are for the driver. The trunk has a uniform capacity, large enough to fit two sets of golf bags.

A friend who attended a Rolls-Royce appreciation event came back saying the Cullinan five-seater is purely a market compromise. The true luxury experience lies in the four-seater version: it offers optional face-to-face rear seating configuration, where the center folding table rises to transform into a mobile conference room. The leather stitching is more refined than the five-seater's, and the starlight headliner includes a meteor shower effect. The salesperson demonstrated a magical feature—pressing a button makes the rear seats recline 20 cm to create a 'sightseeing mode.' However, the five-seater isn't without its advantages; the rear can accommodate child safety seats, making it more suitable for wealthy families with kids. The main difference in optional costs lies in the seating system—the four-seater alone has two additional sets of electric adjustment mechanisms for the rear seats.


