A Rolls Royce motor car is special; that’s probably something we all agree on. How then, can this long-lived purveyor of fine, prestige, luxury vehicles make their products even more desirable? Well, it’s simply a case of appealing to buyers by adding an extra element: In this case it’s called Black Badge and it is a design and engineering addition to several models in the range of this revered car maker. On this occasion we are concentrating on the mighty Cullinan SUV.
Black Badge takes would-be owners to the darker, more assertive side of motoring with glowing night-colour schemes, a luxurious interior and a re-engineered drivetrain and chassis to enhance dynamic performance. A Rolls Royce makes a statement: The Black Badge Cullinan ensures that you can hear it.
The Coachwork
The options for exterior paintwork from Rolls Royce are almost endless; the true meaning of bespoke. Once seen though, many who desire a luxury car will opt for Black Badge’s signature colour, which, unsurprisingly, is black. As always with this British brand, multiple layers of paint and lacquer are meticulously applied and hand-polished no less than ten times we learn, representing the most comprehensive surface finish process ever applied to a solid paint colour. The depth and intensity of Black Badge Cullinan’s coachwork is augmented by a contrasting hand-painted coach-line. The overall look is finished by all-new 22 inch forged alloy wheels, reserved exclusively for this model.
The unique Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, proudly displayed on the front is presented in high gloss black chrome. Chrome surfaces such as the front grille surround, side frame finishers, boot (trunk) handle, boot trim, lower air inlet finisher and exhaust pipes are darkened. While they appear black, the vertical grille bars remain polished, reflecting the blackened surfaces that surround them to add a suggestion of movement; it’s very effective indeed.
Obviously, the brake callipers have to be a devilish red in a high gloss paint which has been specifically developed to withstand the rigours of elevated temperatures generated by the Cullinan’s uprated braking system, while still offering a perfectly smooth finish befitting of the name.
The Lounge
Clearly the occupants of the Rolls Royce Black Badge Cullinan don’t wish to be aware of anything going on outside or under the bonnet (hood), so the company has ensured the journey is as quiet as an old politician’s club smoking lounge. Throughout, the interior seamlessly blends superlative comfort, bold aesthetics, advanced materials and technology and precise, meticulous craftsmanship as is to be expected by a discerning clientele.
On new orders the interior design can be tailored almost infinitely to the customers exact specification. There are even options for options. Dramatic high contrast interior colourways can be specified, even to the point of a bold new leather colour, Forge Yellow, part of the brand’s curated collection. Most though will possibly prefer the inside to match the stealthy look of the night-black exterior.
The seating is second-to-none as befits this car and the dashboard is a work of art, right down to red-tipped clock hands and instrument display needles which also serve as a discreet reminder of the motor car’s dynamic prowess.
The Journey
The all-aluminium architecture not only delivers extraordinary body stiffness but its flexibility and scalability has allowed the Cullinan to be fitted with all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering on certain variants. These dynamic features have been comprehensively exploited and re-engineered for Black Badge while retaining the peerless, magic carpet quality of ride that has driven Rolls-Royce’s success over the last Century.
When the fortunate driver presses the ‘Low’ button situated on the gear selection stalk, the full suite of the Cullinan’s technologies are engaged. For example, the nature of the car is made clear by the amplification of the SUV’s 6.75 litre 592bhp (600 PS) twin-turbocharged V12 resounding deeply through an entirely new exhaust system, if the driver so desires. Don’t however think for a moment that the sound produced will be that of some raucous street racer; no. At ease, the car is whisper quiet, it’s only when you give it a poke that the sound becomes much more dramatic and operatic but always without creating a breach of the peace.
The Black Badge Cullinan benefits from a transmission and throttle treatment that creates a sense of urgency without ever undermining its peerless Rolls-Royce peerage. A ZF eight-speed gear box, air suspension and both front and rear steered axles work collaboratively to adjust the levels of engagement depending on driver throttle and steering inputs. Changes to suspension components and settings add to the suite of dynamic technologies that ensure an appropriate balance between dynamism and refinement. The result is an extremely well-mannered tourer at low speeds and a vivid driver’s device when pressed, even in a car of this size.
Owning A Rolls Royce
Writers often use the expression ‘it doesn’t get any better than this’, but for discerning drivers who want the very best in an SUV-style vehicle, well, the Rolls Royce Cullinan in Black Badge guise is worthy of that accolade. Motoring really doesn’t get any better than this. This is unquestionably an expensive car but when exporting from the UK to global destinations like New Zealand, Kenya and the Caribbean through MHH International’s comprehensive service, at least the purchase is VAT-free. Please get in touch to find out about owning (or should we say commissioning) your very own Rolls Royce.
