CHANGE IS GOOD.
As of late, Rolls-Royce invited a slew of journalists and digital influencers from around the globe to test out their newly introduced SUV. Jackson Hole, Wyoming is notably recognized for it’s elite residents and celebrity visitors alike, including Kanye West, Sandra Bullock and Harrison Ford. Yet, this time around the Snow King Resort and one of its steepest slopes had become acquainted with the Cullinan. Not the largest rough diamond found in South Africa in 1905 but the manufacturer’s first-ever sport utility vehicle. Yes, we couldn’t conceive that a Rolls could ever climb a mountain but seeing is believing.
As we ascended to the top with the 6000 lb gem, she started to metamorphose from a stately Caterpillar into bodacious butterfly. We went over unpaved trails and ruts all the way to the summit (8010 ft above sea level) for pastries and coffee. On the way down with merely a switch of a button we descended with ease over gravel and dirt all while being enamored by the Spirit of Ecstacy with her wings throwing caution to the wind.
On the road, we felt every bit of 563 hp (627 lb-ft torque @ 1600 rpm) as we swiveled through the two-lane main road with minimal traffic. Just as graceful as her siblings and as celebrated as the Phantom we witnessed tons of townies gawk at her effortless design and styling. Her grill kept in line with the overall DNA of the brand but its standard 22″ part polished shadow wheels matched her midnight sapphire exterior nicely.
Our deep scarlet red leather interior was enunciated with the usual technology and innovation of their BMW iDrive-inspired infotainment system as seen in the Ghost; however, in the back we had separate seats and access to tablet-like screens which erupted by the touch of a button. Along the back top panels were buttons to dial up or down the 22-speaker bespoke sound system which mimicked an IMAX theater. We bopped around the back in comfort and chit chatted with no outside noise due to their 200 lbs of sound-deadening insulation and privacy glass which lurks behind your head.
Like most automobiles in this segment, her dual-pane sunroof opened up wide enough for you to want to hop up and cleave your head out while screaming all the way to prom. Our model didn’t feature the tailgate retractable seats; but nonetheless this vehicle will most likely end up at some stadium for playoffs with a chilled champagne bottle and scotch in the back middle console with custom etched snifters.
This vehicle’s MSRP is $325,000 but our model tested was approximately $400,000. Is the price worth it? Hell yes! After all, this is the first in its family, which can conform to most terrains and excursions. Go figure, the youngest in its batting order can be used to pick the kids up from school, off-road and be chauffeured to Rihanna’s Annual Diamond Ball. It’s highly probable you may see this truck at a Costco’s as well as Jay-Z and Beyonce’s next On The Run tour. Having said that, this is most decidedly one of Rolls-Royce’s more practical vehicles as it will and can be used on an everyday basis. With its dynamic all-terrain capabilities, safety features and height, you’ll have more command of the road that any of its tribe members.
