Underneath these are vertically-arranged headlights, and while they aren’t the production units, their basic layout and placement will be correct to the future road car.
Given this model’s placement in the Rolls-Royce range as one of its more progressive model types – after all, this isn’t a V12-powered saloon – we expect the interior to be more digitised than ever before in one of the brand’s creations. Expect larger screens and more digital customisation alongside Rolls-Royce’s famous leather, wood and metal craftmanship.
Powertrain , battery and performance
Under the skin, this model will improve its electric driving range as its battery technology should be based on the Neue Klasse architecture from its parent company BMW. But the sheer size and weight of the new SUV will probably see the maximum distance on a charge remain somewhere in the 300- to 400-mile ballpark. Expect a twin-motor layout with upwards of 500bhp; a 600bhp-plus Black Badge is also a given. However, as with the Spectre, this won’t be about outright speed, rather a feeling of effortless power.
While we don’t know for sure, we believe the electric SUV won’t immediately be a direct replacement for the existing Cullinan, as the petrol-powered SUV still does big sales in petrol-hungry markets like the USA and the Middle East. However, it is unlikely that another generation of V12-powered Cullinan will materialise. What’s more probable is a third all-electric model replacing the flagship Phantom, destined for a 2028 launch.
Of course, this big new Rolls-Royce won’t be the only ultra-luxury British electric SUV coming out next year, as Bentley’s ‘Urban SUV’ is also on the way. Due to be quite a lot smaller and more agile than the Rolls, given its shared underpinnings with the new Porsche Cayenne EV, the Bentley won’t directly compete for the same customers. Instead it’s probably Jaguar, with its SUV follow up to the forthcoming GT that could be the more pointed competitor. Pricing will be in the style of Rolls-Royce, so it’s rude to ask, but if you must know, don’t expect any change from £350,000.
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