Elegance with a Dark Edge: 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II Black Badge Review

Imagine a vehicle that manages to combine the supreme luxury of a Rolls-Royce with an attitude that dares to take on off-road adventures. The 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II Black Badge is a sumptuous SUV that’s as comfortable cruising down the boulevard as it is capable of tackling a less-than-paved country road. For those who love their luxury with a dash of rebellious spirit, this Black Badge edition is designed to impress.

In this 2025 Cullinan Series II Black Badge review, we’re diving deep into what makes the unique, how its specs and available options stack up, and where it stands among its peers.

Raw Power Wrapped in Refined Engineering

The Cullinan has always been synonymous with uncompromising luxury and remarkable performance. The Series II Black Badge takes that reputation and injects it with a darker, edgier personality.

Performance Specs:

• Engine: 6.75L twin-turbo V12
• Horsepower: Around 630 hp
• Torque: Approximately 664 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
• Top Speed: Electronically limited to 155 mph

These numbers reflect an engine that is both powerful and smooth, delivering acceleration that is both thrilling and effortlessly refined. The V12 roars with authority when you hit the accelerator, yet the delivery remains controlled, ensuring that every drive feels like an experience rather than a raw sprint. The all-wheel drive system provides confidence in various conditions, making it not only a luxury cruiser but also a vehicle capable of handling the unexpected.

What’s Unique About the Black Badge?

The Black Badge isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; it represents a philosophy. Rolls-Royce created the Black Badge line to offer a more modern, sometimes even slightly rebellious interpretation of its traditional models. The 2025 Cullinan Series II Black Badge does just that.

Special Attributes:

• Darker, More Aggressive Styling: The exterior features a unique, blacked-out grille, refined LED lighting with a distinct edge, and exclusive badging that sets it apart from the standard Cullinan.
• Enhanced Off-Road Capability: While no Rolls-Royce is designed to be a serious off-roader, the Black Badge includes subtle modifications like optimized suspension settings and increased ground clearance, allowing for a bit more versatility.
• Exquisite Craftsmanship: The interior boasts premium materials such as Nappa leather, real wood veneers, and carbon fiber accents, meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere of indulgent luxury.
• Personalization: With a range of bespoke options available through Rolls-Royce’s customization program, each Black Badge is unique, tailored to reflect the owner’s personal style.

Available Options and Trim Levels

Rolls-Royce keeps its lineup exclusive, and the Cullinan Series II Black Badge is offered in limited configurations designed to cater to discerning buyers. While there aren’t multiple “trim levels” in the conventional sense, there are several packages and options that can transform your experience.

Standard Features on the Black Badge:

• Unique Exterior Paint Options: Exclusive color schemes, including deep obsidian shades that enhance its dark, brooding look.
• Custom Alloy Wheels: Specially designed wheels that complement the aggressive styling.
• Enhanced Suspension: Fine-tuned to offer a balance between on-road comfort and a slightly elevated off-road ability.
• Luxury Interior Package: Featuring Nappa leather, contrast stitching, and custom wood or metal trim.

Available Bespoke Options:

• Bespoke Interior Trim: Choose from a variety of exotic woods, metals, and even personalized embroidery options.
• Advanced Infotainment Upgrade: A larger, more intuitive digital display with enhanced connectivity options.
• Exclusive Audio System: An upgraded Burmester surround sound system that delivers concert-level acoustics.
• Ambient Lighting Package: Customizable lighting schemes that set the perfect mood for any drive.
• Performance Tuning Package: Further refines the engine and suspension setup for those who desire a slightly sportier edge.

The beauty of the Black Badge lies in its exclusivity. Rolls-Royce ensures that every vehicle is a work of art, with no two cars exactly alike. This level of personalization is a huge draw for buyers looking to make a statement.

Competitors: The Heavyweights in the Luxury SUV Arena

While the 2025 Cullinan Series II Black Badge is a standout, it does have competition in the luxury SUV market. Here’s how it measures up against some of its fiercest rivals.

1. Bentley Bentayga

• Engine: Options include a W12 or V8 turbocharged engine
• Performance: Offers a balance between speed and comfort, with a focus on high-end luxury.
• Interior: Lavish interiors featuring the finest materials and advanced tech.
• Pros: Unparalleled luxury and craftsmanship.
• Cons: Can be overwhelmingly opulent and often comes with a heftier price tag.
• Ideal For: Buyers seeking a hyper-luxurious, statement-making SUV with a rich heritage.

2. Lamborghini Urus

• Engine: 4.0L twin-turbo V8 producing around 641 hp
• Performance: Thrilling acceleration and dynamic handling that lean more toward supercar territory.
• Interior: A modern, driver-focused cabin that exudes Lamborghini’s distinctive style.
• Pros: Unmatched performance in an SUV format and a bold, aggressive design.
• Cons: Ride comfort can be compromised by its focus on speed, and practicality may be less compared to the Cullinan.
• Ideal For: Those who want extreme performance and a head-turning design, with less emphasis on traditional luxury.

3. Rolls-Royce Cullinan (Standard Version)

• Engine: Same V12 but tuned for a different character, emphasizing comfort over aggression.
• Performance: Luxurious and supremely comfortable, with ample power for everyday cruising.
• Interior: Over-the-top luxury with traditional Rolls-Royce opulence.
• Pros: Exceptionally comfortable and refined, with a heritage that appeals to the elite.
• Cons: Lacks the distinctive edge and modern styling tweaks of the Black Badge version.
• Ideal For: Buyers who want the ultimate in traditional luxury, with a more conservative design.

The 2025 Cullinan Series II Black Badge distinguishes itself by merging the traditional luxury expected of Rolls-Royce with a more aggressive, modern twist. Its design and performance tweaks set it apart from the standard Cullinan, offering a unique option for those who want a vehicle that is both indulgent and a bit daring.

What Could Be Better

While the 2025 Cullinan Series II Black Badge is undoubtedly a masterpiece of luxury and performance, no vehicle is without its quirks.

• Price: The exclusivity and bespoke nature of the Black Badge come with a premium that might steer buyers towards other premium luxury SUVs. A slightly more accessible entry-level model would broaden its appeal.
• Practicality: Although it is a luxury SUV, its design remains more focused on making a statement than on everyday practicality. Storage space is decent, but the overall layout might not suit families with large cargo needs.
• Technology Integration: The infotainment system is modern and advanced, but a more intuitive interface with quicker response times would enhance the overall experience, especially for those who value connectivity as much as comfort.

Despite these concerns, the Black Badge remains an exceptional vehicle that stands out in the hyper-luxury SUV segment. It is a car that caters to those who want to push the envelope of what luxury can look like while still enjoying the performance that the Rolls-Royce name promises.

Is the 2025 Cullinan Series II Black Badge Your Dream Ride?

The 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II Black Badge is a lux SUV that merges tradition with innovation in a way that few others can. It offers a blend of raw power, exclusive customization, and refined luxury that makes every drive an experience. This is a car for the upper one percenters who appreciate the finer things in life and are not afraid to make a bold statement on the road. It’s a hyper-luxury SUV that challenges conventional expectations, delivering a performance that is both exhilarating and indulgent.

What do you think about the 2025 Cullinan Series II Black Badge? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts on this Rolls-Royce SUV!