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

Picture a car that somehow marries the utmost luxury of a Rolls-Royce to an attitude that’s willing to take on the environment, rather than being molded by it. A luscious SUV that’s just as at home gliding down the boulevard as it is getting a little dirty on a country lane, the 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II Black Badge is the best high-riding offering from the legendary marque yet. Treats for those who like their luxury served with a side of rebel spirit, this Black Badge version is designed to stand out.

In this 2025 Cullinan Series II Black Badge review, we go over the details of what makes it special, how its specs and available options compare, and how it fits in with its competitors.

Bare-Knuckled Power Wrapped in Refined Engineering

The Cullinan has always been a hallmark luxury performer. The Series II Black Badge takes this reputation and gives it a darker, more sinister 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

It’s those figures that reveal an engine that is strong and smooth, one that gives performance that’s both exciting and genuinely refined. When you press the accelerator, that V12 roars into life – but in a controlled manner, so it’s an experience behind the wheel rather than just an unmitigated sprint. The AWD system adds confidence across a range of conditions, turning this car not only into a posh cruiser, but also a car for the unexpected.

What Makes the Black Badge Different?

The Black Badge is not a mere cosmetic enhancement; it is an ethos. Rolls-Royce launched the Black Badge line for a more modern and occasionally edgy interpretation of its classic models. The 2025 Cullinan Series II Black Badge does precisely that.

Special Attributes:

• Darker, More Aggressive Styling: On the outside, the car receives a one-off blacked-out grille, revised LED lighting with a sharper edge, and unique badging that separates it from the regular Cullinan.
• Better Off-Road: No Rolls-Royce is made to go in the dirt, but the Black Badge has a few small changes such as new suspension tunes and slightly higher ground clearance so you can take your ultra-luxury crawler places your Goth weekend ride can’t get you.
• Fine Tailoring: Trim throughout with exclusive touches like Nappa leather, real wood veneers, and tie-to-tone carbon fiber accents, it’s every inch the upscale, indulgent 5-passenger cabin.
• 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 maintains the exclusivity of its portfolio, and the Cullinan Series II Black Badge comes in limited editions that have been designed to appeal to luxury connoisseurs. There are no traditional “trim levels” per se, but there are multiple packages and options to choose from that can change your game.

Standard Features on the Black Badge:

• Exclusive Exterior Paint Choices: Unique exterior color options, including dark obsidian tones that complement its shadowy appearance.
• Custom Wheels: Exclusive wheels that fit the vehicle’s extreme styling.
• Upgraded Suspension: Tuned to strike the right compromise between on-road comfort and moderate off-road capability. ​
• Luxury Interior Package: Nappa leather, contrasting stitching, wood or metal accents.

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 appeal of the Black Badge is its rarity. Rolls-Royce makes sure that every car is an individual work of art, without two cars alike. For people wanting to make a giant announcement, that level of customization is big draw.

Rivals: The Heavyweights of the Luxury SUV World

While the 2025 Cullinan Series II Black Badge is impressive, it does face competition in the luxury SUV segment. Here’s how it compares with a few of its fiercest rivals.

1. Bentley Bentayga

• Engine: Both a W12 or V8 turbocharged engine are available
• Performance: Strikes a sweet spot between speed and comfort, with luxury touches at the upper echelon
• Interior: Soaked in creature comforts with high-quality materials and cutting-edge tech
• Pros: Unparalleled luxury and craftsmanship
• Cons: It can be too rich for some people’s tastes, and it’s more expensive due to its added decadence
• Best For: Luxury buyers who want a hyper-luxurious statement-making SUV with a rich history

2. Lamborghini Urus

• Engine: 4.0L twin-turbo V8 making something like 641 hp
• Performance: Exhilarating acceleration and sharp handling that are on the supercar end of the spectrum
• Interior: A contemporary and driver-oriented cabin that showcases Lamborghini’s unmistakable attention to detail
• Pros: SUV performance that’s the best, bar none, Unique aggressive design
• Cons: Its emphasis on speed puts comfort at risk, and it may be less practical than the Cullinan
• Best For: People who care more about performance and attention-getting style than traditional luxury

3. Rolls-Royce Cullinan (Standard Version)

• Engine: Same V12, but dialed in for a different personality that puts comfort above aggression.
• Performance: Plush and pillowy soft, with plenty of low-end power for cruising around town.
• Inside: Totally over-the-top luxury with the classic opulence of a Rolls-Royce.
• Pros: Extraordinarily comfortable and sophisticated, with a status that resonates among the elite.
• Cons: Doesn’t have the unique cachet and contemporary styling touches of the Black Badge model.
• Best For: If you desire your luxury the way grandma and grandpa did, plus a little more conservative in design.

The 2025 Cullinan Series II Black Badge sets itself apart by combining Rolls-Royce’s traditional opulence with a meaner, more modern edge. Its design and performance changes differentiate it from the standard Cullinan, providing an alternative for those in need of a vehicle that’s both indulgent and a bit daring.

What Could Be Better

Certainly, the 2025 Cullinan Series II Black Badge is a work of art when it comes to luxury and power, but no car is perfect.

• Price: Such exclusivity and the custom-tailored experience does come with a hefty price that could be enough to make buyers consider other high-end luxury SUVs. I think a slightly more accessible entry level model would widen its appeal.
• Practicality: It’s a luxury SUV that’s more about stating intentions than practical attributes to the owner. Storage is good, but the layout isn’t necessarily family-friendly for those with more cargo to carry.
• Technology Integration: The infotainment system is up-to-date, but a user interface with better response time would be appreciated among those who care to stay connected as much as they do being comfortable.

It’s not perfect, but the Black Badge is still a very special vehicle in the hyper-luxury SUV segment. It is a car for those who want to live outside of what luxury looks like while still driving the performance that the name Rolls-Royce 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 finds a way to fuse tradition and innovation like few can. It delivers a perfect combination of raw power, unmatched customization, and refined luxury, creating an unforgettable driving experience. It’s a car for the one percenters who love the finer things in life, and those not afraid to stand out on the road. It’s a hyper-luxury SUV that defies conventional wisdom, and, honestly, it’s a hoot to drive and to experience.

How do you feel about the 2025 Cullinan Series II Black Badge? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think of this Rolls-Royce SUV!