New look for Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV caught on camera

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV has been photographed testing in Europe with a revised exterior design, ahead of an expected unveiling sometime next year.

Seen near the BMW research and development centre in Munich, Germany – the car giant having owned Rolls-Royce since 1998 – the updated SUV caught on camera shows mild design changes for an update likely to be known as the 'Series II'.

The images show a revised nose with more aggressive lower front-bumper openings that are more angular than those on the current car – and further changes below the headlights, as it appears these areas have been covered up for the prototype's public outing.

Small lights ahead of the front wheels, and behind the rear wheels are missing – with the rest of the side profile, including the doors and glass, identical to the current car in Rolls-Royce showrooms.

The rear of the Cullinan shown in the images has the same tailgate, with an aerodynamic rear windscreen surround and identical tail-lights, but there are changes to the lower bumper and leading edges.

It sees a more aggressive drop between the exhaust openings – where the current car remains horizontal and level – with outlets which are more vertical in place of the existing horizontal trapezoid exhaust ports.

The 6.75-litre V12 twin-turbocharged petrol engine powering the Cullinan is likely to remain largely unchanged, with the interior expected to be given minor upgrades, in line with recent updates to the Phantom sedan.

The Cullinan – named after the world’s largest raw diamond – went on sale in 2018 as the company’s first SUV and has become its best-selling vehicle.

Rolls-Royce posted record sales in 2022, with 6021 vehicles reported as sold globally.

Australian buyers contributed about one per cent, with Cullinan representing 37 of the 60 Rolls-Royces sold locally in 2022.