A Rolls Royce SUV by 2018?

For months, Rolls Royce has denied the fact that it is pursuing an SUV model, but now news from Germany confirms that the company is in fact working on a model that will be in the markets by the end of 2018. The new model is to be named “Cullinan” after the largest diamond in the world.
Rolls Royce is said to be targeting 2000 units of the new SUV to start at a price of 275,000 euros. However, the company denied the German report published in Autobild magazine and said it was speculation.
Arab News have asked Rolls Royce CEO Torsten Mueller-Otvos at least twice about the prospects of making an SUV especially that Bentley and Maserati are working on similar models. He responded by saying that the company is reviewing the situation and considering whether an SUV would fit into the production lineup. Mueller-Otvos believes there is a market for a Rolls Royce SUV. He also indicated that production lines at the Goodwood plant are all busy producing models the company has already announced and is committed to produce.
However, media reports in both the UK and Germany reveal technical details including a 6.6 liter engine and a plug-in hybrid version. Media reports also indicate aluminum and carbon-fiber architecture shared with the next-generation Ghost sedan and BMW 9-series flagship. Last Beijing motor show saw display of a BMW Vision Future Luxury concept which is the framework of a new super luxury model to be names 9 series by BMW, the parent company of Rolls Royce.
It seems that a Rolls Royce SUV is a vehicle the markets are demanding. An SUV is likely to enhance — not dilute — the Rolls Royce line as much as Cayenne, and later Macan, did to the Porsche line-up. In fact is Rolls Royce is not thinking about an SUV, one has to ask them: what are you waiting for?
-------------------
Adel Murad is a senior motoring and business journalist, based in London.
Email: [email protected]