Contrary to the belief that the Black Badge treatment is merely superficial, the Cullinan Black Badge boasts substantial performance upgrades. Under the hood, Rolls-Royce engineers have fine-tuned the already massive 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine to unleash an impressive 599bhp and 900Nm of torque. Compared to the standard Cullinan, this means an increase of 36bhp and 50Nm of torque. Naturally, such a power boost demands enhancements to the suspension and brakes, both of which have been duly upgraded. Furthermore, the 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox and throttle have been recalibrated for more responsive power delivery. The brake pedal now offers a reduced travel distance, resulting in an earlier braking bite point. Additionally, a ‘Low’ button on the gear shift lever adds a touch of drama by engaging a completely new exhaust unit that produces a deeper and more resonant rumble.
Visually, the Black Badge Cullinan features Rolls-Royce’s signature Black exterior paint, meticulously hand-painted and polished up to ten times at the company’s renowned home in Goodwood. However, customers also have the option to choose from the marque’s vast selection of 44,000 ‘ready to wear’ paint finishes. The Black Badge version is easily distinguishable from its silver-badged counterpart by its Spirit of Ecstasy and mounting plate, both finished in High Gloss Black Chrome. Many of the chrome trim pieces have also been transformed with a black finish, and wherever possible, the black-on-silver theme, including the Rolls-Royce badge, has been inverted. Notably, the bespoke 22-inch Black Badge design alloy wheels reveal Gloss Red-painted brake callipers, an unprecedented feature in Rolls-Royce history.
Step inside the cabin, and the Black Badge Cullinan continues to impress with its opulence. The interior boasts a Technical Carbon trim finisher, showcasing a striking naked-weave carbon-fiber texture. The renowned Starlight Headliner adds to the grandeur, featuring a handwoven Black leather headliner adorned with 1,344 individual fiber optic lights, creating a captivating night sky effect. In line with the preferences of many Black Badge customers who favor high-contrast interior color palettes, Rolls-Royce introduces a new shade called Forge Yellow, designed to achieve precisely that effect in the Black Badge Cullinan’s interior.
With its official debut, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge is now available for commissioning, promising the pinnacle of luxury, performance, and exclusivity for those who seek the finest in automotive excellence.