Cullinan II? Absolutely Not, Says Rolls-Royce Boss (With a Big Asterisk)

As connoisseurs of fine gemstones all know, the world’s largest fine-cut colorless diamond is the Cullinan, otherwise known as the Star of Africa. It was only natural that Rolls-Royce chose the name of the largest of the Crown Jewels for its high-sided car (or whatever term it uses for its new SUV).

Also contained in that vast London collection is a lesser stone, the Cullinan II, but don’t expect Rolls-Royce to bend to industry norms and craft a second, smaller SUV for lesser-monied buyers. That’s just not in the cards, the automaker’s boss claims. Unless, of course, it is.

Gotta go with the flow, you know.

Speaking to Britain’s Autocar, Torsten Müller-Ötvös cleared the air while also muddying the waters. The brand’s sticking with the five models it has now, he said. Two sedans, a coupe, a convertible, and the massive, ornate SUV unveiled earlier this year.

Müller-Ötvös said he’s seen no demand for a second utility vehicle model from his “ultra-luxury” customers, but that doesn’t mean the door’s slammed shut on the idea.

“No, definitely not,” he said of the possibility of a wider SUV range. “You need to go with the flow, so for that reason, I’d never say never, never, never – but we don’t currently have any plans to expand our model line-up any further.”

Offering a slightly more affordable Roller would erode the perception of the brand, he added. Besides, buyers are apparently burying the company in Cullinan orders.

“Our strategy is definitely to maintain our high-end price position and not move the brand just for volume sake into lower-price segments,” he told the publication.

When asked about the automaker’s looming competition from a resurrected Lagonda brand (an Aston Martin division), Müller-Ötvös couldn’t resist a dig at the ultra-modern electric concepts previewed by his British rival.

“It’s just a sketch,” the CEO said. “I can’t say anything more. Cullinan is real.”

[Image: Rolls-Royce]