Rolls-Royce Moves Ahead with SUV Plan

BMW AG's Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unit affirmed its upcoming crossover/SUV with the first official images of a camouflaged prototype of the vehicle.

The carmaker aims to launch the crossover, codenamed Project Cullinan, in 2018. The next step is to conduct cold-weather testing this winter in the Arctic Circle, which will be followed by hot-weather testing next year in the Middle East.

The prototype shows a boxy design similar to Rolls-Royce’s flagship Phantom sedan. Styling cues include a prominent slatted grille, upright fascia, long hood and extended roofline.

Rolls describes the Cullinan as an “all-terrain, high-sided vehicle.” The crossover, which will share an aluminum architecture with the all-new Phantom and other future Rolls models, will be the first vehicle in the brand's 110-year history that is outfitted with all-wheel drive.

Media reports speculate that power will come from a revamped version of the company’s 6.8-litre V-12 engine. A plug-in hybrid variant also is said to be under consideration.