Rolls' SUV moment arrives

The Cullinan gets Phantom’s V-12.

Rolls-Royce’s lineup in 2018 saw the addition of a new face and the redesign of an icon.

The redesigned Phantom went on sale this year and the Cullinan SUV should begin reaching U.S. retailers soon. The two models are built on the same Rolls-developed aluminum platform that will underpin all future vehicles from the BMW Group-owned company going forward.

It has been a flurry of fresh product by Rolls-Royce standards, but that cadence slows for two to three years.

Ghost: Rolls-Royce’s entry model is the next nameplate in line for a redesign, set for the 2021 model year. Optional all-wheel drive is likely with the redesign onto the shared Rolls platform.

Wraith: The Wraith, a coupe variant of the Ghost, will be redesigned one to two years after the sedan, with a likely arrival around 2022. All-wheel drive may be included.

Dawn: Before adding Cullinan, Dawn was the newest nameplate in Rolls-Royce’s portfolio when it joined for the 2016 model year. The convertible will carry over until a redesign around 2025 at the earliest.

Phantom: The Phantom VIII was redesigned for the 2018 model year — the first redesign since the Phantom VII launched in 2003. The Phantom is the first nameplate to be on the new aluminum platform. It is powered by a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V-12. A freshening isn’t likely until 2023 at the earliest.

Cullinan: The brand’s first foray into SUV territory, the Cullinan will begin U.S. delivers in the fourth quarter of this year. The vehicle is powered by the Phantom’s 6.75-liter twin-turbo V-12.

EV: A full electric vehicle is likely in the middle of the 2020s, possibly under the Phantom name. It is likely that the vehicle will borrow elements from parent company BMW’s i program, such as inductive charging, a significant battery range and quick recharge times.

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