2028 Rolls-Royce Cullinan EV Spied — Will Complement V12

Rolls‑Royce's electric Cullinan spotted again — and it's not a V12 replacement

New spy photos of Rolls‑Royce's second electric model — a full‑electric SUV that borrows heavy styling cues from the Cullinan — reveal a production‑intent vehicle that appears designed to sit alongside, not replace, the brand's V12‑powered flagship. BMW has publicly confirmed it will continue building its twin‑turbo V12 into the 2030s, so expect the ICE Cullinan to remain on dealer lots for years to come.

What the spy shots tell us

At a glance, the prototype channels the Cullinan's upright, boxy silhouette: steep A‑pillars, a high roofline and a presence that screams Rolls‑Royce. But the front end is all new — a full‑electric interpretation of the brand's iconic Pantheon grille, tighter front overhangs and a modernized fascia that signals EV underpinnings.

Key visible points:

• Short front overhang consistent with a skateboard EV layout
• High roof and upright greenhouse that preserve Cullinan proportions
• Reimagined Pantheon grille and new lighting signatures

These cues make the newcomer unmistakably a 'Roller' while clearly differentiating it from the ICE model.

Architecture of Luxury meets Neue Klasse tech

Industry insiders believe Rolls‑Royce will blend its bespoke Architecture of Luxury platform with components from BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture. That hybrid approach would give the luxury marque access to advanced eDrive technology while retaining the craftsmanship and ride characteristics buyers expect.

What to expect under the skin:

• An 800‑volt electrical architecture (rather than 400V) for faster charging and improved efficiency
• More energy‑dense cylindrical battery cells
• Bidirectional charging capability
• A possible multi‑motor layout with up to four electric drive units

While using BMW Group components makes commercial sense, Rolls‑Royce will likely limit visible BMW parts to preserve brand exclusivity and the boutique feel of its interiors.

Interior: more touch, but not too much

Sources suggest the electric Cullinan will introduce more touch‑enabled convenience — including touch to open/close for the bonnet and tailgate — yet avoid the overly touch‑centric interface found in some BMW EVs. Expect a cabin that favors tactile, high‑quality materials and physical controls for frequently used functions, staying true to Rolls‑Royce's emphasis on refinement.

Potential performance and range

Rolls‑Royce hasn't released figures, but the car is likely to share eDrive tech variations present in models like the iX3 and the forthcoming i3. With an 800V system and high‑density cells, range and fast‑charging capability should be competitive for the ultra‑luxury segment. A four‑motor option would deliver exceptional torque vectoring and off‑road composure — useful in a heavy, high‑riding luxury SUV.

Naming, market position and rivals

Rolls‑Royce has a stable of protected nameplates — Silent Shadow, Silver Shadow, Silver Cloud and Corniche among them — any of which could be applied to the new EV. The Silent Shadow name was once linked to the Spectre, but nothing is confirmed yet.

Competition will be tight at the top of the luxury EV SUV pyramid. The most direct rival is Bentley’s forthcoming electric SUV (reportedly drawing heavily from the Bentayga). Other contenders include the Range Rover Electric and higher‑end offerings like Ferrari’s Elettrica, though the latter targets a different buyer profile.

"This EV feels designed to expand the Cullinan family rather than replace it," an industry source told us. "It’s about offering an ultra‑luxury zero‑emission choice without abandoning the V12 clientele."

Takeaway

Rolls‑Royce's upcoming electric SUV promises to marry the marque's signature presence and craftsmanship with cutting‑edge BMW EV technology. Expect a luxurious, technologically advanced EV that complements the ICE Cullinan — giving buyers a true choice between combustion and zero‑emission motoring at the very top end of the market.

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