2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Gallery

If the idea of a Rolls-Royce SUV seemed unfathomable to begin with, the success of the Cullinan has demonstrated that the Spirit of Ecstasy is just as much at home on the prow of an off-roader as it is a luxury sedan. No less imperious than a Phantom, the Cullinan – named after history's largest diamond – aims to deliver that same Rolls-Royce magic. A silky-smooth ride and effortless luxury.

In Black Badge form, some of the tradition is peeled back in favor of a more modern aesthetic. The brightwork gets a moody smoked finish; the oversized wheels are a little more bold in their design. What hasn't changed is the 6.75-liter V12 twin-turbocharged engine, with its hefty 592 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. Don't expect to come close to exhausting the "Power Reserve" gauge on the dashboard in most situations.

Should you dare venture into the rough stuff, you'll find the Cullinan is unexpectedly capable. Still, the idea of getting mud on the leather-wrapped cabin – complete with Shooting Star Headliner – is enough to give you palpatations. Pricing kicks off at $388,000, but expect to pay over $465,000 for the Galileo Blue example shown here.

2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge: