Is the Cullinan an SUV twice as expensive?
You know that the most expensive vehicle in a comparable segment costs upwards to $160,000 so it is not going be a fight for value. This is what Throttlehouse shows. It features two of the most luxurious SUVs on the market today. We’re referring to the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
The Maybach is the more affordable of the two, despite the $160,000 price tag. But let’s face it, this Mercedes GLSClass people-mover is not cheap. It is not clear whether the Cullinan, at $330,000, delivers twice as much experience as the GLS 600. Although we are used to watching drag racing videos from the Thuttle House duo, this time the answer is not about performance. It comes down to direct comparisons of luxury SUVs’ best features – pampering their occupants.
We have had our own experiences with both SUVs. The Rolls-Royce big-boy debuted in 2018. Our comprehensive Cullinan reviewin 2019, confirmed that it is exceptional in almost every way. The 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 produces 563 horsepower (420kilowatts), but the Black Badge version makes 600hp (447kW). The Maybach is the newer competitor and the GLS 600 review found comfort, safety and technology to be truly amazing. The overall design of the Maybach was too similar to the Mercedes GLS. However, its twin-turbocharged V8 with 550 horsepower (410 kW), was quite snappy but not spectacular.While our experiences with each SUV were different, the Throttle House comparison provides some observations. They found the Maybach less distinctive and luxurious than the Cullinan in certain areas, which is similar to our experience. Rolls-Royce was the king of comfort, especially with its luxurious ride. However, the GLS 600’s back seating was better for the trip. Quality issues, such as orange peel on the exterior finish, were also more common with the Maybach. Also, the Cullinan’s bland accelerator and brake pedals were unfitting for a machine that cost $330,000.
The Rolls-Royce is really twice as expensive for the same SUV as the Maybach GLS, or is it? Although the Cullinan has some wins, it is difficult to justify an increase in cost based solely on its merits. We also doubt that typical Rolls-Royce buyers would be concerned about such details.