Rolls-Royce Wants You To Know About The Cullinan's Low Mode

TheRolls-Royce Cullinanis quite literally the Rolls-Royce of SUVs, and as such, it deserves all thebespoke luxury touchesthat any other vehicle bearingthe Spirit of Ecstasyshould. However, as unlikely as it is that customers will ever use the Cullinan for anything but cruising on the perfect pavement leading to some six-star restaurant, the Cullinan remains an SUV, and as such, customers expect it to be capable on all kinds of terrain. Last year, Rolls-Royce showed us that the Cullinanhas no problem hitting the dunes, and with the inclusion of a "Low" mode, owners of the world's most luxurious SUV can be more confident with off-road driving than ever before.

Rolls-Royce insists that this special feature "transforms the character of a Rolls-Royce at the touch of a button." It augments steep descent by shifting gears 25 percent faster. As a result, acceleration is more immediate and the effect of engine braking is amplified, giving drivers a greater sense of control when descending steep and slippery hills. Basically, it's like a low-range switch on a traditional 4x4. And forBlack Badge models, this Low mode enables 50 percent quicker gearshifts and "a bolder aural character."

Here, Low mode acts like a sport mode, holding gears for longer periods when accelerating and downshifting quicker when braking.

Of course, Rolls-Royce models are always meant to feel seamless when changing gears, so this increased urgency from the powertrain is only activated when both Low mode is selected and the throttle is depressed to 90 percent or more. There's also a bit of an opportunity to showboat in the Black Badge Cullinan, as Low mode can be engaged when in park or neutral. Despite not being in gear, the exhaust flaps open fully in Low mode here too, allowing drivers to draw attention with a carefully tuned baritone rumble. It's odd that Rolls-Royce adds an attention-grabbing feature and encourages exhibitionism given the brand's conservative style, but hey, that's what buyers are asking for.