A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Black Badge Cullinan Series IIPetrol8-Speed AutomaticCurrent
Price on request
⚡ 441 kW🔧 900 Nm⛽ 5.95 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
At a Glance — Who Wins What
⚡PerformanceBlack Badge Cullinan
⛽Fuel EconomyAcross
🛡SafetyBlack Badge Cullinan
📦PracticalityBlack Badge Cullinan
🔑OwnershipAcross
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
Maximum Power
75.8 kW @ 6000 rpm
441 kW @ 5250-5750 rpm
Maximum Torque
136.8 Nm @ 4400 rpm
900 Nm @ 1700-4000 rpm
Engine Size
1462 cc
6750 cc
Claimed Mileage
18.9 km/l
5.95 km/l
Ground Clearance
210 mm
173 mm
Boot / Load Bay
333 l
612 l
Airbags
6
8
Kerb Weight
-
2725 kg
Seating Capacity
-
-
Warranty
5 years / 200,000 km promotional warranty
4 years; regional conditions apply
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Black Badge Cullinan has a slight advantage, but Across remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Black Badge Cullinan
+66 pts
Efficiency
Across
+48 pts
Safety
Black Badge Cullinan
+7 pts
Practicality
Black Badge Cullinan
+13 pts
Ownership
Across
+7 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Across
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
Black Badge Cullinan
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Across
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Black Badge Cullinan
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
Model Introduced Year
2026
2020
Generation
First South African generation of the current Across
Black Badge Cullinan Series II, the high-power alter ego of the current Cullinan SUV
Facelift History
All-new March 2026 South African launch model; no facelift yet
Black Badge Cullinan debuted globally in 2019, was introduced in South Africa in 2020 and evolved into Black Badge Cullinan Series II in May 2024
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2024
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Five-door compact SUV
Five-door performance-luxury SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
On sale
active
Segment
C-segment family SUV
Full-size performance super-luxury SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
Internal-combustion sport utility vehicle
Tare Mass Kg
1200-1250 kg
-
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
All-wheel drive with front- and rear-steered axles
LSD Available
Not Applicable
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
ATC 13 transfer case
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No lockable differential
Paddle Shifters
Standard
No
Gearbox
6-speed automatic
8-speed ZF automatic
Final Drive Ratio
3.683
2.81:1
Number of Gears
6
8
Transmission Type
Automatic
8-speed ZF automatic
Drivetrain
2WD front-wheel drive
All-wheel drive
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Everywhere off-road capability engaged by one button
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Everywhere button
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
No
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
6-speed automatic
8-speed ZF automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
All-wheel-drive power delivery with front- and rear-steered axles
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
8
Gear Shift Type
Straight-gate automatic selector
Satellite Aided automatic gear selection via column stalk with Low button
Clutch Type
-
Torque converter
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
Claimed Mileage
18.9 km/l
5.95 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
90 l
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Engine auto stop/start system standard
Automatic start/stop: Yes
Average Fuel Consumption
5.3 l/100km
16.8 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
5.3 l/100km
16.8 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
5.3 l/100km
16.8 l/100km
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable; non-plug-in mild hybrid
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
5.3 l/100km
16.8 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
5.3 l/100km
16.8 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
5.3 l/100km
16.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
45
90
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable; no electric-only driving range
536-563 km (calculated from 90 L and 16.0-16.8 l/100 km WLTP)
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable; no electric-only range
-
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable; no electric-only range
-
City Mileage
-
5.10 km/l
Highway Mileage
-
8.08 km/l
Emission Standard
-
Euro 6e (B6e)
Real-world Mileage
18.9 km/l
5.95 km/l
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
Airbags
6
8
ABS
Standard
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Dynamic Stability Control
Traction Control
Standard through ESP
Dynamic Traction Control
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Hill Start Assist
ISOFIX Mounts
2 rear anchor positions
ISOFIX child-seat mounts
Brake Assist
DSBS II brake assist
Dynamic Brake Control
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Engine immobiliser
Alarm System
Standard
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front seats only; rear reminder not available
Front seatbelt warning sensor
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Park Distance Control, front and rear
AEB
Standard
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
BA
DSBS II brake assist
Dynamic Brake Control
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Head Protection System
Driver Airbag
Standard
Driver airbag
EBD
Standard
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Engine immobiliser
Hill Hold
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Front-passenger airbag
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front seats
Front and rear three-point pretensioning seatbelts; front force limiters
Side Airbags
Standard
Front side-impact airbags
TCS
Standard through ESP
Dynamic Traction Control
Knee Airbag
Not Available; six-airbag layout is front, side and curtain
Active front knee protection
ABS EBD
Standard
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Seatbelt Reminder
Front seats only
Front seatbelt warning sensor
Stability Control
Standard
Dynamic Stability Control
Hill Descent Control
-
Hill Descent Control
Child Safety Lock
-
Rear child-safety locks
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
Cruise Control
Adaptive
Dynamic Cruise Control; Active Cruise Control fitted to the referenced current vehicle
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Active Cruise Control
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Rear View Camera
Surround-view camera
Rear View Camera
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Driver Fatigue Alert
Weaving alert
Driver Attention Alert System
Auto Highbeam
Standard
High-Beam Assistance
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Reverse Camera
Surround-view camera
Rear View Camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Active Cruise Control
Around View Monitor
Standard
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Forward Collision Warning
DSBS II warning
Collision Warning with Brake Function
Surround View Camera
Standard
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Lane Departure Prevention
Standard
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Speed Limit Information
Auto Wipers
-
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Park Assist
-
Park Assist and Reversing Assistant
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Leather, Duality Twill or Bespoke alternatives
Ventilated Seats
Front
Front and rear seat cooling available
Ambient Lighting
64-colour LED
Illuminated Fascia with glowing Black Badge infinity motif and vertical Cityscape pattern; up-lit Black Spirit of Ecstasy Clock Cabinet
Rear Armrest
Standard with cup holders
-
Cup Holders
4 (2 front, 2 rear)
-
Rear AC Vents
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Heated full-leather multifunction Black Badge steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Standard single-fold rear seat
Electronically folding 2/3 and 1/3 rear bench
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-way electric
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual; no height adjustment
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Boot Light
Standard
-
Seat Trim
Black synthetic leather with copper stitching
Technical Carbon and Placed Perforation available
Heated Seats
-
Heated front seats; rear-seat heating available
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
Climate Control
Automatic
Automatic four-zone climate control
Power Windows
Front and rear; driver one-touch up/down
Front and rear power windows with one-touch up/down
Keyless Entry
Standard
Comfort Access keyless entry
Push Button Start
Standard
Engine start button
Wireless Charging
Front Qi charger standard
Wireless smartphone charging
Sunroof
Panoramic
Panoramic glass roof available
Electric Tailgate
Smart powered hands-free tailgate
Power-operated two-part Clasp tailgate
Auto Dimming Mirror
Standard
-
Rear Window Defroster
Electric demister
-
12V Accessory Socket
2 x 12V (front and luggage area)
-
AC Type
Automatic
Automatic four-zone climate control
Heads Up Display
Standard
-
Power Mirrors
Electric folding
-
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
Length
4360 mm
5355 mm
Width
1795 mm
2000 mm
Height
1655 mm
1835 mm
Wheelbase
2600 mm
3295 mm
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Payload Capacity
460 kg
575 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
90 l
Ground Clearance (Default)
210 mm
173 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
333 l
612 l
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
6.6 m
Front Headroom
-
1064 mm
Kerb Weight
-
2725 kg
Towing Capacity
-
2700 kg
Rear Headroom
-
1026 mm
Front Legroom
-
1006 mm
Rear Legroom
-
1090 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
173 mm
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
-
3300 kg
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Mild Hybrid
6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol
Cylinders
4
12
Valves
16
48
Fuel System
Multi-Point Injection
Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
10.0:1
Drive Type
FWD
AWD
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
250 km/h
Engine Code
K15C
N74B68A
Cylinder Layout
Inline
V
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Twin Turbocharged
Bore
74 mm
89 mm
Stroke
85 mm
90.4 mm
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Low
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Displacement
1462 cc
6750 cc
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
5.2 sec
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Petrol
Maximum Power
75.8 kW @ 6000 rpm
441 kW @ 5250-5750 rpm
Maximum Torque
136.8 Nm @ 4400 rpm
900 Nm @ 1700-4000 rpm
Motor Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Hybrid System
12V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Combined Power
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
161.8 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
330.3 Nm/tonne
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
Apple CarPlay
Wired or wireless
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Android Auto
Wired or wireless
Android Auto compatibility
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Bluetooth wireless technology
Number of Speakers
8-speaker Infinity
16
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch colour TFT information display
SPIRIT digital instrument interface
Infotainment System
10.1-inch display audio
SPIRIT infotainment operated by touch, controller and voice commands
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Audio, cruise control and hands-free phone
-
Rear Usb
2 Type-C
-
Audio System
Infinity premium 8-speaker
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
2 front Type-C and 2 rear Type-C
-
Infotainment Screen
10.1-inch
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen and SPIRIT
Smartphone Connectivity
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via USB or Wi-Fi
-
Touchscreen
10.1-inch
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen and SPIRIT
USB Ports
4 Type-C (2 front, 2 rear)
USB Type-C ports
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
LED Headlamps
Standard
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
Daytime Running Lamps
LED standard
Vertical daytime-running-light treatment
Fog Lamps
Front standard; rear not available
Front fog lamps
Roof Rails
Grey
No; vehicle not approved for roof loads
Alloy Wheel Design
Machined 17-inch
-
Rear Wiper
Fixed intermittent
-
Led Taillights
Connected rear LED tail lamps
-
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
-
Front Fog Lamps
Front standard; rear not available
Front fog lamps
Headlights
Standard
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Panoramic glass roof available
Exterior Colour Options
Magma Grey Metallic; Sizzling Red Metallic; Exuberant Blue Pearl Metallic; Arctic White Pearl; Bluish Black Pearl; Mystic Green Pearl; Splendid Silver Pearl Metallic; and GLX two-tone combinations of Splendid Silver, Sizzling Red or Exuberant Blue with a Bluish Black roof
Bespoke exterior colours available; colour may extend to lower body surfaces, sill, valances and lower front bumper
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No lockable differential
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Rolls-Royce all-wheel drive with all-wheel steering
255/45 R22 107Y front and 285/40 R22 110Y rear; 255/40 R23 104Y front and 295/35 R23 108Y rear; 255/45 R22 107H M+S all-round
Wheel Type
Machined 17-inch
-
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Spare Wheel Type
Full-size spare
Full-size matching spare wheel fitted on an exact 2026 commissioned vehicle; mounted inside
Parking Brake Type
Electric
-
Wheel Rim Size
17-inch machined alloy
22- and 23-inch approved fitments; 23-inch Black Badge wheels
Electric Park Brake
Standard
-
Handbrake Type
Electric parking brake
Electromechanical parking brake acting on rear discs
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Black Badge-tuned double-wishbone self-levelling air suspension with electronically controlled dampers
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Black Badge-tuned five-link self-levelling air suspension with electronically controlled dampers
Power Steering
Electronic rack-and-pinion
-
Steering Column
Tilt and telescopic adjustment
-
Front Track Width
1530 mm
-
Rear Track Width
1535 mm
-
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
Service Interval
15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first
-
Service Plan
4 years / 60,000 km
4 years / unlimited km
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 years
-
Roadside Assistance
5 years
-
Warranty
5 years / 200,000 km promotional warranty
4 years; regional conditions apply
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
CO2 Emissions
121 g/km
380 g/km
Start Stop System
Standard
-
Hybrid System Type
12V SHVS mild hybrid with integrated starter generator
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
-
Spec
Across
Black Badge Cullinan
Ownership Role
A buyer who values AEB, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, surround-view parking and cooled front-seat comfort enough to accept a R92,000 premium over GL 6AT.
High-power owner-driven Cullinan with Black Badge chassis and design treatment
Performance
Black Badge Cullinan +66
Efficiency
Across +48
Safety
Black Badge Cullinan +7
Practicality
Black Badge Cullinan +13
Ownership
Across +7
Moderate difference between the models.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Black Badge Cullinan
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
28/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
75/100
Ownership
44/100
Across
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
76/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
62/100
Ownership
51/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan
wins with 74 pts
vs 63 pts for Across
In structured scoring, Black Badge Cullinan emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Across may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Black Badge Cullinan edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Across 76 vs Black Badge Cullinan 28. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Across 92, Black Badge Cullinan 99. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Across 51, Black Badge Cullinan 44. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Across 62, Black Badge Cullinan 75. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Across 34, Black Badge Cullinan 100. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Black Badge Cullinan edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Black Badge Cullinan scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Across and Black Badge Cullinan in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Across scores 34 vs 100.
Efficiency: Across scores 76 vs 28.
Safety: Across scores 92 vs 99.
Practicality: Across scores 62 vs 75.
Ownership: Across scores 51 vs 44.
Final structured scoring gives Black Badge Cullinan
the advantage in this comparison.
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