A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
X55 Plus
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Cullinan
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
X55 Plus
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
Model Introduced Year
2018
2024
Generation
Cullinan Series II, the current evolution of the marque's five-door super-luxury SUV
Current upgraded X55 Plus generation for South Africa, mechanically based around BAIC's Magic Core 1.5T engine, DCT380 seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.
Facelift History
Cullinan was introduced in South Africa in 2018 and received its most extensive evolution as Cullinan Series II in May 2024
The original X55 arrived locally in 2022. BAIC launched the upgraded X55 Plus in August 2024 with revised exterior details, a full-black interior, updated wheel and exhaust treatment, and additional connectivity features.
Facelift Launched Since
2024
2024
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Five-door luxury SUV
Five-door compact SUV
Model Year
2026
2024
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Full-size super-luxury SUV
Compact SUV
Vehicle Type
Internal-combustion sport utility vehicle
SUV
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
Length
5355 mm
4620 mm
Width
2000 mm
1886 mm
Height
1835 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
3295 mm
2735 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
173 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
173 mm
160 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
53 l
Boot/Cargo Space
612 l
350 l
Kerb Weight
2725 kg
1480 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3300 kg
1970 kg
Payload Capacity
575 kg
490 kg
Towing Capacity
2700 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6.6 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Headroom
1064 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
1026 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1006 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
1090 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
Engine
6.75-litre V12 petrol
1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine
Engine Code
N74B68A
A156T2H
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
6749 cc
1498 cc
Cylinders
12
4
Cylinder Layout
V
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
48
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Twin Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
89 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
90.4 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
420 kW @ 5000-6000 rpm
138 kW
Maximum Torque
850 Nm @ 1600-4250 rpm
305 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
AWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
250 km/h
200 km/h
0-100 km/h
5.3 sec
7.7 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Low
Eco, Sport, Comfort, Smart
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
154.1 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
311.9 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
Gearbox
8-speed ZF automatic
7DCT
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive with all-wheel steering
FWD
Transfer Case
ATC 13 transfer case
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No lockable differential
Not Officially Disclosed
Paddle Shifters
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Final Drive Ratio
2.81:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
8
7
Transmission Type
8-speed ZF automatic
7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Type
Satellite Aided automatic gear selection
Not Officially Disclosed
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
4WD Engagement
Everywhere off-road capability engaged by one button
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Everywhere button
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gearbox Type
8-speed ZF automatic
Dual-clutch
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
All-wheel-drive power delivery with active rear-axle steering
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Speeds
8
7
LSD Available
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
Claimed Mileage
5.95 km/l
12.99 km/l
City Mileage
5.10 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Highway Mileage
8.08 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
53 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6e (B6e)
Euro VI
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Start Stop
Automatic start/stop: Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Real-world Mileage
5.95 km/l
12.99 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Litres
90
53
Combined Driving Range
536-563 km (calculated from 90 L and 16.0-16.8 l/100 km WLTP)
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Highway
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Mixed
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
Airbags
8
6
ABS
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control
Standard
Traction Control
Dynamic Traction Control
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Rear child-safety locks
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
ISOFIX child-seat mounts
Standard
Brake Assist
Dynamic Brake Control
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Engine immobiliser
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front seatbelt warning sensor
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Not Available
AEB
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Not Available
BA
Dynamic Brake Control
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Head Protection System
Standard
Driver Airbag
Driver airbag
Standard
EBD
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Engine immobiliser
Standard
Hill Hold
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Front-passenger airbag
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front and rear three-point pretensioning seatbelts; front force limiters
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Front seatbelt warning sensor
Standard
Side Airbags
Front side-impact airbags
Standard
Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control
Standard
TCS
Dynamic Traction Control
Standard
Knee Airbag
Active front knee protection
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS EBD
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Standard
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
Cruise Control
Dynamic Cruise Control; Active Cruise Control fitted to the referenced current vehicle
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Officially Disclosed
Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Rear View Camera
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Driver Attention Alert
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Speed Limit Information
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Highbeam
High-Beam Assistance
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Standard
Reverse Camera
Rear View Camera
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control
Not Available
Park Assist
Park Assist and Reversing Assistant
Not Officially Disclosed
Around View Monitor
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Collision Warning with Brake Function
Not Available
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
Seat Material
Leather, Duality Twill or Bespoke alternatives
Leather
Heated Seats
Available, including rear-seat heating
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Available, including rear-seat cooling
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Illuminated Fascia with Cullinan wordmark and Cityscape graphic; illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy Clock Cabinet
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Heated full-leather multifunction steering wheel
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Electronically folding 2/3 and 1/3 rear bench
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
6-way manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
6-way manual
Seat Trim
Placed Perforation leather available
Leather
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
Climate Control
Automatic four-zone climate control
Air conditioning
Power Windows
Front and rear power windows with one-touch up/down
Standard
Keyless Entry
Comfort Access keyless entry
Standard
Push Button Start
Engine start button
Standard
Wireless Charging
Wireless smartphone charging
Not Available
Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Power-operated two-part Clasp tailgate
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Standard
AC Type
Automatic four-zone climate control
Air conditioning
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
Infotainment System
SPIRIT infotainment operated by touch, controller and voice commands; independent rear-screen streaming available
BAIC DA head unit with radio, Bluetooth and smartphone connection
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Standard
Android Auto
Android Auto compatibility
Not Officially Disclosed
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth wireless technology; rear passengers can pair headphones individually
Standard
Number of Speakers
16
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
SPIRIT digital instrument interface
10.25-inch LCD instrument screen
USB Ports
USB Type-C ports
Front USB, rear USB and Type-C charging
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen plus available independently streaming rear screens
10.1-inch central touchscreen
Touchscreen
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen plus available independently streaming rear screens
10.1-inch central touchscreen
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
LED Headlamps
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Vertical daytime-running-light treatment
Standard
Fog Lamps
Front fog lamps
Standard
Roof Rails
No; vehicle not approved for roof loads
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Emperador Truffle; Crystal Over finish available
Electric Yellow, Metallic Grey, Scarlet Red, Krypton Grey, Polar White, Turquoise Blue
Rolls-Royce all-wheel drive with all-wheel steering
Not Applicable
Approach Angle
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Breakover Angle
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
Tyre Size
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
225/60 R18
Front Brake Type
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full-size matching spare wheel fitted on an exact 2026 commissioned vehicle; mounted inside
Space-saver spare wheel
Wheel Rim Size
22- and 23-inch approved fitments
18-inch
Handbrake Type
Electromechanical parking brake acting on rear discs
Electric parking brake
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
Front Suspension
Double-wishbone self-levelling air suspension with electronically controlled dampers
MacPherson independent suspension
Rear Suspension
Five-link self-levelling air suspension with electronically controlled dampers
Multi-link independent suspension
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
CO2 Emissions
380 g/km
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
Service Plan
4 years / unlimited km
5 Years / 60 000 km
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
Ownership Role
Versatile owner-driven Rolls-Royce for urban, touring and off-road access
Private buyer ownership with BAIC South Africa warranty and service support
Pricing Role
Price on application
Current ex-showroom price
Price Zar
-
429900 ZAR
Starting Price
-
429900
Starting Price Zar
-
429900
Spec
Cullinan
X55 Plus
Warranty
4 years; regional conditions apply
5 Years / 150 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Cullinan and X55 Plus comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Cullinan 99 vs X55 Plus 62.
Efficiency index: Cullinan 28 vs X55 Plus 53.
Safety-equipment index: Cullinan 99 vs X55 Plus 88.
Practicality index: Cullinan 75 vs X55 Plus 55.
Ownership-cover index: Cullinan not separately scored vs X55 Plus not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Cullinan and X55 Plus image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Cullinan leads by 14 points
Cullinan has a modest catalogue-index lead, while X55 Plus remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Cullinan
Performance
99/100
Efficiency
28/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
75/100
X55 Plus
Performance
62/100
Efficiency
53/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
55/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexRolls-Royce Cullinan
leads the specification evidence index with 79 pts
vs 65 pts for X55 Plus
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Cullinan leads. However, X55 Plus may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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