GOODWOOD'S GTI

The Cullinan's sportier alter ego, for those who hate to say 'when'

- Jake Groves

WHO WOULD HAVE thought Rolls-Royce would have their own version of GTI, RS or Type R? Of course, I am being a smidgeon reductive, but the Black Badge variants echo the cars made by proper performance divisions: a boost in power, chassis tweaks, sportier detailing (including carbon-fibre trim inside), and a more youthful image. It works: the average Black Badge buyer is younger than someone buying a Mini these days.

The Cullinan Black Badge is an imperious machine and one that you just sink into. Its attractions include very fine leather, some wonderfully supportive seats, and the minimizing of anything likely to cause any sort of stress or strain. You do not have to exert yourself or make an effort to close the doors, for instance, beyond pressing a button.