Rolls-Royce has unveiled one of its most artistically ambitious bespoke commissions with the Black Badge Cullinan by Cyril Kongo. Created in collaboration with the internationally recognised contemporary artist, the limited-edition luxury SUV combines contemporary graffiti-inspired art with the craftsmanship of Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke division.
Only five examples of the Black Badge Cullinan by Cyril Kongo will be produced globally, with each SUV featuring individually hand-painted details across the exterior and interior. The project was developed directly with Kongo at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, where the artist worked alongside designers, engineers, and artisans to bring his “Kongoverse” artistic philosophy into automotive form.
The commission also arrives as Rolls-Royce celebrates 10 years of its Black Badge division, which was introduced in 2016 as a more expressive and driver-focused interpretation of the brand’s ultra-luxury models.
What Makes the Black Badge Cullinan by Cyril Kongo Unique?
The Black Badge Cullinan by Cyril Kongo is not a conventional special edition with cosmetic upgrades alone. Rolls-Royce describes it as a complete artistic collaboration where the artist directly influenced the Bespoke development process.
Kongo’s “Kongoverse” concept inspired the overall design theme. The artwork combines futuristic symbolism, imagined planets, mathematical references, graffiti-inspired visuals, and contemporary street-art influences. Rolls-Royce states that every example features unique hand-painted details, ensuring no two vehicles are identical.
The project also represents one of the most extensive artistic collaborations ever undertaken by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke division.
What Engine and Performance Setup Does the Black Badge Cullinan Use?
The Black Badge Cullinan continues to use Rolls-Royce’s twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 petrol engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
While Rolls-Royce has not announced mechanical changes specifically for the Cyril Kongo edition, the Black Badge model itself is positioned as the more expressive and performance-oriented version of the standard Cullinan.
Compared to regular Rolls-Royce models, Black Badge variants feature sharper throttle response, revised suspension tuning, and a more engaging driving character while retaining the brand’s signature refinement and ride comfort. The Black Badge family currently includes the Cullinan, Ghost, and the fully electric Spectre.
What Exterior Design Changes Does the Cyril Kongo Edition Receive?
All five Black Badge Cullinan commissions are finished in Blue Crystal Over Black paintwork, creating a dark foundation for the vibrant Bespoke artwork.
One of the standout elements is Rolls-Royce’s first-ever Gradient Coachline. The coachline transitions between multiple colours, including Phoenix Red, Forge Yellow, Mandarin and Turchese, depending on the side of the vehicle.
Kongo’s signature “tag” motif also appears across several exterior elements, including:
- The coachline
- Illuminated treadplates
- Bespoke umbrellas are stored inside the doors
The SUV rides on 23-inch Black Badge alloy wheels featuring differently coloured brake calipers on each wheel, adding further artistic individuality. The exterior theme reflects Kongo’s fusion of luxury and urban contemporary art.
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How Unique Is the Interior of the Black Badge Cullinan by Cyril Kongo?
The interior is the most dramatic aspect of the collaboration, featuring hand-painted artwork across several cabin surfaces. Cyril Kongo personally painted:
- The fascia
- Centre console
- Rear waterfall section
- Picnic tables
- Interior wood surfaces
- Starlight Headliner artwork
The Starlight Headliner combines celestial-themed artwork with 1,344 fibre-optic stars and a shooting-star effect extending across the cabin. Rolls-Royce also confirmed that this is the first time a full-length shooting star effect has been integrated into a Bespoke commission of this kind.
To achieve the artistic detailing, Rolls-Royce prepared more than 70 paint colours for Kongo during development. The interior uses a four-zone colour layout:
- Phoenix Red for the driver’s seat
- Turchese for the front passenger seat
- Forge Yellow for the rear left seat
- Mandarin for the rear right seat
After the artwork was completed, Rolls-Royce artisans applied ten layers of lacquer before carefully sanding and polishing each surface to ensure durability and depth.
The result is a cabin that blends fine art installation themes with handcrafted luxury materials.
How Was the Rolls-Royce & Kongo Bespoke Collaboration Developed?
The project was developed at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, through the company’s Bespoke division. Unlike many design collaborations that remain conceptual, Cyril Kongo worked directly with Rolls-Royce artisans, designers, and engineers throughout the project.
Rolls-Royce states that the artist joined the development process roughly six months before production commenced. The collection was curated through Rolls-Royce Private Offices located in:
- Goodwood
- New York
- Seoul
These Private Offices are designed for ultra-high-net-worth clients seeking highly personalised commissions and Bespoke experiences. Rolls-Royce says the collaboration demonstrates the growing intersection between luxury automotive design, contemporary art, and collector-focused builds.
Who Are the Rivals to the Black Badge Cullinan by Cyril Kongo?
The Black Badge Cullinan competes in the ultra-luxury SUV segment against models such as:
- Bentley Bentayga Speed
- Range Rover SV
- Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600
- Aston Martin DBX707
However, the Cyril Kongo commission occupies a far more exclusive niche because of its direct artistic collaboration and extremely limited production run.
Rolls-Royce has confirmed that all five examples have already been allocated to collectors worldwide. Pricing details have not been disclosed publicly.
The project also highlights the increasing importance of art-led Bespoke commissions in the luxury automotive space, where exclusivity and individuality are becoming as important as performance or technology.
