Cadillac’s pushed into new territory with the delivery of its most expensive model ever. It just so happens that the new Caddy Celestiq is also the luxury brand’s latest battery-electric vehicle. More from Headlight.News.
Cadillac has long billed itself the “standard of the world.” But long gone are the days when it could stand up with the most exotic luxury brands like Rolls-Royce or Bentley – at least from a price standpoint.
Now, however, General Motors’ top-line brand is ready to show the world it really can take on the best once again, Caddy delivering the first of its new Celestiq models – which start at $340,000 but can go up substantially considering each is largely hand-built according to a buyer’s unique specifications.
It just so happens that Celestiq is the latest model to join Cadillac’s growing line-up of battery-electric vehicles, coming in at roughly triple the starting price of the recently launched Escalade IQ.
“A bold artistic expression”
The Celestiq features a pillar-to-pillar digital display.
The new Cadillac Celestiq isn’t just a classic Caddy with its motor swapped out for a battery-electric powertrain – essentially the approach Rolls-Royce took with the new Spectre. It doesn’t readily fit any traditional category though it’s likely best described as an electric grand tourer, or GT.
When announcing it would be available through the iconic Neiman-Marcus Christmas catalogue back in 2023, Cadillac described Celestiq as “bold artistic expression that takes driving to the next level.”
In a LinkedIn post announcing the delivery of the first of the EVs, General Motors President Mark Reuss wrote, ““A new era begins with a new Standard of the World. Cadillac Celestiq VIN 001 has been delivered…a beautiful ultra-luxury sedan built exactly and exclusively to our client’s specifications. Just like all Celestiq models to follow.”
What is a Celestiq
The Cadillac Celestiq shown at its debut.
While Cadillac has backed off of earlier plans to go 100% electric by 2030, it’s still made a major commitment to the technology, now having five EVs in its line-up, including the original, mid-range Lyriq, the base Optiq, three-row Vistiq, full-size Escalade IQ SUV and Celestiq.
The latter model is designed to directly tackle some of the world’s most exotic brands, such as Rolls and Bentley. And like those marques, it allows buyers to make extensive customizations, primarily limited by federal safety standards. Some of the more intriguing features include a “smart” glass roof that can turn from opaque to transparent with a touch of a button.
Though it may sit low, Celestiq has an undeniable presence, enhanced by its total length of 217.2 inches – longer than the Escalade IQ – and 23-inch wheels and tires.
More Cadillac News
- First Drive: Cadillac Escalade IQ
- Cadillac Likely Won’t Be All-Electric by 2030
- Optiq-V Will Be Cadillac’s Second-Fastest Model
Drivetrain
The Cadillac Celestiq could get the V-Series treatment at some point.
All Celestiq models will feature a 111 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack which is expected to allow a motorist to get about 303 miles per charge, according to the EPA estimate.
Twin motors produce a combined 655 horsepower and 646 pound-feet of torque, sent to all four wheels. That’s enough, according to Cadillac, to launch from 0-60 in just 3.7 seconds.
The automaker has not yet announced specifics on charging times but based on what other General Motors products require, it’s likely to take an overnight session to bring a drained battery pack to 100%. Using a quick enough public charger, meanwhile, should yield an additional 100 miles in 10 minutes.
Technology
There’ll be other niceties, including a magnetic ride control suspension, and an auto-dimming sunroof.
There’ll be plenty of niceties, including a magnetic ride control suspension, a 55-inch, pillar-to-pillar digital display and twin 12.6-inch screens for rear seat passengers, as well as an 8-inch “Rear Command Center” to operate various vehicle functions.
Other highlights include the latest version of GM’s hands-free Super Cruise system, as well as a choice of a 38- or 42-speaker audio system.
The doors, meanwhile can bel opened and closed with a touch of a button, and there’ll be plenty of carbon fiber detailing.
Customers planning to order Celestiq will be offered the chance to customize their EV by visiting a special design center Cadillac has set up at the GM Technical Center in the Detroit suburb of Warren.
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