The Cadillac Celestiq The concept unveiled overnight shows a hand-built ultra-luxury electric sedan that aims to make the brand, once again, the “standard of the world”.
The Celestiq will be hand-built at GM’s engineering and design center, which is being upgraded to support small-scale vehicle production.
Cadillac says its handcrafted nature, dramatic styling and cutting-edge technology are inspired by the same rare and custom-built 1957 Eldorado Brilyhams V-16 and 1957 Eldorado Brilyham from the 1930s.
It’s not entirely clear how the concept’s design will change before it hits the market. If it follows the pattern laid down by Lyriq electric crossover, it will keep its overall design, but there will be changes to the lighting graphics, bumpers and window shape that will be revised with framed glazing.
The interior can also be reduced from 11.
Despite the fastback configuration, Cadillac claims the Celestiq is a sedan because it is “configured [which] offering the best luxury experience”.
GM announced the Celestiq car show previews a number of “innovative technologies” that will end up in production models.
This includes the company’s new Ultra Cruise autonomous driving system, which promises a hands-free driving experience from driveway to driveway. GM’s current Super Cruise setup is limited to specially mapped restricted-access highways in the US and Canada.
Inside the cabin there are 5 touch screens, including 1 screen with a diagonal size of 55 inches. This screen stretches in front of the front passenger and includes an electronic digital curtain that allows passengers to view video content without distracting the driver.
The car’s smart glass roof is arguably its best party trick. Using suspended particle device technology, the roof has four zones, allowing each passenger to choose how much outside light they want to shine from above.
The timing for Celestiq’s availability is yet to be confirmed. This is the second EV revealed by the brand, which is expected to fully electric by 2030.
Reports say the price of the Celestiq will start at $300,000 ($445,000), putting it between $200,000 ($296,000) Bentley Flying Spark and $450,000 ($667,000) Rolls-Royce Phantom.
The Celestiq rides on GM’s Ultium electric car platform. General has yet to reveal details on power, torque and battery, but given that the GMC Hummer EV is available with a 746kW (1000hp) powertrain, it seems reasonable to assume that the company’s flagship model could be indicated with at least so.
