Cadillac's $300,000 Celestiq EV prioritizes a luxurious ride
Production for the upscale sedan starts December 2023.
Cadillac has finally provided more details for the Celestiq, and it's evident the EV prioritizes luxury over raw power. The custom-built sedan is now known to include a dual-motor 600HP powertrain, all-wheel drive and a 111kWh Ultium battery pack. The combination delivers a 0-60MPH sprint in 3.8 seconds with an estimated 300-mile range. That makes it one of the quickest cars "in the segment," according to Cadillac, referencing cars like the Mercedes-Maybach S Class. It won't make Lucid Air or Tesla Model S Plaid owners seethe with envy. Instead, the focus is on comfort — this may be one of the gentler-riding electric cars you'll find.
The Celestiq combines the softness of adaptive air suspension (a familiar sight in luxury cars) with the fast-reacting Magnetic Ride Control borrowed from the CT5-V Blackwing. A "Cadillac-first" Active Roll Control system produces a more stable ride during turns, while special 23-inch wheels and tires promise both precise handling and less road noise. There are nods to performance, such as an active rear spoiler and "out-of-phase" rear steering that improves low-speed agility, but this machine isn't meant for track days.
As referenced in July, the interior is not-so-subtly meant to spoil drivers who'd otherwise spring for vehicles like the Mercedes EQS. The 55-inch dash display and variable-tint "smart glass" roof remain the signature features, but you can also expect a 38-speaker AKG sound system with spatial audio, three external speakers and active noise cancellation to hush the outside world. You can also expect the previously-touted Ultra Cruise hands-free driving, 12.6-inch seatback passenger displays, elaborate LED lighting and a new camera system that offers crash recording and theft detection. Google services like Assistant, Maps and the Play Store are built-in.
The Celestiq is now expected to enter production in December 2023, with a price "north" of $300,000. Even moreso than the Hummer EV, this is aimed squarely at very wealthy buyers who want to make a statement — including people who might have a chauffeur do the driving. You'll have to turn to the Lyriq if you want a relatively accessible electric Cadillac. GM is also making more affordable Ultium-based EVs like Chevy's upcoming Silverado pickup and Equinox SUV, so you're not left out if the Celestiq and other models are well beyond your budget.
