New luxury model: Cadillac Celestiq – back to its former glory with luxury and electric drive

A luxurious premium sedan, but with electric drive: Cadillac is making a statement with the Celestiq – featuring massage seats, a panoramic roof, and 482 kW, equivalent to a whopping 655 hp. But one detail might bother Cadillac fans.

Cadillac is returning to its roots as a luxury brand. After recently focusing primarily on SUVs, the GM subsidiary is once again launching a premium sedan, the Celestiq. The vehicle not only competes with the flagship models of Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz, but, with a price starting at the equivalent of €300,000, is aimed directly at established luxury brands like Bentley, Maybach, and Rolls-Royce.

However, for now, only at home in the USA: Because they customize the luxury liner so individually that they can only build it by hand, and therefore take at least twelve weeks per car, there will be no more than 100 units per year. It will likely take some time before vehicles are released for export.

Design and proportions

With this new luxury model, Cadillac harks back to historic models like the Fleetwood and Eldorado. However, the brand forgoes the characteristic styling elements of earlier decades, such as chrome trim or pronounced tail fins. Instead, the Celestiq relies on modern LED technology: The fully illuminated front shield replaces the traditional radiator grille, and the rear end is also designed accordingly.

The designers deliberately chose unconventional proportions. The Celestiq isn't a classic notchback sedan, but rather features a sloping roofline similar to the Audi A7. However, Cadillac has emphasized this coupe silhouette more strongly and given it a more avant-garde design.

The dimensions reflect the American tradition. Despite its 23-inch wheels and in-floor battery, it's flatter than any Cadillac before it, but stretches to more than 5.5 meters.

Interior

Inside, too, everything is different than you'd expect: The slim screen, which stretches across the entire width of the dashboard, is no longer a surprise. And the controller on the center console, which you still need to operate because your arms barely reach forward, is familiar from BMW and the like.

But even the choice of materials is unusual, because it's authentic and as far removed from the cheap plastic look of earlier Caddies as the Bronx is from Fifth Avenue: What looks like metal or glass also feels like it, because it's actually metal or glass and not an imitation. And rarely has so much and such fine leather been used in a US car as here. No wonder the interior alone takes several weeks to produce.

Luxury the easy way

And then there's the seating concept. Cadillac takes the saloon car concept literally, furnishing the Celestiq like a salon with four individual seats. Each is air-conditioned and can be massaged – and, of course, there's a reclining position in the rear as well. The airy impression is enhanced by the wide center console, which is repeated in the front. The unobstructed view into the trunk and the enormous panoramic roof, which each occupant can individually dim at the touch of a button, also contribute to the feeling of space.

Although the equipment is not skimped on, it is sumptuous, but the flagship does not appear pompous, overloaded and over-decorated like it used to, but rather embodies a light, modern luxury.

Drive and performance

The Celestiq is powered by two electric motors, making it one of the few fully electric luxury sedans alongside the BMW i7, Nio ET9, and Rolls-Royce Spectre. System output is 482 kW/655 hp with a maximum torque of 876 Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.7 seconds, and the top speed is 210 km/h.

The chassis includes air suspension, adaptive dampers, and all-wheel steering. A Sport mode is available, which enables firmer suspension characteristics and more direct steering response.

Energy supply and charging

The battery has a capacity of 111 kWh and is expected to provide a range of approximately 500 kilometers according to the standard. The system operates with 400-volt technology and achieves a maximum charging power of 190 kW (DC).

Practical aspects

The trunk has a lid instead of a tailgate, requiring loading over a raised parapet. The storage area is lined with leather. An additional frunk under the hood offers limited space for luggage.

Market positioning

With the Celestiq, Cadillac returns to the luxury sedan segment and positions itself as an alternative to established European premium and luxury brands. The vehicle represents a reinterpretation of American luxury automobiles, combining modern technology with the brand's traditional values.

Cadillac Celestiq data sheet