FYI: The Cadillac Celestiq represents the luxury brand’s foray into the electric vehicle market, combining opulence with cutting-edge technology. This hand-built marvel marks a significant step towards a new era for Cadillac, highlighting its dedication to craftsmanship and innovation.
# Cadillac Celestiq: A Luxury EV Revelation
Since its unveiling as a show car in 2022, the Cadillac Celestiq has been shrouded in mystery, perceived as an ambitious project by General Motors. Thankfully, after much anticipation, production is finally underway. The first units of this $340,000 EV masterpiece have begun reaching their discerning owners. In a recent video, Jay Reno gives an insider look at what makes this model a standout in Cadillac’s lineup.
## Cadillac: A Legacy Reimagined
As one of the pioneers in the luxury automotive sector, established in 1902 by founders William Murphy, Lemuel Bowen, and Henry M. Leland, Cadillac has embraced the evolution towards electric vehicles (EVs). Headquarters in Warren, Michigan, serve as the epicenter for Cadillac’s groundbreaking projects, including the Celestiq.
## Born First as a Cadillac, Then an EV
Tony Roma, Chief Vehicle Engineer, emphasizes that the Celestiq is crafted with the essence of Cadillac first, and as an EV second. This approach highlights luxury and craftsmanship over sheer technological integration. Built at the Artisan Center in Warren, Michigan, production is deliberately limited to 250 units annually, showcasing its exclusivity.
Inside, the Celestiq eschews the typical tech-heavy design language; screens do not dominate the cabin. Instead, opulent choices like cast and 3D-printed metals enhance the interior, exuding an aura of bespoke luxury. With features such as console-operated doors and an adjustable roof, the Celestiq offers a unique luxury experience devoid of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) maintenance. As Roma boasts, components such as brakes and cooling systems only require servicing every decade.
## Celestiq: A Car of Grand Proportions
The Cadillac Celestiq makes a formidable impression with its sizeable proportions, surpassing any Cadillac model in recent memory. While its wheelbase stretches over three meters and matches the wheel size of the Escalade, its elegance is underscored by a lower roofline than the CT6. Despite its 6,300-pound curb weight, innovative technologies such as rear-wheel steering and active roll control deliver a surprisingly agile and composed driving experience.
## Stellar Performance Meets Practicality
Underpinning its grandeur is a powerful dual-motor setup, producing 650 horsepower and facilitating a swift 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds. The Celestiq’s performance prowess is matched by a functional range exceeding 300 miles, despite having a comparably minimal trunk space. This juxtaposition underscores its role as a luxury grand tourer rooted in performance, rather than utility.
In conclusion, the Celestiq is not merely an electric car; it’s a statement of Cadillac’s potential to innovate while cherishing its rich legacy of luxury. As Cadillac steps into an electrified future, the Celestiq paves the way for a new era of premium automotive craftsmanship. It’s a grand welcome for those who dare to experience automotive artistry at its finest.
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Authored by: Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
