The Cadillac Celestiq EV is here, and it’s stirring up conversation in the ultra-luxury electric vehicle space. With a price tag of $360,000 and built to impress, this flagship model from GM combines high-end craftsmanship with cutting-edge EV technology. I recently had the opportunity to test drive the Celestiq in Los Angeles, and in this in-depth review, I’ll share my firsthand experience, detailed specs, and a balanced look at this ambitious entry in the luxury EV market.
An Overview of the Cadillac Celestiq EV
Nearly three years after unveiling the concept, Cadillac has officially brought its Celestiq EV to life. This behemoth of an electric car is not just about power—it’s a statement. Designed with a luxurious fastback silhouette, the Celestiq features a 111 kWh battery pack that offers a claimed range of 303 miles. Cadillac’s ambition to create a bespoke, hand-built electric vehicle is evident in every detail, from the buttery leather interiors to the precise, 3D printed components such as parts of the steering wheel and console decor.
Key Specifications at a Glance
- Battery: 111 kWh
- Range: Approximately 303 miles
- Power: 655 horsepower with 646 lb-ft of torque
- Drive: Rear steering for enhanced maneuverability
- Price: Around $360,000
These figures place the Celestiq in fierce competition with other ultra-luxury electric vehicles such as the Rolls-Royce Spectre EV. For a detailed discussion on its pricing and positioning, check out this comprehensive article on TechCrunch.
Driving and Performance: The LA Test Drive
Behind the wheel in Los Angeles, the Celestiq EV impresses immediately. The ride is a blend of power and refined luxury. On city streets and the winding hills of LA, the car’s Magnetic Ride Control and active roll control adjust rapidly to varying road conditions, offering a confident and smooth drive despite its substantial size.
Experience on Rough Urban Roads
While testing in downtown Los Angeles, I intentionally sought out rough streets and uneven pavements. The Celestiq’s 22-inch wheels—paired with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires—provided exceptional grip, even though the limited sidewall did intensify the impact of potholes and irregularities. However, thanks to its compliant air suspension system, the car managed to smooth out the ride effectively. Unique to the Celestiq is its remarkable regenerative braking system; when executed correctly, you can regenerate energy efficiently, reducing reliance on mechanical brakes during sharp turns.
Interior and Technology
The interior of the Celestiq is nothing short of decadent. Cadillac spares no expense: from custom-designed massaging seats to a digital dashboard that stretches across 55 inches of high-resolution display, every element exudes luxury. The vehicle even offers separate screens for the driver and passenger—each displaying climate controls, streaming services, and navigation options. Despite these innovations, there is a minor hiccup; the integration with smartphone platforms, including Apple CarPlay, has proven to be inconsistent, as noted by several reviewers and my own experience. For more on the challenges with the tech integration, see TechCrunch’s detailed review.
Design, Craftsmanship, and the Bespoke Experience
One of the standout features of the Cadillac Celestiq EV is its hand-built nature. Each vehicle is meticulously crafted at GM’s Global Technical Center in Michigan, ensuring that every finish and detail meets the highest standard. During my test drive, I even participated in selecting custom interior color schemes – I opted for a blend of Sheer Gray, Bahia Orange, and Phantom Blue accents paired with a striking Kingfisher Tricoat exterior, elevating the sense of exclusivity and personalization.
Storage and Practicality
Despite its many strengths, there are minor compromises. One notable design challenge is the battery pack layout. The battery modules vary in height, which forced engineers to compromise on storage space. The shallow center console, for instance, is barely large enough for everyday essentials. While this won’t be a deal-breaker for luxury car enthusiasts, it is a point to consider for those valuing practicality in their high-end EV.
Market Position and Competitor Comparison
In a segment where ultra-luxury meets cutting-edge technology, the Cadillac Celestiq EV finds itself pitted against formidable rivals like the Rolls-Royce Spectre EV. Unlike Rolls-Royce, Cadillac leverages its decades-long legacy in automotive engineering while pioneering a hand-built approach to battery-electric vehicles. Despite a few tech integration issues and storage compromises, the excitement around the Celestiq remains high.
Competitive Edge and Future Prospects
Few competitors can claim the same level of bespoke craftsmanship. While manufacturers like Bentley have yet to launch a full battery-electric offering, and even Mercedes is still finding its footing in the electrification of its flagship Maybach models, the Celestiq EV sets a new benchmark. For insights into production limits and exclusivity, read more about Cadillac’s commitment in this TechCrunch article.
Conclusion and Call-to-Action
In conclusion, the Cadillac Celestiq EV is a landmark in luxury electric vehicles. It uniquely blends opulent design, cutting-edge performance, and bespoke craftsmanship, even if it faces minor issues such as limited storage and sporadic smartphone connectivity. If you are a luxury car enthusiast or a potential Cadillac customer exploring high-end EVs, the Celestiq offers a compelling mix of technology and style.
If you’re curious to learn more about ultra-luxury EVs or want to compare the Celestiq with competitors like the Rolls-Royce Spectre, check out our detailed comparisons and additional resources. Interested in taking your luxury experience further? Book a test drive or explore more Cadillac EV models on our site and let us know what you think about this innovative entry from GM.
For further reading and additional insights into the evolving landscape of luxury electric vehicles, visit our internal pages dedicated to Cadillac’s evolving EV lineup, and don’t miss the original TechCrunch reviews to stay updated with industry trends.