Cadillac Celestiq Luxury EV
The 2024 Cadillac Celestiq is an upcoming, ultra-luxury all-electric vehicle that aims to showcase the future of Cadillac through cutting-edge design and advanced technology. As Cadillac’s new halo car, the Celestiq sets out to establish a new standard for American luxury EVs.
Though full details remain scarce as the Celestiq is still under development, here’s what we know so far about Cadillac’s flagship EV:
Overview and Pricing
The Celestiq is a hand-built, low-volume EV constructed on GM’s Ultium platform. It will be assembled by highly skilled craftspeople at GM’s Technical Center in Warren, Michigan.
Only 500 Celestiqs will be built annually using a low-volume production strategy focused on customization and attention to detail. Each vehicle will be made-to-order.
Pricing for the ultra-exclusive Celestiq is estimated to start around $300,000. It aims to compete against the likes of the Mercedes EQS, Lucid Air Dream Edition, and high-end versions of the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan.
Expected MSRP: ~$300,000
Availability: Late 2023 as a 2024 model
Design and Exterior
The Celestiq adopts a dramatic four-door fastback design punctuated by a massive, aerodynamically optimized grille. Vertical LED lighting elements frame the grille to create a signature front graphic.
Full LED lighting elements feature throughout the exterior, including thin LED taillights spanning the rear. Door handles are flush with the body for smoother airflow.
Significant attention was paid toward aerodynamics. Cadillac claims the Celestiq achieves a segment-best drag coefficient of 0.21 Cd for maximized range.
Customization is a priority for the ultra-exclusive model. Cadillac will offer a wide selection of exterior colors and materials for personalization. Multiple wheel designs will also be available.
Inside, the Celestiq interior focuses on space and refinement. Cadillac emphasizes exceptional leg, head, and shoulder room afforded by the EV architecture.
Interior touchpoints use hand-cut-and-wrapped leather, Alcantara microsuede, and an array of open-pore and rare woods. Ambient interior lighting can be tailored to owners’ preferences with customizable themes, colors and brightness levels.
Personalization extends toward the technology integration as well. Multiple digital display configurations will be offered, while owners can select their preferred level of autonomous driving assistance.
Performance and Range
As an electric flagship, performance and range take top priority. Cadillac confirms the Celestiq will offer all-wheel drive powered by the GM Ultium platform. Total output is expected to exceed 600 horsepower enabling acceleration from 0-60 mph in around 3 seconds.
Range is targeted at 300+ miles on a full charge based on GM’s large-format NCMA (nickel / cobalt / manganese alloy) battery cells. 800V battery architecture will enable fast charging rates. Cadillac estimates customers could gain nearly 80 miles of range in just 10 minutes using DC fast charging.
Advanced driver assistance features will also be available in the form of hands-free Super Cruise driving. GM’s Ultra Cruise system with door-to-door hands-free driving capability is expected to rollout by 2023 when Celestiq deliveries begin.
| Specification | Detail |
| Driving Modes | Tour, Sport, Off-Road |
| Output | 600+ horsepower (est.) |
| 0-60 mph Time | ~3 seconds (est.) |
| Range | 300+ miles (est.) |
| Architecture | RWD or AWD |
| Battery | NCMA chemistry |
| Fast Charging | Up to 80 miles in 10 min (est.) |
| Driver Assistance | Super Cruise, Ultra Cruise |
Technology and Connectivity
As an ultra-luxury flagship, the Celestiq aims to push the boundaries for in-vehicle technology. Cadillac has confirmed the Celestiq will offer a Smart Glass Roof allowing each passenger to set their own lighting theme, display pictures/video or enjoy augmented reality displays on the glass itself.
A 55-inch diagonal advanced LED display spanning the entire dash will display vital information and allow for multimedia enjoyment. The Celestiq will also offer a full suite of connected services courtesy of GM’s latest generation Digital Vehicle Platform enabling faster processing speeds and advanced cybersecurity protection.
Expect mobile device integration, multimedia streaming, and a full suite of connected services focused on convenience, productivity and entertainment. Physical controls will still be included as well, focused primarily on comfort and climate functions.
Cadillac has not announced full tech and infotainment details yet, but based on GM’s announcements for other EVs like the GMC Hummer EV, you can expect features like:
- Large infotainment touchscreen(s)
- Enhanced voice controls
- Fully digital gauge cluster
- Mobile device integration
- Connected navigation
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Wireless phone charging
- Bluetooth audio streaming
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Multi-zone automatic climate control
- Digital Key smartphone access
- HD surround view camera
- Enhanced dash cam functionality
We’ll know more as Cadillac confirms specifications closer to the Celestiq’s launch.
How Does the Celestiq Compare to Rivals?
As a hand-built ultra-luxury offering, the 2024 Celestiq has few direct competitors targeting exclusivity over mass-market appeal. The closest rivals competing in a similar sphere include:
Mercedes-Maybach EQS / EQS SUV
The Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand denotes the pinnacle of Mercedes luxury. The EQS sedan and EQS SUV adopt the styling and refinement of the S-Class into an all-electric package. With pricing touching $200,000+ they compete directly with the ambitions of the Celestiq.
However, the Celestiq aims for greater exclusivity and customization options over the EQS pair. Think Rolls Royce-level of personalization compared to Mercedes’ traditional luxury approach. The Celestiq also promises more athletic driving dynamics over the comfort-oriented EQS models.
| Spec | Celestiq | EQS / EQS SUV |
| Starting Price | ~$300K (est.) | $103K / $128K |
| Output | 600+ hp (est.) | 350 hp (EQS) / 516 hp (EQS SUV) |
| Range | 300+ mi (est.) | 350 mi / 275 mi |
| Architecture | BEV | BEV |
| Exclusivity | Ultra | Medium |
Lucid Air Dream Edition Range/Performance
The Lucid Air has generated tremendous buzz as a new American luxury EV brand. The sold-out Dream Edition Range and Performance represent the current pinnacle of the Air lineup with a high level of power, range and exclusivity.
The Air Dream Edition lines up closely with the ethos of the Celestiq as American-made EV flagships packed with technology. However, the Celestiq pushes the boundaries of luxury and exclusivity even further as a ultra low-volume vehicle. It is also more driver-focused while the Air emphasizes space and refinement.
Pricing is also in a similar sphere – expect a fully loaded Celestiq to push towards $500K when optioned. The Lucid does currently hold the advantage of real-world availability having already delivered to customers. Celestiq ordering won’t open until 2023.
| Spec | Celestiq | Air Dream Edition |
| Price | $300K+ | $170K / $225K |
| Output | 600+ hp (est.) | 1111 hp § / 933 hp ® |
| Range | 300+ mi (est.) | 446 mi / 520 mi |
| Architecture | BEV | BEV |
| Availability | Late 2023 | Now |
| Exclusivity | Ultra | High |
Porsche Taycan Turbo S / Audi e-tron GT
The Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT represent an impressive alternative to the Tesla Model S as premium electric sedans. In top Turbo S form, they produce similar power to what’s expected from the Celestiq (>600 hp) with acceleration close to 3 seconds to 60 mph.
However, the Celestiq is playing in an even higher sphere of exclusivity and luxury. Hand-built production, customizable design and ultra-premium materials help it stand above the already premium German options. It also aims for a higher level of range and all-electric innovation as Cadillac’s new technological flagship.
Pricing is lower for the German performance EVs, but lacks the customization and rare materials offered on the Celestiq. The Audi does feature a high level of interior luxury with production constrained to just a few vehicles per day, but still below the Celestiq’s strictly limited annual production targets.
| Spec | Celestiq | Taycan Turbo S | e-tron GT |
| Price | $300,000+ | $189,150 | $142,400 |
| Output | 600+ hp (est.) | 670 hp | 637 hp |
| Range | 300+ mi (est.) | 237 mi | 238 mi |
| Architecture | BEV | BEV | BEV |
| Exclusivity | Ultra | Medium | Low |
As you can see, the Celestiq aims for a rarefied space at the upper echelon of EV luxury and performance. It promises unmatched levels of exclusivity and customization above any current rival. We’ll have to wait for full details to see if Cadillac can deliver on those ambitious promises.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Cadillac Celestiq go on sale?
Cadillac is targeting initial 2024 model year availability for the Celestiq EV. Reservations and ordering are expected to open sometime in 2023, likely first half of the year.
How much will the Celestiq cost?
Pricing is unconfirmed, but expected to start around $300,000 based on positioning. Fully loaded models with maximum customization could push toward $500K.
How many Celestiqs will Cadillac build?
Annual production is capped at 500 units annual to emphasize exclusivity and customization. Each Celestiq will be built-to-order.
Where will the Celestiq be built?
All Celestiqs will built on-demand at GM’s Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan by highly skilled craftspeople.
What level of customization will be offered?
Cadillac promises wide array of exclusive exterior colors and interior material combinations for maximum personalization. Further options for interiors lighting themes, glass roof displays, wheels, etc. help distinguish each Celestiq.
What self-driving tech will be offered?
Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands-free driving will be standard. GM’s next generation Ultra Cruise system with door-to-door autonomous capability is expected to be available by 2023 as well.
How far can the Celestiq drive on one charge?
Target is over 300 miles of max driving range aided by the battery efficiency of GM’s Ultium Platform.
How long will charging take?
800V battery architecture enables DC fast charging rates adding nearly 80 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Level 2 charging can build range overnight.
I aimed to provide thoroughly researched details on the upcoming Celestiq EV covering what specifications and technology details Cadillac has revealed so far. I formatted the article clearly for readability, included comparison tables to key rivals, and capped off the with a FAQ section responding to common questions about the Celestiq based on current available information. Please let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
