Cadillac Celestiq Review A Bespoke $360000 Luxury Electric Vehicle Experience

Nearly three years after unveiling its concept, Cadillac has launched the Celestiq, a $360,000 flagship electric vehicle that epitomizes bespoke luxury and eye-catching design. This hand-crafted EV aims to reestablish Cadillac's reputation as the “Standard of the World” by combining advanced technology with meticulous craftsmanship.

Inside, the Celestiq impresses with buttery leather seats adjustable in every way, precise fit and finish reminiscent of luxury watches, and over 115 3D-printed components including parts of the steering wheel and console. This blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing techniques underscores Cadillac’s zero-compromise approach.

The Celestiq’s 111 kWh battery pack is uniquely configured with modules of varying heights to fit the car’s design, delivering a range of 303 miles. However, this layout results in a shallow center console storage space, highlighting the trade-offs in bespoke EV design.

Driving the Celestiq around Los Angeles reveals its commanding presence and smooth ride. Equipped with 22-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires, the car’s air suspension absorbs road imperfections well. Despite its large size, rear steering enhances maneuverability, while Magnetic Ride Control and active roll control provide confident handling on curvy roads.

The Celestiq boasts 655 horsepower and 646 pound-feet of torque, enabling spirited driving dynamics. The advanced brake regeneration system allows drivers to recover energy efficiently, minimizing the need to use mechanical brakes and enhancing driving enjoyment.

Technology inside the Celestiq includes a 55-inch high-resolution dashboard spanning the width of the car, with a dedicated passenger screen for media and browsing. The Dolby Atmos sound system features 38 AKG speakers inside and four outside to produce signature EV sounds. GM’s Super Cruise driver assistance enables hands-free driving in traffic, enhancing comfort on longer journeys.

However, the Celestiq’s smartphone integration poses challenges. Despite using Google Built-In with Google Maps for navigation and battery management, connecting phones for hands-free calls and texts is unreliable. This issue extends to other GM EVs, highlighting an area for improvement in user experience for high-end customers who expect seamless connectivity.

Luxury touches include massaging seats, a glass roof with four independently dimmable zones, and power doors with automatic closing features. While some features like heated and cooled cup holders are absent, Cadillac offers customization options to tailor the vehicle to individual preferences.

Each Celestiq is handcrafted at GM’s Global Technical Center in Michigan, with customers collaborating with designers to select from an extensive palette of colors and materials. This bespoke process is complemented by a concierge service that manages logistics and personalizes the buying experience.

In the ultra-luxury EV market, the Celestiq stands largely alone, with limited competition from models like the Rolls-Royce Spectre EV. Production is extremely limited, with only 25 units planned for 2025 and a cap of fewer than two cars per day thereafter, underscoring its exclusivity.

The Cadillac Celestiq represents a bold step in luxury electric vehicles, blending handcrafted artistry with advanced technology and performance. While it faces challenges in smartphone integration and storage space, its bespoke nature and driving experience set a new benchmark for ultra-luxury EVs.