The new Cadillac Celestiq electric car is aimed at Rolls-Royce and Bentley – and its US manufacturer will be charging customers more than US$300,000 (AU$475,000) for each one.
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tea 2024 Cadillac heavenly was unveiled, a handcrafted, American-made electric car that aims to rival the most iconic brands in the luxury car market.
Cadillac’s flagship electric car, unveiled in a concept in July, will be the company’s most expensive model, with prices expected to start “north of $300,000” – equivalent to around AU$475,000.
Cadillac customers can commission their own bespoke Celestiq, with the US automaker claiming each hand-built customer example of the electric vehicle will be unique.
The Cadillac Celestiq’s twin electric motors produce 447 kW and 868 Nm – an increase of 17 kW and a loss of 32 Nm compared to the Rolls-Royce Specter.
General Motors claims that the Cadillac Celestiq can achieve a range of up to 483 km (300 miles) thanks to its 111 kWh battery, although this is based on the automaker’s own estimates.
Underpinned by General Motors’ Ultium battery platform, also found in the GMC Hummer EV ute and Cadillac Lyriq SUV, among others, the Celestiq supports DC fast charging with up to 200 kW, 150 kW less than a Hyundai Ioniq 5 or 70 kW below the Porsche Taycan and Audi E-Tron GT.
Adaptive air suspension aims to provide a comfortable and controlled ride, coupled with Cadillac’s “Magnetic Ride Control” dampers – which are said to be the “world’s most responsive suspension technology.”
The Cadillac Celestiq is available with 23-inch wheels matching those of the Rolls-Royce Spectre, wrapped in bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires.
The electric car also offers up to 3.5 degrees of rear-wheel steering, making the Celestiq more agile at low speeds while being more stable on the road.
Inside, a 55-inch screen spans the width of the dashboard and includes an 8K digital instrument panel, an infotainment system, and a dedicated passenger screen that is not viewable from the driver’s seat.
The Cadillac Celestiq’s steering wheel center is one of 115 3D-printed parts of the electric car, with General Motors increasingly relying on modern production technology.
A flat floor is said to give rear passengers more legroom than a petrol-powered car, with second-row occupants also being treated to two 12.6-inch screens integrated into the front seat headrests.
A fixed glass roof comes without a sun visor, instead featuring “airborne particle technology” that can make the panel transparent or tinted, depending on occupant preference.
The Cadillac Celestiq will also feature General Motors’ Ultra Cruise semi-autonomous driving technology, which will allow drivers to drive without a steering wheel on certain roads and park their electric car remotely.
According to Cadillac, the Celestiq is slated to go into production beginning in December 2023 at General Motors Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan — with all vehicles being hand-built.
In Australia, General Motors is represented by the Chevrolet Silverado and Chevrolet Corvette, both marketed by General Motors Specialty Vehicles.
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