Cadillac will learn whether there are enough buyers willing to spend Rolls-Royce money on its Celestiq when the big electric hatch goes on sale in 2024.
After teasing us with a concept in the summer, Cadillac on Tuesday unveiled the production version of the new flagship EV and confirmed pricing will start north of $300,000.
That’s a lot more expensive than anything Cadillac has offered in the past, but the Celestiq is unlike any previous vehicle to wear the crest badge. Ignoring the leading-edge technology fitted to the car, the Celestiq will be hand built, akin to a coach-built car, allowing for a high level of personalization. To aid them, buyers will have a one-on-one concierge on call, as well as access to a Cadillac designer and other services. As a result, no two Celestiqs are expected to be alike.
The hand-built nature of the car means production, due to start in December 2023, will be limited to just 1.2 cars per day, meaning annual volume will be well below 500 units. To handle production, Cadillac has invested $81 million in parent company General Motors’ sprawling Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. The bulk of the funds have gone toward equipment for low-volume production, such as 3D printers, Cadillac said.
“Celestiq is like no Cadillac before it and the client experience is equally exceptional,” Rory Harvey, Cadillac’s global vice president, said in a statement. “Each vehicle is a unique expression of its owner, leveraging leading-edge technologies that make the driving experience personal and rewarding.”
Underpinning the Celestiq is GM’s Ultium platform and battery set, configured here with a 111-kwh battery and dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain estimated to deliver 600 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque, or enough for 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.8 seconds. The Celestiq also features unique gear ratios among Ultium-based vehicles. The ratios have been calibrated to deliver an optimal balance between performance and range, with the latter estimated to be 300 miles on a charge.
GM’s Ultium Charge 360 app will enable owners to easily find and pay for electricity when on the road, and thanks to a built-in 200-kw fast-charging system, around 78 miles of range can be added in 10 minutes of charging when using a DC fast charger. An adjustable regenerative braking system is also featured, and enables one-pedal driving.
Keyword: Cadillac Celestiq production model revealed, will be priced over $300,000