{"id":33929,"date":"2022-10-17T21:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-18T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=33929"},"modified":"2022-10-17T21:00:00","modified_gmt":"2022-10-18T01:00:00","slug":"cadillac-details-of-hand-built-celestiq-including-starting-price-tag-north-of-300k","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=33929","title":{"rendered":"Cadillac shares new details of hand-built Celestiq, including a starting price tag ‘north of $300K’"},"content":{"rendered":"

GM\u2019s luxury brand Cadillac<\/a> has shared a multitude of new details surrounding the upcoming Celestiq sedan it has been teasing for over a year and a half now. Cadillac is describing the Celestiq as its most technologically advanced and most luxurious vehicle ever, and it just may be its most expensive as well. Here\u2019s the latest.<\/p>\n

When it eventually begins deliveries in 2024, the Cadillac Celestiq will be the second BEV to arrive under the Cadillac marque behind\u00a0the Lyriq<\/a>, which is just starting to reach early customers. Cadillac first shared news of this ultra-lux electric sedan back in early 2021, alongside an image showcasing\u00a0a unique \u201csmart glass\u201d roof<\/a>. From the get-go, Cadillac has been touting its second BEV model as a flagship vehicle clad with hand-crafted materials.<\/p>\n

Cadillac didn\u2019t really mention the Celestiq much after that. At least not until this past June when it unveiled new images of the EV, describing\u00a0its design as \u201cavant-garde,\u201d<\/a>\u00a0built to challenge the ultra-luxury segment. Days later, we learned the Celestiq would not just feature handmade components, but will be\u00a0an entirely hand-built EV<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 featuring over 100 3D-printed elements. <\/p>\n

The American automaker said the EV itself is designed for low-volume production typical with hand-built, ultra-luxurious vehicles. We are still unsure what level of output \u201clow volume\u201d entails for Cadillac, but based on the technology in its design and its hand-built production, we had surmised that it was going to cost quite a bit more than the average EV. <\/p>\n

When we saw the full images<\/a> of the Celestiq in July, there were rumors it would cost around $300,000, but we could not verify that. Following today\u2019s news, we can confirm that $300K is merely the starting price, and it can increase from there based on the customer\u2019s \u201clevel of personalization,\u201d according to Cadillac.<\/p>\n

Cadillac Celestiq could be a work of art\u2026 for the ultra wealthy<\/h2>\n

As more and more automakers are utilizing advancements in EV platform and battery technology to help deliver lower-priced EVs, GM\u2019s premium brand is going in the opposite direction and building an EV that could serve as an archetype for advanced technology and ultra-luxury.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, most people won\u2019t be able to afford it, so we will provide as many details and images as we can, as we learn more about this upcoming EV. That way, we can all vicariously experience all it has to offer. Based upon the 5,000+ word press release from Cadillac today, there\u2019s a lot to talk about surrounding the Celestiq, but here are some of the top-line features.<\/p>\n

First off, each Celestiq will be personally commissioned, allowing customers the opportunity to work directly with a dealer of their choosing and Cadillac designers to create their own, one-of-a-kind version. This is a similar design approach to the Carmen from Hispano Suiza<\/a>, in which no two EVs are alike. Per Cadillac\u2019s global vice president Rory Harvey:<\/p>\n

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Celestiq is like no Cadillac before it and the client experience is equally exceptional. Each vehicle is a unique expression of its owner, leveraging leading-edge technologies that make the driving experience personal and rewarding. With an extremely low volume of hand-built vehicles to be offered globally each year and an exclusive declaration process, Celestiq will truly be a custom-commissioned one-of-one. Each client will experience a personalized journey to make their vehicle exactly <\/em>the way they desire.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Alright, let\u2019s dig into the actual design and performance. The Celestiq will arrive on GM\u2019s Ultium platform powered by an 111 kWh battery pack and a dual-motor AWD propulsion system. GM estimates the EV will offer 600 horsepower and 640 lb.-ft. of torque, plus an estimated range of 300 miles (483 km) on a full charge.<\/p>\n

Cadillac shared that although the Celestiq is not the first (or last) EV on the Ultium platform, it will still be a unique implementation due to its 11.59:1 front and 11.63:1 rear gear ratios, which have been specifically calibrated to optimize range and performance. The Celestiq is predicted to accelerate 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds.<\/p>\n

In addition to the platform, Cadillac states the Celestiq comes equipped with the automaker\u2019s most advanced suspension and performance systems ever, including features like magnetic ride control and an active rear spoiler to improve aerodynamics at varying speeds.<\/p>\n

GM\u2019s Ultium platform enables the luxury sedan to charge at rate up to 200 kW and garner an estimated 78 miles of range in 10 minutes on a DC fast charger. There is still so much to unfold here, especially in terms of the Celestiq\u2019s \u201cavant-garde\u201d design. <\/p>\n

Other unique design features<\/h2>\n

We can write another 1,000 words about all the design elements Cadillac shared this evening, but it\u2019s probably just easier to read the full press release, or better yet, check out all the highlighted features we\u2019ve compiled for you.<\/p>\n