Cadillac’s ultra-luxury Celestiq beats Rolls-Royce on price and tech

Cadillac is making waves in the ultra-luxury electric vehicle market with its flagship Celestiq, now officially starting at over US$400,000. That puts it above the entry-level Rolls-Royce Spectre, a bold statement from the American brand in a segment traditionally dominated by European marques.

The Celestiq’s pricing reflects its exclusivity. Unlike most Cadillac models, including the Escalade ESV V-Series at around US$173,595, the Celestiq is available only by inquiry, leaving exact figures to be tailored to each buyer’s specifications. This hand-built five-door liftback has seen its base price rise from roughly US$340,000, a jump equivalent to the cost of a standard Cadillac Lyriq.

Luxury and performance hand in hand

The Celestiq isn’t just about price. It’s packed with bespoke features, including a patterned ‘smart glass’ roof that lets passengers dim or brighten each of its four zones at the touch of a button. Cadillac also includes eight years of connected services at no extra cost, adding value for buyers willing to invest in a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle.

Under the hood, the Celestiq boasts a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 447kW of power and 868Nm of torque, giving it a claimed 0-60mph time of 3.8 seconds. Its 111kWh battery offers a range of up to 483km and supports DC fast charging at 200kW. The car rides on 23-inch alloy wheels with adaptive air suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, active rear steering, and an active rear spoiler for refined handling.

Inside, it’s a tech-lover’s dream

The cabin is dominated by screens. A 55-inch display stretches across the dashboard, complemented by an 11-inch console display, a rear 8-inch console, and 12.6-inch screens on each front seatback. Leather and hand-finished metalwork cover the interior, while a 38-speaker AKG Studio Reference Audio System, four-zone climate control, and heated, cooled, and ventilated seats ensure a truly luxurious experience. Even features like heated armrests and neck scarves underline the attention to detail.

Exclusivity is the key

Cadillac expects production to remain tiny, with just 25 cars made this year. Future volumes may rise to a few hundred units, but the brand is clear that this is a limited offering. Buyers work with a concierge and can explore customisation at Cadillac House in Michigan, ensuring each Celestiq is a personal statement.

The Celestiq marks Cadillac’s first serious return to ultra-luxury since the Eldorado Brougham of the late 1950s. Unlike past concept-based projects that never reached production, this model has made it to customers largely unchanged from its original concept.

While the Celestiq won’t come to Australia or other right-hand drive markets, it signals Cadillac’s ambition to compete with the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley. For those who can afford it, the Celestiq offers a rare combination of American flair, cutting-edge technology, and the exclusivity of owning a vehicle few others will ever see.