Is the Cadillac Celestiq EV the Key to Reviving GM’s Luxury Brand? Don’t Dismiss It!

Nearly three years after unveiling the prototype of the flagship Cadillac Celestiq EV, GM has launched the production model: a lavish electric vehicle priced in the mid-$300,000s, boasting a striking exterior designed to capture attention.

But can this bespoke EV assist Cadillac in reclaiming its title as the “Standard of the World”? I spent a day navigating this remarkable machine through Los Angeles to find out.

Getting behind the wheel of this premier fastback is a fantastic beginning.

I’m surrounded by sumptuous leather; the seat provides outstanding comfort with multiple adjustments. The fit and finish resemble that of a luxury Richard Mille watch, with each surface exuding a refined, artisanal appearance. Impressively, 3D printing has been employed in 115 components, including the steering wheel center, window switches, console accents, and even structural parts.

Cadillac aimed to craft a truly uncompromising EV. Unfortunately, the battery pack’s layout presented certain design challenges.

In contrast to the Lyriq’s flat battery layout, the modules in the Cadillac Celestiq’s pack differ in height. The modules beneath the front seats measure about nine inches tall, while those under the rear passenger footwell are around six inches. The modules elevating the rear seats reach a height of 12 inches.

To realize a 111 kWh battery with 303 miles of range, engineers had to place some modules under the center console, leading to a storage compartment that barely accommodates my wallet and glasses.

Cadillac Celestiq EV: The Drive

The attention I garnered while driving the Celestiq more than made up for its compact center console. Its sophisticated design, accentuated by the captivating LED light signature, elongated front, and sculpted rear, differentiates it from anything else on the road. In a city brimming with manufactured charm, the authentic Celestiq truly distinguishes itself.

I embark on the uneven streets of Hollywood, purposely cruising over broken pavement and manhole covers. My test vehicle is equipped with 22-inch wheels—23-inch options are also available—fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires that feature minimal sidewall.

While the reduced rubber contact often results in a rough ride, the Celestiq’s adaptive air suspension effectively manages it. Major bumps, like potholes, are certainly felt, yet city driving remains hushed and smooth.

Make no mistake, this car is substantial. The Cadillac Celestiq has a larger footprint than a two-door Chevrolet Silverado, made slightly more agile with rear steering. Finding street parking can be tough, but this vehicle is more likely to be found at a valet stand.

Heading out of Hollywood, I venture into the hills to see what 655 horsepower and 646 pound-feet of torque can accomplish on twisting roads. Here, the Magnetic Ride Control displays its adeptness, adjusting swiftly to variations in the road and the car’s weight transfer to guarantee a confident drive. With active roll control, the car remains composed through curves, despite its considerable size.

Though the steering lacks some feedback, it has a well-weighted feel, and regenerative braking introduces a new dynamic to the experience. When I fully utilize the regen feature, I find that I can effectively navigate turns without needing to engage the traditional brakes, capturing energy while maintaining traction.

I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

As I crank up the Dolby Atmos sound system emanating from 38 AKG speakers—four exterior speakers provide ambient EV sounds for onlookers—I smoothly merge onto the highway. Naturally, GM’s Super Cruise advanced driver-assistance system is included, enabling me to ease my grip on the wheel and allow the vehicle to take over while in traffic.

The Cadillac Celestiq EV Has a Problem

This brings us to the primary issue with the Celestiq. While I’m not disappointed that all GM electric vehicles rely on Google Built-In instead of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the system does deliver precise navigation through Google Maps, predicting my range at various locations and recommending nearby charging stations. However, I find it challenging to consistently connect my phone for hands-free calls and texts.

Regrettably, this issue isn’t confined to the Celestiq. Similar connectivity problems have arisen in both the Optiq and the Escalade IQ, necessitating multiple adjustments on my iPhone, requiring reconnections after turning off the vehicle, and sometimes failing to notify me about incoming messages.

High-end clients expect simplicity and ease; this smartphone integration misses the mark on both fronts.

The Cadillac Celestiq EV Interior

At least the displays are visually striking.

Spread across the dashboard are a total of 55 inches of high-resolution screens. The passenger benefits from a separate display for streaming and browsing, while all climate controls are available on a smaller screen positioned below the dashboard.

I would trade a lot for physical HVAC controls, but for a vehicle of this caliber, I’ll settle for a distinct screen that allows me to access air conditioning without digging through multiple menus.

Of course, massaging seats are standard, and they seem to retain their functionality longer than those in many other luxury vehicles. However, the lack of heated and cooled cup holders feels like a significant oversight, akin to forgetting crème fraîche with caviar—though Cadillac assured me they could add this feature upon request.

I appreciate the glass roof that can dim to 20% opacity in each of the four zones, allowing each passenger to customize their preferred light levels.

I’m not completely sold on the power-opening doors; my thoughts drift to worst-case scenarios of being trapped inside during a grocery run. Yet, the convenience of merely pressing the brake pedal for automatic door closure is attractive. Additionally, there’s an icon on the lower screen for closing the doors, allowing passengers to partake in the tech-savvy experience.

Bespoke Cadillac EV Experience

Every Celestiq will be meticulously crafted at GM’s Global Technical Center in Michigan.

I was given a sneak peek of the customer experience, collaborating with a designer to choose my desired colors and materials. Selecting from what felt like 50 options was a bit overwhelming, but I left with my perfect Celestiq in Kingfisher Tricoat, a vibrant blue that enhances the long wheelbase and fastback silhouette, complemented by an interior of Sheer Gray and Bahia Orange with Phantom Blue accents. What can I say? I love blue and orange.

Throughout the day, I experienced the Cadillac concierge service that customers will receive during their purchasing journey. Someone made sure I always had a refreshing Diet Dr Pepper in hand, and lunch options were customized to fit my less refined tastes. In other words, tater tots were on the menu, and I make no apologies.

While Celestiq buyers will likely utilize their concierge service for more practical logistics rather than cravings for carbs and caffeine, the point remains: they will have someone to cater to their every desire throughout the buying experience.

The ultra-luxury EV market is in short supply. The Cadillac Celestiq faces limited competition, with its primary rival being the Rolls-Royce Spectre EV, known for its starry-night headliner. However, the Celestiq primarily distinguishes itself in the ultra-luxury, battery-electric sector.

Bentley has yet to introduce a fully electric offering, focusing mainly on hybrids, while Mercedes has not completely electrified the Maybach S-Class sedan, despite offering the Maybach EQS SUV.

If you’re looking to add this vehicle to your collection, be aware that Cadillac intends to produce just 25 units for 2025, and nearly all are already reserved. The company has been tight-lipped about 2026 production figures, merely stating that output will be limited to fewer than two Celestiqs per day.