Cadillac Celestiq flagship EV debuts with 600hp

Cadillac has revealed the new Celestiq luxury EV as its new flagship model, ahead of the car's production in December 2023. It is the American carmaker’s second EV, following the Lyriq SUV. Each unit of the Celestiq EV will be custom-made and Cadillac says that prices will start upwards USD 3,00,000 (approximately Rs 2.46 crore) before buyer specific customisation and options.

• Celestiq EV based on GM’s Ultium Platform 
• Supports 200kW DC fast charging 
• Production to commence in December 2023

Cadillac Celestiq: design details 

The production-spec Celestiq looks almost identical to the concept that was shown a few months ago and shares certain elements like the vertically oriented tail-lights with the Lyriq SUV. The Celestiq has a long roof and a sloping roofline, and the profile is devoid of door handles; instead, it features buttons on the B-pillar to operate the doors. 

For the Celestiq's design, Cadillac has employed high-end design materials, including 3D-printed components and over 300 components from a flex fabrication process into which metal sheets can be folded in the desired shape. Additionally, it also gets a grille and front fender made out of aluminium. 

Cadillac Celestiq: interior and features 

On the inside, the standout feature of the Celestiq is the 55-inch display that runs the length of the dashboard. It is actually made up of two screens that share a single glass pane. The display towards the driver's side is divided into the infotainment touchscreen and instrument cluster, while the passenger-side touchscreen can be used to surf the internet and play media content. Moreover, there's also an 11-inch touchscreen between the front occupants to control other functions of the car like climate control. 

For rear seat occupants, the Celestiq features two 12.6-inch entertainment screen mounted on the backside of the front seat headrests, as well as an 8.0-inch touchscreen fixed in the centre armrest to control the seating position, temperature, and for operating the doors. The Celestiq also comes with a fixed glass roof divided into four zones that allow occupants to individually adjust the amount of light coming into the cabin. The panel is also treated with infrared reflective and low-emissivity coatings, which prevents the outside heat from raising the cabin’s temperature. 

Cadillac Celestiq: technical details 

The Celestiq is based on General Motors’ Ultium Platform and gets a 111kWh battery pack. It sends power to two electric motors whose combined power output is 600hp and 868Nm. Cadillac says the Celestiq can go from 0-96kph in 3.8sec and has an estimated driving range of 483km on a full charge. In terms of charging, the car supports 200kW DC fast charging, which can give 126km of range after plugging in for just 10 minutes. 

Cadillac has focused on making the Celestiq a relaxing car to drive. The suspension consists of a five-link set-up at the front and rear. It also gets adaptive ride springs and the brand's Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 system, which the carmaker says is the “world’s fastest reacting suspension technology”. In a first for a Cadillac, it also features Active Roll Control feature, which counters body roll when cornering. Additionally, it gets rear-wheel steering to help manoeuvrability. 

The Celestiq comes with GM’s Ultra Cruise hands-free driving assistant system and Remote Auto Parking, the latter enabling the car to park itself, even if the driver is outside the vehicle. 

Cadillac Celestiq: personalised buying experience 

With the Celestiq, Cadillac is targeting a highly personalised buying experience where customers will be able to coordinate with a designer through a conceirge. Cadillac says that no two Celestiqs will look the same, given the plethora of personalisation options. 

Cadillac will build the Celestiq at GM’s Global Technical Centre in Warren, Michigan, USA, where only six vehicles will be assembled at a time. As mentioned before, the Celestiq will go into production in December 2023. When launched, it will take on luxury EVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQS and the upcoming BMW i7, and even super-luxury cars like the Bentley Flying Spur and the Rolls-Royce Ghost.  

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