Cadillac Celestiq EV: Can It Revive GM's Luxury Brand?

Cadillac Celestiq EV: First Drive Impressions

Following a nearly three-year wait since the initial concept reveal, General Motors has officially launched the production version of the Cadillac Celestiq EV. This electric vehicle, priced in the mid-$300,000 range, showcases a remarkable level of luxury and a striking exterior design intended to capture attention.

The central question remains: can this uniquely crafted EV enable Cadillac to reclaim its historical status as the “Standard of the World”? A full day of driving the Celestiq around Los Angeles was undertaken to assess its capabilities.

Initial Impressions: A Luxurious Interior

The experience begins positively upon taking the driver’s seat of this new flagship fastback.

The cabin is enveloped in premium leather, providing exceptional comfort. The seats offer extensive adjustability, ensuring a perfect fit. The quality of materials and assembly is exceptionally high, comparable to a meticulously crafted Richard Mille timepiece.

A noteworthy aspect of the Celestiq’s construction is the integration of 3D-printed components. In 115 instances, parts have been created using additive manufacturing, including elements of the steering wheel, window controls, console trim, and even certain structural components.

Engineering Challenges and Battery Design

Cadillac aimed to create an EV without any limitations. However, the battery pack configuration presented significant engineering hurdles.

Unlike the Lyriq, which utilizes a flat battery pack, the Celestiq employs modules of varying heights. Modules positioned beneath the front seats measure approximately nine inches tall, while those under the rear passenger footwells are only six inches in height.

To elevate the rear seating position, taller modules – reaching 12 inches – are used.

Achieving a total battery capacity of 111 kWh and a range of 303 miles necessitated the placement of some modules under the center console.

Storage Limitations

This arrangement results in a rather shallow storage compartment, insufficient for even small items like a wallet and eyeglasses.

The design prioritizes battery capacity and range over maximizing storage space in this particular area.

Cadillac Celestiq EV: An Examination of the Driving Experience

The attention garnered while driving the Celestiq easily offset the limited space within the center console. Its design is uniquely elegant, unlike anything currently on the roads, distinguished by a dynamic LED light display at the front, a lengthy hood, and a beautifully shaped rear. In an environment often characterized by artificial aesthetics, the Celestiq presents genuine visual appeal.

Initial Road Test & Ride Quality

The initial portion of the test took place on the challenging streets of Hollywood, deliberately seeking out uneven surfaces and utility access points. The test vehicle was equipped with 22-inch wheels – with 23-inch options available – and Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires featuring minimal sidewall height.

Typically, a limited tire sidewall results in a firm ride. However, the Celestiq incorporates a sophisticated air suspension system that effectively mitigates this effect. While significant road imperfections are noticeable, the overall driving experience within the city limits remains remarkably quiet and smooth.

Size and Maneuverability

It’s important to acknowledge the substantial size of this vehicle. The Cadillac Celestiq possesses a larger physical footprint than a two-door Chevrolet Silverado, though rear steering contributes to improved agility. Finding parking spaces can be challenging, but the Celestiq is more suited for valet services.

Performance on Curvy Roads

Moving beyond the city, the vehicle was driven on winding roads to assess the capabilities of its 655 horsepower and 646 pound-feet of torque. The Magnetic Ride Control system proved highly responsive, adjusting quickly to both road conditions and weight distribution, fostering a secure driving sensation.

Active roll control further enhances stability through turns, counteracting the car’s considerable size. The steering feel is somewhat muted, but provides appropriate weighting, and the regenerative braking system introduces a new driving technique to master.

With the regenerative braking set to its maximum level, skillful throttle modulation allows for cornering without the need for the conventional brakes. Weight transfer to the front wheels maintains grip during turns, while simultaneously recapturing energy.

This feature is particularly enjoyable.

Highway Driving and Advanced Systems

The immersive experience provided by the Dolby Atmos sound system, utilizing 38 internal AKG speakers – supplemented by four external speakers emitting EV sounds – was then explored on the highway. GM’s Super Cruise advanced driver-assistance system is also integrated, allowing for hands-free operation in suitable traffic conditions.

The Cadillac Celestiq EV Faces a Connectivity Challenge

A significant issue has been identified with the Cadillac Celestiq. The core of the problem doesn't stem from the choice of utilizing Google Built-In instead of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across GM’s electric vehicle lineup.

Google Built-In Functionality

Indeed, Google Maps performs admirably within the vehicle. It provides precise range predictions upon reaching a destination, suggests charging stations, and proactively preconditions the battery when necessary.

However, a consistent and reliable connection with smartphones for hands-free texting and phone calls proves elusive.

Widespread Integration Issues

This isn't an isolated incident confined to the Celestiq. Similar difficulties were encountered during testing with both the Optiq and the Escalade IQ.

Establishing a connection requires meticulous configuration of multiple settings on an iPhone. Frequent reconnections are sometimes needed after the vehicle is switched off, and on occasion, the system fails to notify the user of incoming text messages.

Expectations of Luxury Consumers

Customers investing in luxury vehicles expect a seamless and intuitive user experience. The current smartphone integration system falls short of these expectations, lacking both simplicity and ease of use.

• The Celestiq's smartphone connectivity is unreliable.
• The issue extends to other GM EVs like the Optiq and Escalade IQ.
• Luxury car buyers prioritize effortless technology integration.

The Interior of the Cadillac Celestiq EV

The integrated screens within the Celestiq are visually impressive.

A remarkable 55 inches of high-resolution displays span the dashboard's width. Passengers benefit from a dedicated screen for media streaming and web browsing. Furthermore, climate controls are conveniently managed via a separate, smaller screen positioned below the main dash.

While dedicated physical HVAC controls would be preferable, a distinct screen for climate functions is a reasonable compromise. This prevents the need to navigate complex menus simply to adjust the air conditioning.

Massaging seats are included, and their operation appears to have a longer duration compared to those found in other luxury automobiles. Notably absent is a heated and cooled cup holder, a feature omission that feels akin to neglecting crème fraîche alongside caviar; however, Cadillac has indicated the possibility of adding this feature upon request.

The glass roof is a particularly appealing element, offering adjustable dimming capabilities. It can reduce opacity by up to 20% and allows each occupant to personalize the amount of light entering their section of the vehicle.

The power doors, while innovative, raise some concerns regarding potential malfunctions. A scenario involving being stranded inside the vehicle in a public location is a consideration. Nevertheless, the convenience of automatic door closure upon braking is a noteworthy feature.

An icon on the lower screen provides passengers with the ability to initiate door closure, allowing them to easily experience this high-tech, effortless functionality.

A Personalized Cadillac EV Experience

Each Cadillac Celestiq is individually crafted by hand at General Motors’ Global Technical Center, located in Michigan.

I had the opportunity to preview the bespoke experience awaiting customers, collaborating with a designer to curate my ideal color scheme and materials. The sheer number of options – potentially 50 shades for each element – was initially overwhelming.

Ultimately, I finalized a design featuring Kingfisher Tricoat, a vibrant blue complementing the vehicle’s extended wheelbase and fastback silhouette. The interior will showcase a combination of Sheer Gray and Bahia Orange, accented with Phantom Blue. My preference for blue and orange is undeniable.

Throughout the day, I experienced the dedicated Cadillac concierge service that will be available to all Celestiq buyers during their purchase journey.

Attentive staff ensured a constant supply of chilled Diet Dr Pepper and provided lunch selections tailored to my preferences. I happily indulged in tater tots, without reservation.

While Celestiq owners will likely utilize their concierge for logistical support, rather than specific food requests, the intention is clear: to provide a service catering to every automotive desire.

Competition in the Ultra-Luxury EV Segment

The ultra-luxury EV market currently presents limited options. The Cadillac Celestiq’s closest competitor is arguably the Rolls-Royce Spectre EV, notable for its innovative starry-night headliner.

However, the Celestiq largely occupies a unique position within the ultra-luxury, battery-electric vehicle category.

Bentley currently offers hybrid models, but lacks a fully electric counterpart. Similarly, Mercedes has yet to fully electrify the Maybach S-Class sedan, though the Maybach EQS SUV is available.

Securing a Celestiq will be challenging. Cadillac plans a limited production run of just 25 vehicles for 2025, and nearly all have already been reserved.

Production for 2026 will be restricted to fewer than two units per day, according to the company.