Cadillac Celestiq First Drive Review: A $360,000 EV Experience

Mei Lin

5 min read

Post on May 08, 2025

4.8

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Unrivaled Luxury and Design

The Cadillac Celestiq’s appeal starts long before the engine—or rather, the electric motors—even hum. The experience begins with the sheer opulence and craftsmanship poured into every detail.

Interior Opulence and Craftsmanship

Stepping inside the Celestiq is like entering a bespoke atelier. The cabin is a masterpiece of sustainable materials and meticulous detail.

• Sustainable Wood Accents: Hand-selected, sustainably sourced wood graces the dashboard and trim, exuding warmth and sophistication.
• Handcrafted Leather: The supple, handcrafted leather upholstery is not merely a covering; it's an experience, hugging you with comfort and elegance.
• Bespoke Features: The level of personalization is astonishing, with virtually limitless options to tailor the interior to the owner's precise preferences. This includes unique stitching patterns, custom wood veneers, and even bespoke color palettes.
• Ambient Lighting: The ambient lighting system subtly shifts hues, creating an atmosphere of serene luxury.
• Innovative Dashboard Design: The minimalist yet elegant dashboard showcases a seamlessly integrated digital display, emphasizing both functionality and style.

The overall impact is one of unparalleled luxury, a feeling enhanced by the remarkable comfort of the seats, meticulously designed for long journeys and ultimate relaxation.

Exterior Styling and Presence

The Celestiq's exterior is equally striking. Its sleek lines and innovative lighting create a captivating silhouette.

• Sleek, Modern Lines: The car's profile is a study in aerodynamic efficiency and elegance, a modern interpretation of Cadillac's heritage.
• Innovative Lighting: The unique lighting signature, both front and rear, sets it apart from the competition.
• Aerodynamic Design: The designers haven’t just focused on looks; subtle aerodynamic features are integrated throughout the design, enhancing efficiency and performance.
• Distinctive Design Choices: From the subtly sculpted body panels to the unique wheel designs, every detail reflects thoughtful consideration and a commitment to unparalleled aesthetics.

Compared to other luxury EVs, the Celestiq stands out with its unique blend of classic Cadillac design cues and futuristic innovation.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Innovation

The Cadillac Celestiq doesn't merely offer luxury; it provides a technological showcase.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

The Celestiq boasts an advanced suite of ADAS features designed to enhance safety and driver assistance.

• Super Cruise: Cadillac's hands-free driving system provides a glimpse into the future of automotive technology.
• Automatic Emergency Braking: This critical safety feature helps prevent or mitigate collisions.
• Advanced Lane Keeping Assist: This system helps keep the vehicle safely within its lane.

Compared to many competitors, the Celestiq’s ADAS suite feels more intuitive and seamlessly integrated into the driving experience.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment system is a marvel of modern technology, featuring:

• Large, High-Resolution Screens: The screens boast exceptional clarity and responsiveness.
• Intuitive Operating System: The system is easy to navigate, even for those unfamiliar with the latest in-car technology.
• Seamless Connectivity: Connectivity options include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The user experience is fluid and intuitive, prioritizing both functionality and ease of use.

Digital Display and Customization

The Cadillac Celestiq’s truly unique feature is its Smart Glass Roof. This innovative roof allows passengers to control the level of transparency and tint, offering a personalized experience. This is further complemented by:

• Personalized Digital Instrument Cluster: The digital instrument cluster can be customized to display a variety of information, tailored to the driver's preferences.
• Customizable Infotainment Screen: The infotainment screen also allows for a high degree of personalization, allowing drivers to adjust the layout and displayed information.

Performance and Driving Experience

The Cadillac Celestiq delivers a driving experience that's as exceptional as its design.

Electric Motor Power and Range

The all-electric powertrain provides exhilarating performance. While precise horsepower and torque figures vary depending on configuration, expect impressive acceleration and a substantial range (precise figures to be released closer to production). The acceleration is smooth and instantaneous, characteristic of high-performance EVs. During the test drive, handling proved surprisingly agile for a car of its size.

This performance is comparable to, and in some aspects surpasses, that of other high-performance EVs in its class.

Ride Comfort and Handling

Despite its powerful performance, the Celestiq prioritizes comfort.

• Smooth Ride: The suspension system effectively absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road, ensuring a remarkably smooth ride.
• Stable Handling: The Celestiq handles with confidence and precision, even at higher speeds.

The suspension system's sophisticated engineering contributes significantly to the car's exceptional ride quality.

Value Proposition and Competition

The Cadillac Celestiq’s $360,000 price tag is undeniably high, placing it firmly in the ultra-luxury segment.

Price and Justification

The question remains: is it worth it? Considering the level of handcrafted luxury, cutting-edge technology, and exhilarating performance, the Celestiq presents a compelling case. While expensive, the level of bespoke craftsmanship and exclusive features positions it as a unique offering.

Target Audience and Market Positioning

The Cadillac Celestiq targets discerning customers seeking the ultimate combination of luxury, technology, and sustainable performance. It's positioned to compete with established players like the Rolls-Royce Spectre and the Lucid Air, but with a unique blend of American luxury and innovative technology.

Conclusion

The Cadillac Celestiq first drive experience is nothing short of transformative. This electric vehicle doesn't just meet expectations; it exceeds them. From its unparalleled interior opulence and cutting-edge technology to its impressive performance and smooth ride, the Celestiq delivers a driving experience like no other. While the price point is undoubtedly high, the bespoke craftsmanship, innovative features, and overall driving experience justify the cost for the discerning buyer. Is the Cadillac Celestiq worth the hype? Absolutely.

Experience the future of luxury electric vehicles. Learn more about the Cadillac Celestiq and schedule your test drive today!