Cadillac has finally given more details for the Celestiq, and it’s clear that the EV prioritizes luxury over brute force. The custom sedan is now known to have a dual-motor 600 horsepower powertrain, four-wheel drive and a 111 kWh Ultium battery pack. The combination delivers a 0-60 MPH sprint in 3.8 seconds with an estimated range of 300 miles. That makes it one of the fastest cars “in the segment,” Cadillac said, referring to cars like the Mercedes-Maybach S-class. It won’t make Lucid Air or Tesla Model S Plaid owners jealous. Instead, the emphasis is on comfort – this could be one of the smoother-riding electric cars you’ll find.
The Celestiq combines the softness of adaptive air suspension (a familiar sight in luxury cars) with the responsive Magnetic Ride Control borrowed from the CT5-V Blackwing. A “Cadillac-first” Active Roll Control system provides a more stable handling when cornering, while special 23-inch wheels and tires promise both precise handling and reduced road noise. There are nods to performance, such as an active rear spoiler and “out-of-phase” rear steering that improves low-speed maneuverability, but this machine isn’t for track days.
As mentioned in July, the interior isn’t so subtly intended to spoil drivers who would otherwise jump for vehicles like the Mercedes EQS. The 55-inch dash display and variably tinted “smart glass” roof remain the signature features, but you can also expect a 38-speaker AKG sound system with spatial audio, three external speakers and active noise cancellation to silence the outside world. You can also expect the previously touted Ultra Cruise hands-free driving, 12.6-inch passenger displays on the backrest, expanded LED lighting and a new camera system that offers crash registration and theft detection. Google services such as Assistant, Maps and the Play Store are built in.
The Celestiq is now expected to enter production in December 2023, with a price “north” of $300,000. Even more so than the Hummer EV, it’s aimed entirely at very wealthy buyers who want to make a statement – including those who might let a driver drive. If you want a relatively accessible electric Cadillac, you’ll have to turn to the Lyriq. GM also makes more affordable Ultium-based EVs like Chevy’s upcoming Silverado pickup and Equinox SUV, so you won’t be left out if the Celestiq and other models are way above your budget.
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