Cadillac Celestiq first drive: the bespoke, $360,000 EV is here
Cadillac is returning to its 1960s land yacht era with the Celestiq. | Image: Cadillac
The first hands-on experience I had with the $360,000, ultraluxury Cadillac Celestiq was as a backseat passenger. It was mid-April, and I was on the way to a dinner in West Hollywood. While GM insists most Celestiq buyers are drivers, the company wanted to create a vehicle that could be especially compelling for those who prefer to be chauffeured.
Once known for its behemoth, bespoke luxury vehicles, Cadillac is working to get its mojo back with the all-electric Celestiq. A 655-horsepower fastback that seats four, the Celestiq is perhaps the most extravagant vehicle Cadillac has ever released - and certainly its most customizable.
Cadillac is returning to its 1960s land yacht era with the Celestiq, which it thinks can rival offerings from Bentley and Rolls-Royce. The automaker is also hoping that the Celestiq can help the brand return to its 40-plus-year moniker as the "Standard of the World," and offer high-end, American-made, luxury vehicles in a new era of electrification.
"The idea was to make the best looking car in the world, but just happen to make it an EV," says Tony Roma, executive chief engineer for Celestiq.
A long time coming
The luxury is striking, even fro …