America has long associated Cadillac with large Escalade SUVs, Uber Black rides, or memories of its older padded-roof, velour-seat models.
But with the new 2024 Cadillac Celestiq, the brand aims to redefine itself, presenting a luxury electric car that rivals Bentley and Rolls-Royce in both price and prestige.
Cadillac has been making strides in elevating its reputation through Blackwing performance models and hand-built special editions, and the Celestiq is the latest step in that journey.
READ MORE: Red, White, and BlueCruise: Exploring U.S. Hands-Free Highway Driving Trends
The Celestiq makes a strong first impression with its long, low, and wide stance, offering a distinct luxury presence compared to the towering Rolls-Royce Phantom. It features unique jewelry-like lighting and a push-button door interface, similar to those found in high-end models like the Genesis G90.
Inside, the vibe is modern and high-tech, with luxurious leather, expertly crafted wood, and a striking QLED screen stretching across the dashboard. The passenger side even allows for movie watching without distracting the driver, thanks to lenticular polarization.
Rear-seat passengers enjoy their own screens, capable of streaming or displaying journey information. The seats come with tray tables and control screens for climate and door settings, offering a level of customization that includes unique airflow options and electrochromic roof tinting. The front seats are equally high-tech, featuring a crystal-like rotary knob for controls and Google/Alexa integration.
Our ride in a final validation vehicle during Monterey Car Week revealed the Celestiq’s smooth and serene performance, aided by 23-inch wheels, magnetorheological shocks, active anti-roll bars, and custom Pirelli tires.
Cadillac engineers noted only minor issues during testing, and with production already sold out for the first year, deliveries are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024. The Celestiq, priced at an estimated $360,000, is poised to make a significant impact in the luxury EV market.
READ MORE: 2025 Acura RDX Launches with Refreshed Design and Enhanced Technology
Subscribe today for the freshest car news delivered to your inbox
