Cadillac has just unveiled the SOLLEI concept vehicle, a cutting-edge luxury electric convertible that embodies the pinnacle of bespoke design. This innovative model is a forward-thinking exploration of custom commissions, meticulously crafted to mirror the distinct passions and tastes of its owners.
The SOLLEI is an all-electric, 2+2 convertible that boasts Cadillac’s hallmark 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen, an inspiring interior, sophisticated exterior lighting for arrival and departure, and user-friendly front and rear command consoles.
The name SOLLEI, derived from the words ‘sun’ (‘SOL’) and ‘leisure’ (‘LEI’), captures Cadillac’s vision of a leisurely, open-air lifestyle filled with optimism. According to Erin Crossley, Cadillac’s design director, the SOLLEI “reimagines the discovery of travel,” aiming to create a personalized driving experience that harmonizes with nature. This concept pays homage to Cadillac’s heritage of elegant convertibles by infusing high luxury with modern design expressions and experiences.
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The SOLLEI is also notable for its pioneering use of sustainable materials. It’s the first Cadillac concept to feature an innovative bio-based material, Fine Mycelium™ by MycoWorks, used in the charging mats and door map pockets. This material, grown from the mycelium root structure of mushrooms, signifies Cadillac’s commitment to renewable automotive resources.
The SOLLEI’s exterior design is both sophisticated and emotive, characterized by Cadillac’s signature bold proportions. Its low, elongated body, broad stance, and extended coupe door facilitate easy access to a spacious rear. The car’s sleek, uninterrupted surfaces and stretched A-line emphasize its length, while a low tail design adds dynamic elegance. Discrete buttons replace traditional door handles, maintaining the vehicle’s clean profile. The exterior finish, “Manila Cream,” revives a color used on Cadillacs in the late 1950s, meticulously hand-painted by Cadillac craftsmen.
Inside, the SOLLEI embodies Cadillac’s “art of travel” philosophy, enhancing the journey for both driver and passengers. Features include a fully integrated beverage chiller with a power glass door and crystal glasses, blending leisure seamlessly with travel. Every detail, from illuminated décor to hand-crafted embellishments, transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Unstained wood veneers with natural color and grain patterns, open pore finishes, and marquetry techniques create a striking visual from the front doors to the rear compartment. The windshield, framed in milled brushed aluminum, continues Cadillac’s tradition of using natural materials.
Lighting plays a significant role in the SOLLEI’s personalization options, with ambient lighting offering multiple zones and 126 color choices in each. This customizable lighting can evoke various moods and personalize the interior ambiance. For bird-watching enthusiasts, the vehicle includes a unique accessory: a custom brushed metal and leather-wrapped case containing 3D printed acrylic bird calls, a leather-bound journal with hand-painted bird illustrations, and a leather tool roll for pens and pencils, all designed to match the vehicle’s interior.
The SOLLEI celebrates the joy of travel and the celestial environment with rich sensory engagements, unexpected discoveries, and a sense of occasion. Its design features sun-themed elements like sunburst lighting, quilting, and embroidery on the seats, and Fine Nappa leather with a pink iridescent pigment that mimics a sunrise effect. Charging mats, door map pockets, and custom accessories use MycoWorks’ Fine Mycelium™ technology, showcasing an iridescent finish in soft hues. The vehicle also boasts an “Aurora” tint on metal finishes, reflecting the sun’s interaction with Earth’s atmosphere, and a convertible metallic roof fabric named “Daybreak,” allowing sunlight to flood the interior. The floormats, made from a boucle fabric called “Bask,” add texture and warmth, matching the roof material’s color.
The SOLLEI convertible underscores Cadillac’s vision of modern, open-air design, inspired by the brand’s iconic past. The concept was revealed at Cadillac House at Vanderbilt, a newly restored, state-of-the-art facility at GM’s Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, dedicated to providing bespoke design experiences for Cadillac CELESTIQ clients.
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