The more than $300,000 Celestiq marks Cadillac’s return to the ultra-premium market, a realm currently dominated by Rolls-Royce and Bentley. This is a market Cadillac hasn’t ventured into since the 1930s when it produced V-16 monsters. The 18-foot-long electric hatchback, the Celestiq, is not just a competitor in terms of price but also its exclusivity and impeccable craftsmanship. Our experience with an engineering validation prototype of the Celestiq during Monterey Car Week earlier this year, a privilege granted to only a select few, left us thoroughly impressed. When seen in person, the Celestiq’s 23-inch wheels and slightly sloped back hatchback make its length stand out, giving it a strong presence. The Celestiq is different from more conventionally styled ultra-luxury sedans from German and British manufacturers because it has a hatchback. The roofline’s tapering gives it a yacht-like, nautical feel, with its sleek and streamlined design reminiscent of a luxury yacht. It only takes one push to open the huge back door, and since it looks heavy, we were glad it was powered. The full-width screen layout on the dashboard looks a lot like the one on the upcoming electric Escalade iQ, which gives the inside a very Cadillac feel. The leather-covered seat gives you a warm hug from behind. There is enough legroom, but the relatively low roofline makes you feel like you’re in a luxurious missile, with its sleek and aerodynamic design, instead of a lounge, not a Rolls-Royce Phantom or one of Asia’s luxury vans. Still, this 5-foot-11-inch writer had plenty of room. There are nice things all around the seat, like wood trim and stylish metal speaker grilles. Behind the front seats, each passenger in the back is treated to a 12.6-inch screen with a user-friendly interface and high resolution. These screens offer a gateway to the Internet, video streaming, and control over the sound system. They also provide a comprehensive menu displaying vital information about the car, such as speed, range, efficiency, and power consumption. Despite being a prototype, the car we drove felt remarkably responsive, a testament to the advanced technology at play. The third screen, located in the center console behind the seats, is a control hub for the climate system and the heated or cooled seats. The armrests, which are also heated, provide a level of comfort akin to a ghost pepper’s strength. The massage features were a welcome relief for our backs after a long day, adding a touch of luxury and pampering to the Celestiq experience. Since we were in the Celestiq at night, it took a lot of work to see the scenery and tell how rough the roads were. However, there were not many issues with our seats, and the Celestiq was mostly noiseless the whole trip. At night, the panoramic glass roof, with its unique striped lighting feature, makes it feel like you’re in the future. The lighting, resembling the starry sky, adds a touch of luxury and elegance to the interior. Each passenger can reach four different parts of the roof, and each one has five levels of electrochromic tinting. Even though our time in the Celestiq was short, we liked how cozy it was inside and how well-made the materials were. The Celestiq should be sent out for the first time in the fourth quarter of this year. The Artisan Center at Cadillac can make about 400 Celestiqs that are very specifically tailored to each customer every year. We look forward to getting to know the Celestiq better soon, this time from the driver’s seat.
