Enthusiasts of sleek, luxurious, and exorbitantly priced automobiles, rejoice! An American-made electric vehicle equivalent to your taste has emerged in the form of the Cadillac Celestiq. General Motors has officially initiated production at its Michigan factory, though it's worth noting that the production volume is quite limited. Now, let's delve into what the jaw-dropping starting price of $340,000 entails.
While the Rolls-Royce Spectre exudes a more dignified and monumental presence, Cadillac's designers opted for dynamic proportions in the Celestiq. This includes a sweeping roof and streamlined contours, complemented by a nod to the classic Cadillac bustleback design. It epitomizes the epitome of American luxury. Stepping inside, you'll experience the exclusive world of the elite 1%, featuring exceptionally bright leather (apparently, rich individuals favor electric blue), a sprawling 55-inch HD display, a custom 38-speaker audio system (enhanced by three external speakers), adaptive air suspension with 5-link front and rear, active rear steering, Eames bucket seats, climate-controlled zones, and even heated armrests to pamper those adorned forearms.
Similar to the Rolls-Royce Specter, the 2024 model is only in restricted production, with just six being built at any given time, and it is totally constructed to order, so "no two will be alike." According to GM, total sales will be between 100 and 150 vehicles each year, with a starting price of $340,000, but that is before any personalization. For contrast, the Rolls-Royce Spectre, which starts at $422,750, sold 326 units in the fourth quarter of last year, thus Cadillac expects somewhat less.
GM had previously stated that the car will be in production by the end of last year, but it secretly entered production this week.
In terms of specifications, the inaugural model of the 2024 Celestiq boasts a 111-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing an anticipated range of approximately 300 miles on a single charge. Its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain delivers a formidable 600 horsepower (447 kilowatts) and a torque of 640 lb-ft (868 Nm), enabling a swift 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.8 seconds. To nitpick, this acceleration time is a fraction of a second quicker than the Rolls-Royce Spectre's 4.4 seconds, placing it in a comparable league with the Audi e-tron GT or Porsche Taycan.
The vehicle supports fast charging at up to 200 kW, translating to roughly 78 miles of additional range in just 10 minutes. Similar charging rates are present in GM's other Ultium cars, although pickups equipped with larger 200+ kWh batteries can achieve charging speeds of up to 350 kW, replenishing 100 miles of range in 10 minutes.
While these specifications may not seem extraordinary given the price, what you're investing in is the exclusivity and prestige of owning a uniquely customized car. It's a purchase that goes beyond mere transportation, embodying a status symbol that stands apart from the ordinary.
For a more budget-friendly choice, the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq has a starting price of $57,195, while the mid-range Luxury trim begins at $61,295. Opting for the top-of-the-line Sport model will cost you $61,795. Despite its more modest price point, the versatile Lyriq has drawn comparisons to the Mercedes EQE SUV, Audi A8 e-tron, and BMW iX. Notably, it offers an impressive 300 miles of range at an approximate cost of $60,000.
The entry-level, single-motor, rear-drive Lyriq model boasts 340 horsepower, allowing for a 0-60 mph acceleration in six seconds. Opting for the dual-motor configuration enhances the power output to 500 horsepower. This positions the Lyriq as a compelling option for those seeking a balance between performance and affordability in the electric vehicle market.
Photo credit: Cadillac/General Motors
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