√Cadillac reveals $US300,000 electric Rolls-Royce competitor

The new Cadillac Celestiq electric car takes aim at Rolls-Royce and Bentley – and its US maker is set to charge customers more than $US300,000 ($AU475,000) for each one.

The 2024 Cadillac Celestiq has been revealed, a hand-built, US-made electric car designed to take on the most celebrated brands in the luxury-car market.

Previewed by a concept in July, Cadillac’s flagship electric car will be the company’s most expensive model, with prices expected to begin “north of $US300,000” – equivalent to approximately $AU475,000.

In the US, the Cadillac Celestiq’s price will put it in the range of the UK-built Rolls-Royce Ghost and Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner – although in terms of how it’s powered, the electric Rolls-Royce Spectre coupe may also be a competitor, revealed this week.

Cadillac customers can commission their own bespoke Celestiq, with the US car-maker claiming each hand-built customer example of the electric vehicle will be a one-off.

The Cadillac Celestiq’s dual electric motors produce 447kW and 868Nm – an increase of 17kW and loss of 32Nm compared to the Rolls-Royce Spectre.

General Motors claims the Cadillac Celestiq can achieve a driving range of up to 483km (300 miles) thanks to its 111kWh battery, although this is based on the car-maker’s own estimations.

Underpinned by General Motors’ Ultium battery platform – also found in the GMC Hummer EV ute and Cadillac Lyriq SUV, among other cars – the Celestiq supports DC fast charging at up to 200kW, 150kW less than a Hyundai Ioniq 5 or 70kW below the Porsche Taycan and Audi E-Tron GT.

Adaptive air suspension is aimed at delivering a comfortable and controlled ride, coupled with Cadillac’s ‘Magnetic Ride Control’ dampers – claimed to be the “world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology”.

The Cadillac Celestiq is available with 23-inch wheels – equal to those found on the Rolls-Royce Spectre – wrapped in bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres.

The electric car also offers up to 3.5 degrees of rear-wheel steering, enabling the Celestiq to become more agile at low speeds while being more stable on the move.

Inside, a 55-inch screen spans the width of the dashboard, incorporating an 8K digital instrument panel, infotainment system and a dedicated screen for passengers which cannot be viewed from the driver’s position.

The Cadillac Celestiq’s steering wheel centre is one of 115 3D-printed parts in the electric car, with General Motors increasing its reliance on the modern production technology.

A flat floor is said to provide rear passengers with more legroom than a petrol-powered car, with the second-row occupants also treated to a pair of 12.6-inch screens incorporated in the headrests of the front seats.

A fixed glass roof is fitted without a sunshade, instead featuring “suspended particle device technology” which can make the panel transparent or tinted, depending on the occupants’ preferences.

The Cadillac Celestiq will also be equipped with General Motors’ Ultra Cruise semi-autonomous driving technology, allowing drivers to travel with their hands off the steering wheel on certain roads and remotely park their electric car.

According to Cadillac, the Celestiq is set to enter production from December 2023 at the General Motors Global Technical Centre in Warren, Michigan – with all vehicles to be hand-built.

As reported in July 2022, General Motors is interested in bringing the Cadillac brand to Australia, despite previously pulling out of right-hand-drive markets globally, leading to the closure of Holden.

In Australia, General Motors is represented by the Chevrolet Silverado and Chevrolet Corvette, both of which are sold by General Motors Specialty Vehicles.

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