Detroit-based luxury automaker Cadillac has announced pricing for its upcoming Celestiq electric sedan, with a starting price of $340,000. This astronomical figure makes the hand-built Celestiq one of the most expensive EVs ever produced. The high price tag immediately puts it in rarefied air, competing with the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley for the title of most expensive electric vehicle.
However, Cadillac emphasizes that the Celestiq is intended to be a highly customizable vehicle, with numerous options that can push the price even higher. “This isn’t just another vehicle,” said Global Vice President Rory Harvey. “Celestiq is a completely bespoke experience, a symbol of what Cadillac aspires to be. It’s the pinnacle of luxury and personalization.”
The Celestiq will be available with two battery sizes: a standard 300-mile range battery or an extended 500-mile range battery, which adds $10,000 to the price. The long-range battery option will appeal to those wanting to drive further between charges. Interior materials like leather, wood, and carbon fiber will also impact pricing significantly. The range-topping interior treatment of buttery leather could add $20,000 or more for those wanting to ensconce themselves in ultimate luxury.
Advanced technology features will also drive up costs. Options like the rear entertainment system, augmented reality head-up display, and night vision system do not come cheap. For example, the night vision system that can detect pedestrians and animals in the dark is a $5,000 option. The augmented reality display overlays navigation directions and vehicle information into the driver’s field of view. And the rear entertainment system provides airplane-style screens and controls for pampered rear passengers.
Make no mistake, the Cadillac Celestiq sets a new high bar for luxury electric mobility. For deep-pocketed buyers seeking the ultimate in exclusivity, customization, and advanced technology, the Celestiq delivers all that and more. But that level of bespoke luxury and leading-edge innovation comes at a steep price.
When the Celestiq arrives at dealerships in 2023, it will firmly occupy the pinnacle position in Cadillac’s lineup. It provides a showcase for the brand’s electrified vision and commitment to American craftsmanship — though drivers will need visionary pockets to match. Cadillac promises an unprecedented experience for Celestiq owners, from the vehicle’s concept to its custom manufacturing.
GM President Mark Reuss called the Celestiq a “showcase for the excellent craftsmanship, technology and design that Cadillac plans to bring to market in the future.” This hand-built masterpiece aims to be a bold symbol for Cadillac as it transitions to an all-electric portfolio.
For GM, the Celestiq also represents a bid to compete directly with the likes of Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Mercedes-Maybach in the ultra-luxury EV space. By pricing above $400,000 when fully optioned, Cadillac is staking a claim in the most exclusive and expensive tier of electric vehicles.
The Celestiq may be unattainable for most buyers, but its ambitious vision provides an aspirational target for the brand. Cadillac aims to recapture its standing as the “standard of the world” with this provocative flagship. Love it or hate it, the Celestiq makes a statement that Cadillac intends to push boundaries and shake up the luxury establishment.
