The Cadillac Celestiq, envisioned as the brand’s $340,000 flagship luxury EV, has faced unexpected delays. Originally slated for a 2024 release, the electric fastback is still awaiting its official debut. While potential buyers can join a waitlist for early reservations, the exact launch date remains uncertain, despite reports suggesting that production has already commenced. This delay underscores the complexities involved in bringing a high-end, technologically advanced vehicle to market, especially one intended to rival established luxury brands like Rolls-Royce. The Celestiq represents Cadillac’s ambitious foray into the ultra-luxury EV segment, and its successful launch is crucial for the brand’s electric future.
Adding a layer of anticipation, Jay Leno had the opportunity to test drive a pre-production Celestiq. As one of the first individuals outside of Cadillac to experience the vehicle, Leno’s impressions carry significant weight. His review, featured on Jay Leno’s Garage, highlights his positive experience with the Celestiq. Leno also spoke with Tony Roma, the chief engineer behind the Celestiq project, gaining valuable insights into the vehicle’s development and features. This early review offers a glimpse into what consumers can expect from Cadillac’s flagship EV, emphasizing its blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology.
During his drive, Leno learned that the Celestiq boasts a slightly higher power output than initially projected, delivering 650 horsepower from its dual-motor setup. The vehicle is also equipped with advanced suspension components, including air suspension, adaptive dampers, and active roll stabilization. These features contribute to the Celestiq’s impressive handling and comfort, allowing it to maintain a flat stance through corners, seemingly defying its substantial 6,500-pound weight. The acceleration sound, unique to sport mode, was noted to be similar to that of the Cadillac Lyriq, at least in the video demonstration.
Tony Roma’s insights into the Celestiq’s development process reveal Cadillac’s strategic decision to position the vehicle as its flagship model, aligning with General Motors’ broader electrification strategy. The Cadillac Lyriq served as the initial step in this direction, but the company recognized the need for an exceptional vehicle to truly represent its electric ambitions. This led to the creation of the Celestiq, designed to showcase the pinnacle of Cadillac’s engineering and design capabilities.
One of the defining aspects of the Celestiq is its approach to customization. According to Tony Roma, the vehicle offers very few traditional options. Instead, it comes standard with a comprehensive suite of features, including four-quadrant electrochromic glass that can be individually adjusted for each passenger. Buyers seeking further personalization can opt for bespoke customizations, a strategy reminiscent of Rolls-Royce, one of the Celestiq’s primary competitors. Despite not being fully production-ready at the time of Leno’s test drive, the Celestiq demonstrated a high level of refinement, blending comfort, body control, and surprising sportiness, making it an intriguing prospect for luxury EV enthusiasts.
