Cadillac Celestiq EV Review: Is This $360,000 Electric Luxury Car Worth It?
Wondering if the Cadillac Celestiq EV is worth its $360,000 price tag? This flagship electric vehicle (EV) from Cadillac promises a unique blend of cutting-edge technology, handcrafted luxury, and bold design. With a 303-mile range, a bespoke fastback body, and a suite of advanced features like Super Cruise and Google Built-In, the Celestiq EV is crafted to redefine American luxury. But can it really restore Cadillac’s standing as the "Standard of the World"? After spending a full day behind the wheel across Los Angeles, we have some important insights.
First Impressions: A Handcrafted Marvel
Sliding into the Cadillac Celestiq EV feels like stepping into a six-figure masterpiece. Every inch of the interior is draped in buttery leather and exquisite details. Seats are endlessly adjustable for supreme comfort, and the craftsmanship is evident everywhere you look—or touch. Impressively, 115 parts inside the cabin are 3D printed, including the steering wheel center, window switches, and console accents. It’s a marriage of tradition and technology rarely seen at this level.
Even structural elements have been hand-finished to deliver that bespoke aesthetic luxury car buyers crave, putting the Celestiq in direct competition with ultra-premium brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley.
Innovative Battery Design, Minor Trade-offs
To achieve 303 miles of range from its 111 kWh battery, Cadillac engineers took a non-traditional approach. Unlike the Lyriq's flat battery pack, the Celestiq’s battery modules vary in height: 9 inches under the front seats, 6 inches under the rear footwells, and a lofty 12 inches beneath the rear seats. Some modules even tuck under the center console, resulting in a small storage compartment barely large enough for a wallet and sunglasses.
While a shallow console might seem like a minor annoyance, it’s a necessary compromise for fitting in a battery this large without compromising cabin comfort or driving dynamics.
Cadillac Celestiq EV Driving Experience: Grace on the Move
One thing is certain: nothing else on the road looks like the Cadillac Celestiq EV. With its dancing LED light signature, elongated front hood, sculpted rear, and overall commanding presence, the Celestiq turns heads effortlessly—even in image-conscious Los Angeles.
Navigating Hollywood’s battered streets showcased the air suspension’s ability to smooth out potholes and broken pavement, despite riding on 22-inch Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires. Those worried about harshness can breathe easy: ride quality remains composed and serene.
Despite its size—larger than even a two-door Chevrolet Silverado—the Celestiq handles urban environments with surprising agility, thanks to a rear-wheel steering system that shrinks its turning circle.
Performance in the Hills: Power Meets Control
Leaving city streets behind, a 655-horsepower, 646 lb-ft torque powertrain springs to life on winding roads. Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control and active roll management shine here, keeping this 6,000-pound luxury cruiser remarkably flat through tight corners. Brake regeneration adds another layer of driving finesse, allowing savvy drivers to corner without even touching the mechanical brakes.
For enthusiasts, Cadillac has achieved a near-perfect blend of performance and refinement, rivaling electric luxury vehicles from Lucid Motors and even select Porsche Taycan models.
Sound and Autonomy: High-Tech Highlights
Cranking up the 38-speaker AKG Studio Reference sound system, enhanced with Dolby Atmos, transforms the Celestiq into a concert hall on wheels. Meanwhile, four exterior speakers broadcast EV-specific sounds to pedestrians, adding to the car's futuristic aura.
On highways, Cadillac’s hands-free Super Cruise system delivers flawless autonomous driving, allowing you to relax and soak in the opulence. GM’s advanced driver-assistance technology cements the Celestiq’s status as a true flagship.
The Biggest Flaw: Smartphone Integration Woes
Despite its tech-forward mission, the Cadillac Celestiq EV falters where it shouldn’t: smartphone integration. GM’s reliance on Google Built-In instead of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto results in frustrating connectivity issues. Simple tasks like hands-free texting or calls sometimes require multiple reconnections or obscure iPhone settings adjustments—an inconvenience that luxury buyers simply won't tolerate.
Given that the high-end electric car segment expects seamless smartphone interaction, this is a glaring flaw Cadillac must address to stay competitive against Tesla, Mercedes-Benz EQS, and Lucid Air.
Cadillac Celestiq Interior Tech: Screens for Days
Visually, the Celestiq’s 55 inches of dashboard-spanning high-resolution screens are nothing short of breathtaking. Passengers can stream movies, browse the internet, and control their own climate settings via an additional screen below the main panel.
Although smartphone integration disappoints, the overall user interface is smooth, intuitive, and visually stunning—setting a new benchmark for luxury EV interiors.
Does the Cadillac Celestiq EV Deliver?
The Cadillac Celestiq EV is an unapologetically bold statement of American luxury. From its handcrafted interior and striking design to its electric performance and tech-laden cabin, Cadillac’s $360,000 flagship is worth considering for buyers seeking exclusivity and opulence.
However, lingering tech usability issues—especially around smartphone integration—could deter some luxury customers who expect absolute perfection for that price point.
For those willing to embrace Google Built-In and overlook minor quirks, the Cadillac Celestiq EV offers one of the most distinctive, exciting, and luxurious electric vehicle experiences available today.
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