GM has yet to lift the veil on the all-new Cadillac Celestiq luxury sedan, but at this point, between the teasers, the spy photos, and the debut of the Cadillac Celestiq Show Car, we have a pretty good handle on what the production vehicle will look like. The question now is – Hot, or Not?
Cadillac Celestiq Show Car
For those readers who may be unaware, the Cadillac Celestiq is poised to offer customers full-size luxury and cutting-edge technology in an extremely customizable all-electric package. Production will be limited select affluent markets in the U.S., Canada, and Middle East, with an estimated starting price around $300,000. Each example will be hand-built at GM’s technical campus in Warren, Michigan, with standout tech goodies including a Smart Glass roof, as GM Authority exclusively covered last year, plus GM’s Ultra Cruise system, which will enable hands-free operation in 95 percent of driving scenarios.
Cadillac Celestiq Show Car
Motivation will be sourced from GM Ultium batteries and GM Ultium drive motors, with the GM BEV3 platform providing the underpinnings. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is expected to take just 3 seconds, while range-per-charge is expected to hit around 400 miles.
So, what about the exterior? Judging by the latest teasers, spy photos, and the Cadillac Celestiq Show Car, the production Celestiq is shaping up to be low, long, and wide, incorporating slick lighting signatures up front and in the rear, as well as large wheels shod in ultra-thin tires in the corners.
Cadillac Celestiq prototype
The Cadillac Celestiq profile is particularly interesting, showing off a low roof line and sleek greenhouse, stretching back into an extended rear overhang with an enormous C-pillar design. The shape lends the Celestiq an almost hatchback-esque silhouette, with a roofline that falls into the rear of the vehicle at a gentle slope.
The question, then, is this – is the Cadillac Celestiq Hot, or Not? Let us know by voting in the poll below, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac Celestiq news, Cadillac news, GM electric vehicle news, GM technology news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
No it looks like a cheap plasticly station wagon, at least the pleather looks decent on the inside.
Wait? What?
Pleather? You don’t seriously mean that. I know you don’t.
I guess that “leather” was meant. On the inside.
The “p” key is just above the “L” key on the computer keyboard.
Idk wtf they are thinking with the car from the C pillar back. Reminds me of the Pontiac Aztec. Good luck with this.
Horrible. It’s just horrible. That goes for the Lyriq as well. Who wants tail lamps on the side of their car?
Look at the Audi E-Tron. Great looking vehicle that actually looks like a car.
Reminds me of my old 6000 SUX. What a classic.
While I like it I still think the rear end may well be its Achilles Heel.
There were several iterations of that rear end design, starting way back in 2019. Imho, some looked better than this, some looked worse.
It should also be said that the design looks FAR better in real life…it really is absolutely striking.
Cadillac ended up going with that rear design for a few reasons, but most importantly was aerodynamics. That tear-drop shape dramatically and positively effects the range this car gets. A 3-box sedan design affords worse mileage. Those “L” shaped rear lights that run down the C pillar and then straight to the back of the car were put there to create the “illusion” of a 3-box sedan design…in the same way the Mach-E has the blacked-out upper roof to fake the viewer into seeing a sloping, coupe-esque roofline.
The other reason that they went with this design was for the very reason that high-luxury buyers WANT controversy. You have to understand, GM contacted hundreds if not thousands of people who buy Rolls, Bentley, Maybach, Aston, etc. to get their input on what drives them as consumers, and controversial, risk-taking design was a top factor. Controversy creates attention, and attention is the lifeblood of the uber-rich.
GM Design started with the Escala body for this project, and transitioned over to this Celestiq design over time – that’s because the Escala was coming to production, but was killed off just before JdN got canned for throwing a fit over the car’s untimely death. When Cadillac determined that the car was to be electric, they optimized range in the design, made the car bigger, and updated the interior all while moving the interior design WAY more upmarket…hence, Celestiq. The two cars are different phases of the exact same project; while the Escala was going to have a hybridized version of the Blackwing V8, the Celestiq will have all electric motors.
Time alone will tell how right or wrong they got it.
Some amazing technology and details, and from some angles very elegant. In person, I’m sure that it commands your attention and has ‘presence’ for days. It makes a statement, for sure.
‘Hot’ isn’t a word I’d use…but I wouldn’t use that to describe any Rolls or Bentley models either, so I guess it’s in good company. Cadillac has several other concepts in its past that I’d deem ‘hotter’, personally…but I’m not the target market. I guess we’ll find out if this is a timeless design in about 20 years.
” I’m not the target market ” — I like that statement. Me neither, but I find the design good
It’s bold, beautiful, and makes no excuses.
This is the most beautiful car I’ve ever seen.
I’m not the target market either, but I’d take a wagon or hatchback over any SUV or sedan. Can we get more affordable hatchbacks please? I’m starting to get very tired of seeing SUV’s everywhere.
Hot from the front to the C-pillar. I may be wrong, but I don’t think they have ever shown a view from the back.
Maybe I missed it. I get that there trying to make the taillights look like Cadillac fins, but it just doesn’t work on a hatchback.
Unique look for sure. I think most would say ct6 was a beautiful car, this one is far more polarizing since it’s different looking.
NOT
It’s bold, unusual in a Bavk To The Future kind of way. Lacks the grace of MB or dignity of Audi. Ugly hasn’t hurt Lexus or Tesla though.
Luxury is hard. Even BMW is being attacked for design and looking like a Dodge. American drivers are such conformists that even Jaguar, Volvo and Alfa can’t do well. I expected the same for Cadillac. It will be a Buick 4 car brand within a decade
SteveIn: Agreed. And I find your comment about the American drivers being such conformists. And yet this country can’t buy enough boxes on wheels as long as they call them SUV/CUV’s.
I am keeping open minded till I see one but at this point I am not feeling it.
I suspect this may just one of several limited bodies we may see.
Not.
That’s a shame too because Cadillac has built some HOT concepts. This one is a NOT.
Stunning!
NOT
That this article even exists, tells you all you need to know.
@Nate- Mike drop.
I voted not, but must place the “*” next to it because I want to reserve the right to make any true comment until after I see one in person. It could grow on me, but at this point it’s not. Yet I feel like they could easily transform this by just making some last minute changes to the rear. They should drop it down at that rear light, make it a more traditional sedan look with a more upright rear glass and a trunk.
agree, if this turn easy to an adequate sedan with ECE motor, it has a chance, and skip the red inside…
Suggestion to GM God Design is to take a look at pics 62 Cadillac Series of 1950 or even Eldorados of 1960… then maybe has a chance do a good Review in my Concept Design Facebook group, otherwise is just another concept to go to smash machine or a kind Edge of a museum among 1000 other cars
It needs more real buttons inside. The interior looks empty. Also the rear is not the best part just like Lyriq’s rear.
I’m sure it will be impressive in person, but it’s not as good as I expected.
No divider between the rear seat and the luggage area. I’m sure Mr and Ms Big, who have Jeeves do the driving, won’t much appreciate the smell of worn leather covered with the greasy handprints of airport luggage handlers.
I saw the wagon concept and that’s a cool one. I’m ok with EVs as long as I can still drive my obnoxious gazz smelling hot rods
Terrible, terrible, terrible. An ugly 300,000.00 Hatch Back. Just what the Luxury World needs! A big waste of metal and plastic. Where are the Billy Mitchel inspired designers when you really need them. Cadillac front ends look like a compilation of after market parts from a J. C. Whitney Catalog. Audi leads the EV Design World. Although, the interior of the MB EV S Class looks pretty good – futuristic.
kkkk… laugh a lot… but is this approach not what all well salaried designers are doing inside all industries ?
those who receives US$ 50 000 monthly to do their job right… for our tastes… and still do not do.
but no…. Audi design is terrible terrible, very ugly confusing with unnecessary lines and bumps…. Mercedes EV S… well, other day a guy took one from a shop, stop in red light beside me and the ancient guy wanted to show off the car to me as we were interested… but just leave he goes, not interested at alll. … hate those tall mid consoles divisors of Mercedes Benz, as you gonna touch the leg of girl at side but can not do due the wall. ah yeah stimmt those Mercedes are for 65 years old people… forgot this.
The Celestiq looks like an ugly stationwagen at an extreme price and it will be an extremely low production “handmade” EV. No thank you.
Don’t like it. Reminds me of bling mania. The side and rear views – fugly.
Look at Mercedes and Audi, much more refined design.
On one hand, for a high-end, “exclusive” automobile, you would expect a “classic,” somewhat “timeless” design, and the Celestiq unlikely will age well. On the other hand, Cadillac’s ultra expensive Eldorado Broughams of the 1950’s were also much more flashy and trendy compared to other cars in that league, so maybe it’s keeping with a Cadillac philosophy.
I especially agreed with the comments from Tom, Dennis JL, MK and Blue Potato regarding this design.
I like the look but hate that it’s EV. Not for me.
A CTS-V wagon with a 6 speed manual is hot. This thing? I sure hope It’s a success, but we shall see.
It’s hot to me, an awesome looking car. What is controversial is the design from the C pillar to the back, which many people have problems getting used to. What I would like to see is a LWB Ultra Lux 230″ sedan on the same platform, call it MAJESTIQ.
Not sure if you realize, but it’s longer than Escalade ESV. It’s about 235″ as is.
Well I don’t love the back of it. I wish the had brought the Escala or any of the other two concepts from the 2000’s. They were perfect. I do love the front. The side styling is sharp. I like the vertical taillights but the overall backend is bulky and outsized to the rest of the car. We can’t know what materials are used inside just by looking at a photo. For the asking price it needs to have the highest quality materials. Ala rolls Royce . Being hand built and limited availability likely means it will find an audience. Overall I like it. Tone down the back.
Still looks like a $300,000 AMC Marlin !!!!
The excessive front end / grill work is interesting for cars that really don’t need a grill. You’d think EV’s would be styled more to emphasize their difference to ICE models.
I was also surprised that China is not apparently a market for this vehicle. At first, I certainly thought it would be.
It looks like an attempt to merge legacy Cadillac front styling with “Shooting Brake” rear silhouette. For the price point, Cadillac could do much better.
Does anyone remember the Jensen Interceptor?… Very cool looking car!!!
Can’t wait to see this new Caddy, the Celestiq, even if I can’t afford it.
You go Cadillac !!! – all out!
Rather have XLR or CTS-V with Corvette engine and manual transmission.
Hey, you folks continue to “drink the cool aide” that GM marketing sends out. LIke the Buick Electa, Corvette Z06 ( press/eval cars, all Z06’s at Carlise had EXP in the vins, not saleable units) Zora ( or what spin they put on the C8 this week). I am not the target market for a $300,000 GM , what ever, where ever it fits mobile? I am sure many of you are potential buyers and already have placed your order with GM, along with the E-Vette? GM should get their act together and build cars to sell, not hype-mobiles….rant over….have a fun time today….
So, you’re saying you don’t like the car, right?
Too big for me. Styling? Time will tell.
A second comment on this one for me:
I’ve now read a few comments about the rear end being designed as such for the aerodynamics in order to extend range. If true (and probably is), then why the oversized front end? Now I’m certainly no expert in that field, but I do understand that the rear of a vehicle is quite important to the wind drag, etc. However, wouldn’t that also apply to the front? I don’t hate the front, but like the Lyriq, it’s not great either.
Finally, what about the “names”? Celestiq? Lyriq? Ok, whatever. I will say that at least they are names, just bad ones which are still better than the XTS, CTS, CT5, CT4, SRX…………………………………blah blah blah. Time will tell, but I truly feel GM will have trouble selling the low numbers they are shooting for. I see this car being short lived and a true future classic for the specific collectors.
From the outside, it resembles the Lyriq too much. It should have it’s own look/personality; especially for the estimated starting price of $200-$300K for starters.
BTW, My Lyriq is due to arrive in December.
What a beautiful car.
This is another reason the 65 and up don’t buy GM now or will they in the future. GM needs to focus on what i s actually needed, not this. Yesit is sharp. Also eventually even this product will not be USA made–so sad GM—
This is another reason the 65 and up don’t buy GM now or will they in the future. GM needs to focus on what i s actually needed, not this. Yes it is sharp. Also eventually even this product will not be USA made–so sad GM—
It is very unique and elegant in its own way.
For it to be successful in not just sales, but in public opinion, it must come out the same as we see it today.
The Celestiq should be impressive when viewed first-hand.
LOVE it!!! I love hatchbacks and wagons. Absolutely beautiful car from every angle. 10/10.
Front end and side looks good. C piller back just don’t work.
Nobody even had to ask if the Ciel, Elmiraj or Escala were “hot or not”. I expect it will look awesome in person, though and with it being made to order, I look forward to seeing more different takes on the options. It’s a little less obviously gorgeous and a little more avant-garde. I do like the callback to the two-box design of the really old Cadillacs.
Just thinking as to what the intent of a vehicle like this actually is. Given the large rear doors, it would seem as if this car was designed not for the driver, but for the passenger. Which is why I originally suspected the Celestiq was intended for the Chinese market – kind of like an upscale version of the earlier, Chinese-only LWS, SLS.
But as a massive hatchback, it’s not a conventional limousine, so presumably the vision is that the car would be used to ferry wealthy family and friends on shopping expeditions or to the country club, where golf clubs, tennis rackets or shopping bags (where they still may be legal) can be stowed in back.
It would appear, then to be designed as a potential status symbol for celebrity clients (many of whom I suspect would be given leases-to-good-to-refuse from GM to use the car) and for GM, too, to have bold-face names be seen and photographed riding in a Cadillac. A Cadillac other than an Escalade, which is by far the most expensive Caddy domestically, but basically absent in China, where Cadillac sells most of its vehicles.
Fantastic comment. Very well said.
Thank you, G8B.
Nothing new. People already use cars as a status symbol. They buy Roll Royce, Bentley , supercars etc.
A Definitely NOT ‼️‼️‼️‼️
I love Cadillacs more the anything but this caddy just looks whack !!! I own a cadillac CT6 V
And it was love at 1st site !
The cadillac is plan ugly 🤢🤢
Not!
Bring back the ct6 ice.. This will be the ruin of GM.
ICE or BEV is not a choice we have. By 2035 you will not be able to buy another ICE vehicle. We basically have another 10 years of gasoline cars, then all car companies are going electric.
This is an old Citroen retro-updated. I am just glad that I’m not in my 70’s yet…
Please make the rear more like the CT5.I’m begging you, It would be a horrible mistake to sell a full size sedan with those ugly tail lights. Tail lights don’t need to wrap around to the side, that’s why they’re called “tail lights” and square off the trunk of the car like the CT5.