In Los Angeles, turning heads doesn’t come easy. In a city awash in both Hollywood glamour and influencer chic, even A-list stars can walk by unnoticed, blending into a milieu where the exceptional quickly becomes mundane. The same goes for the road: On L.A. streets, premium luxury cars and rare vintage treasures alike are a regular sight. Yet, even a short ride in a Cadillac CELESTIQ spurs a procession of double takes and flashing phones. Stopped at a light, a neighbouring motorist rolls down their window. “Excuse me, what kind of car is that?”
After a couple of days, you start to get used to it. From the bustling Sunset Strip to the tranquil winding roads in the Angeles National Forest, the all-new CELESTIQ asserts an eye-catching presence. “We’re reinventing American automotive luxury,” says General Motors VP of Global Design Michael Simcoe, describing a design that recalls the bold lines and sharp contours of Cadillac’s 20th-century heritage while retaining an elegant and unapologetically contemporary aesthetic.
He’s not exaggerating. The CELESTIQ stands apart from other cars on the road. With understated nods to Cadillac’s mid-century zenith of space-age tail fins and rocket-shaped taillights, the bold design is complemented by exceptionally crafted finishes. From the intricately choreographed LED lighting sequence that frames the distinctive grille to the subtle Cadillac pattern that adorns the custom Michelin tires, every detail reflects an artisanal and sculpted yet nonetheless sporty quality.
True to its hand-built ethos, every CELESTIQ is a bespoke work. The custom commissioned cars are the product of close collaboration between every individual client and Cadillac’s design team, allowing for an unprecedented degree of personalized style. While the exterior can be colour-matched to any hue, every aspect of the interior can be deeply personalized. From seat colours and monogrammed details to contrast stitching and custom engraving on the cast-aluminum dash piece, the possibilities are impressively broad. Even the metal details on the doorsill can be customized, while the whole floor can be luxuriously wrapped in leather.
According to CELESTIQ design chief Erin Crossley, the embrace of artisanal craft is itself an homage to Detroit heritage. “It revives the spirit of handcrafted coaches, while evolving and modernizing a classic Cadillac form,” says Crossley. The commitment to authenticity is also borne out by a refreshing sense of material honesty. Here, the wood and metal textures are all the real thing — a contrast to a market where even ultra-luxury interiors are increasingly kitted out in wood-look polymers and plastic trims.
Yet, for all its craft, heritage and history, it’s fundamentally a car for the future. Touted as the most technologically advanced Cadillac to date, CELESTIQ boasts a wealth of features that push the envelope in comfort, performance and efficiency. Inside, an industry-first four-zone smart glass roof allows each passenger to independently control the amount of light and transparency in their respective area. Similarly, a first-of-its-kind four-zone microclimate system ensures every passenger’s comfort, while five standard HD interactive displays make for a seamless interface (and excellent passenger entertainment).
On the road, CELESTIQ delivers an exceptional driving experience. With 655 horsepower, 646 pound-feet of torque and 0-97 kilometre-per-hour acceleration in just 3.7 seconds, the athletic EV embraces the joy of driving, with remarkably smooth yet responsive handling. What’s more, active rear steering, adaptive all-wheel drive, active air suspension, magnetic ride control and active roll control make for a comfortable yet agile experience — whether in the depths of L.A. traffic or curving mountain roads. There’s nothing quite like it.
This content was published by Azure on behalf of Cadillac Canada. Want to learn more? Visit the CELESTIQ site here.
GM’s Cadillac CELESTIQ Seamlessly Unites Heritage and Technology
The flagship EV integrates a bold evocation of mid-century design into Cadillac’s most technology advanced car to date.