2024 Cadillac Celestiq

We know it’s built on the Ultium EV platform, which is capable of 19 drive and battery configurations, and that it’ll be powered by two electric motors. The modular architecture energy options range from 50 to 200 kWh, provide an estimated range of up to 400 miles and is capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds. 

For example, the 24-module battery pack used in the 2022 GMC Hummer EV yields up to 400 miles of driving range on a full charge and offers DC charging speeds up to 350 kW. This fast-charging capability nets approximately 100 miles of range in 10 minutes. An all-wheel drive system and four-wheel steering will likely also feature on the Celestiq.

Unlike the GMC Hummer—which optionally includes the hands-free Super Cruise system—Celestiqs will feature the next-generation Ultra Cruise advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that enables door-to-door hands-free driving. Its perception system includes cameras, radar and lidar to support its AI stack and create a four-dimensional 360-degree understanding of its surroundings in all weather conditions. 

This Level 3 self-driving technology was developed entirely in-house by General Motors and is powered by a 5-nanometer computer architecture with scalable processing capability that can perform 300 tera operations per second (TOPS).

Ultra Cruise reportedly covers more than two million miles in the U.S. and Canada, including streets, subdivisions and rural roads. It’s designed to handle 95% of all driving scenarios. However, the technology still requires a driver to monitor the hands-free driving.

The big Cadillac’s interior will feature a pillar-to-pillar display for the driver and front-seat passenger. Rear occupants will enjoy personalized entertainment screens and individualized comfort settings. The roof features a four-quadrant glass roof with a selectable tint for each panel.

Each Celestiq will be hand-built at the GM Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, and customization will surpass the current trim levels. Rivaling premier luxury brands, such as Bentley and Mercedes-Benz, buyers can expect to hand-pick materials for their made-to-order interiors. 

 When Will The Cadillac Celestiq Be Available? 

The exact launch date for the Cadillac Celestiq isn’t known yet, but on Aug. 2, 2023, Cadillac announced buyers can start customizing their Celestiqs with personal design consultants. The first of these hand-built EVs are anticipated to be available late 2023 or in early 2024.

GM CEO Mary Barra was at the Celestiq’s debut during Monterey Car Week in August 2022. She touted the reveal as the start of a new flagship for Cadillac and GM, “Cadillac will lead the way for electric vehicles and luxury,” she said. 

How Much Will the Cadillac Celestiq Cost?

The upcoming ultra-luxury flagship vehicle will be priced well over the Cadillac Lyriq’s mid-$60,000 sticker—closer to $340,000 with only 500 cars produced each year. Official pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but in August 2023 the “base” version without any curation was expected to start under $350,000.

Considering the mass-produced Escalade can retail for about $110,000 with options, a highly customized, hand-made Celestiq will easily hit well over that.