Cadillac’s all-electric Celestiq is pushing the boundaries of automotive luxury—and price. The exclusive flagship EV will now start above $400,000 (approximately $613,000 AUD), making it more expensive than the base Rolls-Royce Spectre EV.
Unlike most models, Cadillac doesn’t publish detailed Celestiq pricing. The car is available “by inquiry only,” with the 2026 model year starting in the “low-$400k” range—a significant increase from the previous base price of around $340,000. This price jump is roughly equivalent to the cost of an entry-level Cadillac Lyriq in the US.
Exclusive Production and Customization
Cadillac is deliberately keeping production limited. The company expects to build only around 25 Celestiqs this year, with plans for “hundreds, not thousands” in 2026. Each vehicle is ordered through a dedicated concierge service, with buyers able to customize their car extensively at Cadillac House in Michigan.
The price includes eight years of connected services at no charge and a new patterned design for the ‘smart glass’ roof, which uses suspended particle technology to control light levels in each of its four zones.
Performance and Technology
The Celestiq boasts a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain delivering 447kW of power and 868Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60mph (0-96km/h) in 3.8 seconds and offers a claimed range of 483km from its 111kWh battery.
Key features include:
- 23-inch alloy wheels with adaptive air suspension
- Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 for superior handling
- Active Rear Steering for enhanced maneuverability
- A massive 55-inch pillar-to-pillar display and multiple screens throughout the cabin
- Premium leather interior, a 38-speaker AKG audio system, and advanced climate control
Market Positioning
The Celestiq represents Cadillac’s re-entry into the ultra-luxury segment, a space it hasn’t seriously contested since the Eldorado Brougham in the late 1950s. While the brand is expanding its EV lineup with the Lyriq, Optiq, and Vistiq, the Celestiq remains a distinct halo product.
Availability
Notably, the Celestiq is currently built exclusively in left-hand drive and won’t be sold in Australia.
Future Outlook
Cadillac has closely followed through on the Sollei concept, a two-door convertible version of the Celestiq that looks production-ready, which could also reach customers in the future. The Celestiq’s success will depend on its ability to attract buyers who demand extreme exclusivity and are willing to pay a premium for it
