Cadillac Celestiq Proves Sedans Are Not Dead. How Many Teslas Would You Buy for the Money?

The 88-second video, titled "A Bespoke Journey," is a glimpse at the bespoke options that the Cadillac Celestiq can be ordered with. The automaker labels it as the most technologically advanced model yet. Right from the start, it comes with the reputation of the world’s first all-electric ultra-luxury sedan. But it does look like a fastback!

The model in the video ad is painted in the head-turning Habanero, which is a red-ish orange. Cadillac claims that there is essentially no limit to customization.

There are five advanced HD interactive displays on board, as well as the world's first ClimateSense individualized four-zone microclimate system and Smart Glass Panoramic Sunroof with fixed glass and opacity adjustment.

The driver in the video engages the GM Super Cruise driver assist function to prove the model’s advanced autonomous driving capabilities as he takes hands off the steering wheel. GM advertises the system as being the first true hands-free driver assistance technology for compatible roads.

For a whole new level of comfort and safety, the Celestiq rides on the Magnetic Ride Control suspension and features active rear steering and active roll control. 23-inch wheels keep the car planted to the pavement.

The video also advertises the 38-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system with three amplifiers and 3D surround sound. The functions of the car and the relevant information are displayed on a 55-inch HD display, spanning the entire width of the car's dashboard and resembling Mercedes' innovative MBUX Hyperscreen. The rear occupants have their own 12.6-inch displays.

The Cadillac's flagship electric sedan sits on GM's Ultimum architecture and is built on the GM BEV3 platform. The model is powered by two GM Ultium Drive electric motors, which pump out 600 horsepower (608 metric horsepower) and 640 pound-feet (868 Newton meters) of torque. Those are enough to make it run from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph) in just 3.8 seconds, which are supercar numbers.

However, it seems underpowered when sitting next to the dual-motor Tesla Model S, rated at 670 horsepower, which is five times cheaper.

A battery with a capacity of 111 kWh stores enough energy for a drive of up to 300 miles (483 kilometers) before the sedan needs to be plugged in again.

The Celestiq will be available in limited numbers and will be available by inquiry only. GM Authority reports that only 100 to 150 units will see the light of day per year.

Originally confirmed as a 2024 model year, the Celestiq will go into bespoke production at the GM Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, this late summer. The facility has only built concept cars and show cars until now, so it will be working on its first production model. The first customers will get their luxury sedans in 2025.

Each hand-built model starts at $340,000, which makes it by far the most expensive Cadillac in the current lineup. That's just about the money you would buy three Mercedes EQS sedans with and still be left with enough for a trip to Europe this summer.

Or you could just go ahead and buy five dual-motor Tesla Model S examples for the money. Of course, the Model S is not in the luxury segment.