2025 Cadillac CELESTIQ

You don't have to look that far back in Cadillac's concept history for what can only be described as disappointment. Not the concepts themselves — the Ciel, El Mirage and Escala are all jaw-dropping design studies — but because none ever made their way into production. But this time we aren't getting revved up for another bout of disappointment. Cadillac is going to actually build the Celestiq, which is virtually indistinguishable from the concept that spawned it.

The Celestiq will be hand-built and the most advanced Cadillac ever, says the company. To that end, there is a 55-inch display that spans the full length of the dashboard that will allow the front passenger to enjoy entertainment without it being visible to the driver. That will reduce distractions along the way. Passengers in the back won't be neglected and will have their own screens too. The Celestiq will also feature the Ultra Cruise system. Silly name aside, Ultra Cruise is essentially the next evolution of GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving assist technology.

The Celestiq will also take advantage of 3D printing technologies, and it is expected that more than 100 parts of the car, both structural and cosmetic, will be made from this process. There will also be a four-quadrant glass roof that each passenger can customize to his or her desired level of transparency. Cadillac is calling the Celestiq a "one-of-a-kind ultra-luxury vehicle," and on those grounds alone it's safe to say that the company is setting expectations high.

That's reflected in the price tag, too — believed to be starting in the neighborhood of $300,000, the Celestiq will compete with the likes of the Rolls-Royce Spectre and a future Bentley EV.

On paper, the Celestiq has the hardware to run with the big boys. Built on GM's Ultium battery platform, the Celestiq will feature dual electric motors producing around 600 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. Even though the 111-kWh battery pack will undoubtedly contribute to much of the Celestiq's mass, Cadillac says the power on tap is enough to accelerate the four-door from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. Cadillac estimates the Celestiq will deliver 300 miles of driving range on a full charge, which will be surprising if true given that this Rolls-Royce-sized sedan is undoubtedly hefty and rides on summer performance tires (which typically offer greater handling ability at the expense of EV range).

The Celestiq promises to be the most ambitious and expensive project the American luxury automaker has ever undertaken. We're hoping it's just as jaw-dropping to drive and be in as it is to behold.

The Celestiq is a big swing from Cadillac as it hopes to firmly establish itself as a major player in the ultra-luxury space during the electric revolution.