2025 Cadillac Celestiq Review: Can This $400,000 Electric Sedan Rival Rolls-Royce and Bentley?
The 2025 Cadillac Celestiq is not just another luxury sedan. It is Cadillac’s bold attempt to return to its old identity as the “Standard of the World.” This is a handbuilt, ultra-luxury, fully electric flagship designed to compete directly with Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Maybach.
With a starting price of around $400,000, ultra-low production numbers, and extreme levels of customization, the Celestiq sits in a completely different category from anything Cadillac has built before.
This article breaks down the Celestiq in a clear, organised way, focusing on design, materials, customization, interior technology, performance, real-world driving impressions, and value.
What Is the Cadillac Celestiq?
The Celestiq is a full-size ultra-luxury electric sedan, although Cadillac officially calls it a sedan while it actually features a hatchback-style tailgate similar to the Porsche Panamera.
Key positioning details:
Intended to compete with Rolls-Royce and Bentley
Ultra limited production
Fully electric only
Handbuilt to order
No dealer stock units
Pricing Overview
2025 model year starting price was around $360,000
2026 model year price increased to around $400,000
Price varies heavily depending on customization
Size, Platform, and Presence
This is a genuinely massive car.
Longer than a Cadillac Escalade
Approximate weight: 6,500 pounds
Full-size luxury sedan proportions
Strong road presence with a bold, unconventional shape
Despite its size, the design attracts attention instantly. Cadillac admits the original design started as a sketch at the GM Design Center, and the production car stayed remarkably close to that first concept.
Exterior Design Highlights
The Celestiq looks like nothing else on the road.
Key Exterior Elements
Fastback silhouette with a hatchback rear
Extremely long wheelbase
Sculpted body with dramatic lighting
No visible door handles anywhere
Automatic Doors and Tailgate
Front and rear doors open and close electronically
Buttons are mounted on the B-pillar and rear pillar
Tailgate opens by pressing the Cadillac logo
No traditional door handles on the entire car
Lighting Details
Dramatic welcome lighting sequence
Illuminated grille elements
Massive vertical rear lighting units
Oversized rear turn signals for maximum visibility
Cadillac Goddess Returns
Illuminated Cadillac Goddess emblem on both front fenders
One side integrates the charge port release button
A nod to classic Cadillac heritage
Materials and Build Quality
This is where the Celestiq separates itself from normal luxury cars.
Extensive Use of Billet Aluminum
Tailgate surround made from machined billet aluminum
Rocker panels are billet aluminum, not plastic or carbon fiber
Upper grille trim also billet aluminum
Interior fasteners etched with “Standard of the World”
In most cars, these parts are plastic. Here, they are precision-machined metal components.
Interior Craftsmanship Highlights
Hand-polished aluminum steering wheel trim
Buttons cut using surgical-grade instruments for perfect backlighting
Recycled newspaper composite interior trim with visible lettering
Aluminum seatbelt guide trim and airbag labels
Even areas that are barely visible receive premium materials, reinforcing the handbuilt philosophy.
Customization: Built Exactly for the Buyer
Every Celestiq is built to order.
Cadillac production capacity is fewer than two cars per day, with each vehicle taking weeks to complete.
Customization Options Include
Around 90 factory paint colors
Gloss or matte finishes for all colors
Paint-to-sample options
Custom leather, fabric, or materials provided by the buyer
Bespoke interior trim choices
Buyers are encouraged to visit Cadillac House at GM’s Tech Center in Detroit to finalize their configuration using physical samples.
Cadillac reports most buyers so far are:
Business owners
Buyers seeking American luxury
A mix of collectors and daily drivers
Interior Design and Technology
The interior matches the exterior ambition.
Dashboard and Screens
Full-width pillar-to-pillar display
Digital instrument cluster for the driver
Configurable central infotainment area
Dedicated passenger entertainment screen
Lower touchscreen for climate, seats, doors, and settings
Climate Control Innovation
Air vents integrated into the dashboard bar
Vent direction controlled digitally
Oscillating airflow feature for gentle air movement
Heated Everything
Heated and ventilated seats front and rear
Heated armrests
Heated neck airflow from headrests
Individual microclimate control for each seat
Smart Glass Roof
The roof is one of the Celestiq’s standout features.
Smart glass roof with adjustable transparency
Divided into four quadrants
Each seat gets five brightness levels
Fully independent control per occupant
Ambient lighting patterns visible at night
Audio System and Entertainment
38-speaker premium audio system
Speakers integrated into every headrest
Individual sound zones for each occupant
Rear seat entertainment screens with built-in apps
Headphone-based listening for passengers
A feature called Conversation Enhance amplifies rear passenger voices to the front, improving communication inside the quiet cabin.
Rear Seat Experience
The rear seats receive the same treatment as the front.
Rear Seat Features
20-way power adjustment for both rear seats
Full massage functions
Heating and cooling
Heated armrests
Neck-warming airflow
Dedicated rear control touchscreen
Materials in the rear include:
Aluminum hinges
Etched coat hooks with “Standard of the World”
Hidden Cadillac line patterns under grab handles
Celestiq branding etched in discreet locations
Cargo Space and Practicality
The hatchback design improves interior openness.
Cargo Area Observations
Decent cargo volume
High load floor
Sloping roof limits vertical space
No cargo divider between seats and trunk
Under-floor storage is available for:
Charging cables
Personal items
The cargo floor stays open when lifted, which is a rare and thoughtful detail.
Powertrain and Performance
The Celestiq is fully electric only.
Key Powertrain Specs
Dual-motor all-wheel drive
655 horsepower
645 lb-ft of torque
0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.7 seconds
Estimated range: just over 300 miles
While speed is not the primary focus, performance is strong and effortless.
Driving Experience and Ride Comfort
Driving impressions are where skepticism turns into respect.
Ride and Comfort
Extremely quiet cabin
Excellent noise isolation
Ride comfort comparable to S-Class and Maybach
Smooth and serene at all speeds
Handling and Steering
Surprisingly agile for its size
Wide stance helps stability
Steering feels precise and confident
Strong structural solidity
This is not a sports car, but it feels composed and confident on real roads.
Value, Brand Challenge, and Final Verdict
The Celestiq delivers:
Exceptional materials
World-class ride comfort
Extreme customization
Advanced technology
Strong performance
According to DougScore, the Celestiq scored 69 out of 100, placing it near the top of the ultra-luxury segment.
The Biggest Challenge
Cadillac badge at a $400,000 price point
Likely depreciation
Limited buyer confidence at this level
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Cadillac Celestiq is not just good for a Cadillac.
It is genuinely competitive with Rolls-Royce and Bentley in ride quality, craftsmanship, design, and technology.
The car itself succeeds.
The brand perception is the real obstacle.
Whether the world is ready for a $400,000 Cadillac remains uncertain, but as an automobile, the Celestiq proves that Cadillac still knows how to build something truly special.
