Updated 01:22 AM,Jul 25,2022
Cadillac has unveiled the CELESTIQ concept car, a visionary expression of innovation and purposeful design, offering a first glimpse at the brand’s future flagship all-electric, handcrafted sedan.
Designed to lead Cadillac’s electric future, CELESTIQ draws inspiration from the brand’s rich 120-year heritage and serves as the benchmark for Cadillac’s design and engineering teams, who continue refining the vehicle as it nears production.
Speaking on the launch, Magali Debeauvais, Director of Advanced Cadillac Design, said: “The CELESTIQ concept is the purest expression of Cadillac. It brings to life the most integrated design and creative ideas in the brand’s history, coalescing into a definitive statement of a true Cadillac pioneer.”
During development, design and engineering teams deepened their focus on craftsmanship and customization—hallmarks that defined previous Cadillac sedans, such as pre-World War II V-16 models and the iconic 1957 Eldorado Brougham. CELESTIQ stands as the culmination of this legacy, achieved through innovative manufacturing methods and advanced technologies.
Chief Engineer Tony Roma added: “These vehicles represented the pinnacle of luxury in their respective eras and helped establish Cadillac as a global standard. The CELESTIQ concept—a distinctive sedan whose design delivers ultimate luxury—builds upon that rich heritage and elevates it further.”
Designers drew additional inspiration from classic architecture, including landmark mid-century works by architect Eero Saarinen, as well as iconic American designs that captured their time and have endured the test of time.
By integrating these influential elements within an electric platform built on the Altium architecture, a completely new expression was born—the CELESTIQ concept. This vehicle redefines travel as a deeply personal experience, one designed to evoke emotion. The result is a car that leaves a powerful initial impression and fosters a lasting emotional connection.
Laititia Lopez, Creative Color and Interior Designer, said: “We focused on harmonizing function with form. This required rethinking every detail to immerse the occupant fully across all senses, while forging a deeper bond with the vehicle through premium natural materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and advanced technology.”
As a result, the concept car previews innovative materials, cutting-edge technologies, and meticulously hand-finished details that reflect Cadillac’s vision for the future. Among its standout features are five advanced high-resolution LED interactive screens—including a 55-inch slanted LED display—alongside groundbreaking automotive innovations such as a smart glass roof with switchable transparency and Ultra Cruise, the next evolution of General Motors’ hands-free driver assistance technology, which Cadillac plans to offer in the CELESTIQ.
The smart glass roof employs suspended particle device (SPD) technology, enabling four customizable lighting zones, allowing passengers to fully personalize their cabin experience for comfort and visibility. Additionally, the 55-inch slanted LED display includes digital privacy curtains—active electronic blinds designed to let passengers enjoy video content while blocking the driver’s view.
These and other technologies previewed in the concept will make CELESTIQ the most advanced Cadillac vehicle ever created. The production version of the CELESTIQ will be announced at a later date.
Notably, General Motors is investing $81 million USD to support its facility at the International Technology Center, a distinguished campus originally designed by Eero Saarinen. Serving as the core hub for the company’s engineering and design efforts, this center will see CELESTIQ become the first production vehicle manufactured there since its opening in 1956.
