Cadillac Celestiq: brand's most advanced model ever revealed

It remains a concept vehicle, but the manufacturer sees the car as the pinnacle of its future electric line-up

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  The Cadillac Celestiq was unveiled in July. All photos: Cadillac

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  Celestiq is a vision of Cadillac's all-electric future.

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  A peek inside the cabin shows Celestiq's 55-inch LED screen and centre console.

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  Celestiq's futuristic-looking tail lights.

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  A view of what rear-seat passengers can expect, should the concept see the light of day.

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  Cadillac's Lyriq, pictured, shares design cues with the Celestiq.

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  Celestiq's designers say they drew inspiration from Cadillac's early sedans.

Cadillac has unveiled a dramatic, ultra-luxury sedan that is set to be the company’s most advanced vehicle ever.

Going by the name of the Celestiq, it remains a concept car, but customers may be able to buy a production version as early as 2024. It is, of course, an all-electric affair, powered by parent company GM’s Ultium battery technology.

The new offering is to be a companion vehicle to Cadillac’s recently unveiled SUV, the Lyriq, and a casual observer may note some similarities between the two, notably, the distinctive front grille and signature tail lights.

Celestiq’s designers took inspiration from the brand’s 120-year heritage, with design manager Magalie Debellis calling it the “purest expression of Cadillac” yet.

Despite this nod to the past, the car has a long bonnet and sloping roof that give it a distinctly aerodynamic and futuristic air.

The Celestiq revealed here previews some of the materials, technologies and attention to detail that the brand says exemplifies its vision for future models.

The red interior was chosen to give the cabin a bright, theatrical appearance, and this is definitely a vehicle that wants to be noticed.

There are five high-definition LED interactive displays in the show car, including a 55-inch-diagonal centrepiece that stretches across the dashboard.

Celestiq has a bright and sumptuous interior. Photo: Cadillac

It’s no surprise that hands-free driver assistance technology will be a feature of the production model when it hits the tarmac.

One of the main things to note about the Celestiq is the fact the manufacturer intends to hand-build each car. GM says it has pumped $81 million into a facility for this very purpose.

There is no word on pricing for the Celestiq yet, but, being hand-built, it will likely be at the premium end of the spectrum.

Celestiq’s unveiling also coincides with Cadillac’s Project GTP Hypercar reveal, a third-generation prototype race car that will begin on-track testing this summer before its first outing at the Rolex 24 at Daytona next year.

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  The Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar in action. All photos: Cadillac

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  Cadillac says the GTP is a convergence of form and function.

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  The front wing on the GTP.

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  It's a racer, make no mistake.

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  The car will be powered by an all-new 5.5-litre DOHC V-8.