ElectricFleet is primarily focused on Chinese EVs for sale in Europe, but it’s interesting to see what’s happening in other markets as well. The U.S. market is the most protected EV market in the world, and American manufacturers still aren’t fully on board with EVs. That said, interesting models are still launching from time to time — like the Cadillac Celestiq flagship, for instance.
EVs are already expensive, and that especially goes for luxury-brand electric vehicles. Cadillac, General Motors’ flagship premium division, has taken this to the next level with the launch of its most ambitious and expensive EV yet—the Celestiq. This handcrafted electric sedan, priced at an eye-watering $350,000, aims to redefine ultra-luxury in the electric age and challenge established players like Rolls-Royce and Bentley.
Cadillac Celestiq: A Hand-Built, Bespoke Flagship EV
On June 23, 2025, Cadillac held a private handover event at GM’s Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, to deliver the first customer units of the Celestiq. Each car is assembled at the Cadillac House at Vanderbilt and reflects a made-to-order philosophy, where virtually every aspect of the interior and exterior can be personalized.
The Celestiq features a panoramic smart-glass roof with four independently dimmable zones, a 55-inch LED interactive display across the dashboard, and a high-fidelity 38-speaker AKG audio system. It also includes Ultra Cruise, GM’s next-generation hands-free driving technology enhanced by LiDAR, radar, and a suite of cameras for near full autonomy on most roads.
A Performance Statement With Electric Power
Underneath its elegant design, the Celestiq packs a serious punch. It uses GM’s Ultium platform with a dual-motor AWD setup delivering 655 horsepower and 646 lb-ft of torque. The sedan accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, while a 111 kWh battery provides up to 303 miles of range.
More from ElectricFleet: Price-Per-Km Analysis of Chinese EVs in Europe
The car supports DC fast charging at 200 kW, which can add around 75 miles of range in just 10 minutes—highlighting that luxury and practicality can go hand in hand in the EV world. Production will remain extremely limited. Cadillac plans to build only a few dozen units annually, with the first batch of just 25 vehicles symbolizing exclusivity at the highest level.
Cadillac’s EV Ambitions Go Global
While the Celestiq is built for North American buyers, Cadillac’s broader electric strategy has already reached Europe, where the brand is actively expanding its EV lineup and infrastructure.
Cadillac reentered the European market in 2023 with the launch of the Lyriq SUV, starting in Switzerland and later expanding into Sweden, France, and Germany. It was quickly followed by the introduction of the larger Vistiq, a premium seven-seater SUV set to rival BMW’s iX and Mercedes EQS SUV. Deliveries for the Vistiq in key markets begin in September 2025.
The brand is also preparing the launch of the Optiq, a smaller compact SUV that will include right-hand drive versions for the UK and other key markets. This will help Cadillac tap into Europe’s fast-growing premium compact EV segment.
Backed by GM, Cadillac Builds a New EV Ecosystem in Europe
Cadillac Europe, based in Switzerland, is supported by General Motors’ broader electrification strategy. The company has rolled out a “Cadillac Charge App,” providing access to more than 780,000 charging points across 30+ European countries. Additionally, services like Cubic Telecom connectivity and urban experience centers in cities such as Paris and Berlin are helping customers transition smoothly to electric mobility.
By mid-2025, Cadillac expects to operate over 600 sales and service points across Europe, targeting more than 700 by year-end. This robust infrastructure ensures most potential buyers will be within a 25-minute drive of a dealership or service center.
More from ElectricFleet: Hongqi is a Chinese Premium EV brand Redefining the Premium Market
The Celestiq may be a niche flagship, but its role is symbolic. It marks Cadillac’s rebirth in the electric era—not just through bold design and high price tags, but through a global, innovation-driven push focused on user experience and new electric platforms.
When it comes to its European presence, Cadillac still has a long way to go in positioning itself as a serious luxury EV contender—especially against established European brands and surprisingly affordable, yet premium, Chinese competitors.
