The First $350,000 Cadillac Celestiq Has Been Delivered

The production version of the Rolls-Royce Spectre has officially rolled off the assembly line, marking a major milestone years after the concept was first unveiled.

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Nearly three years after Cadillac unveiled the Cadillac Celestiq as a bold concept, the ultra-luxury electric flagship has finally made its way to a customer. Originally positioned as Cadillac’s second EV and a direct competitor to the Rolls-Royce Spectre, the Celestiq was set to redefine the brand’s presence in the high-end electric segment. Although initial plans aimed for a customer launch last year, software-related delays pushed back deliveries. That wait ends now, as Cadillac has officially handed over the very first Celestiq to its new owner.

The inaugural delivery of the Cadillac Celestiq was marked by a private ceremony held at the General Motors Global Technical Center. The event took place at Cadillac House at Vanderbilt, a cutting-edge facility created specifically for bespoke client experiences and vehicle personalization. While Cadillac has kept the identity of the first owner under wraps, the striking design of the Celestiq ensures it will stand out unmistakably if spotted on the road.

Highly Bespoke and Exceptionally Rare

The first production Celestiq features a brown exterior with a matching interior—an understated departure from the bold color schemes seen in early press materials. While Cadillac hasn’t revealed full details about this particular model, it’s important to note that every Celestiq is meticulously tailored to the buyer’s exact preferences. Each customer collaborates closely with a dedicated Celestiq concierge and, if desired, a Cadillac designer to customize virtually every element of the vehicle. As shown in the video below, each Celestiq is also hand-assembled at GM’s exclusive Artisan Center in Michigan, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and individuality.

Cadillac isn’t rushing production of its flagship EV, and that’s entirely by design. The Celestiq is intended to remain extremely exclusive, with a deliberately slow and limited rollout. In its first year, only 25 units are scheduled to be built—and as of May, not all had even been spoken for. That limited demand highlights the niche appeal of this ultra-luxury model, but with a starting price of $340,000 before any customizations, the Celestiq is clearly targeting a very select clientele. This certainly isn’t your grandmother’s Cadillac—it’s a handcrafted statement piece aimed at the uppermost tier of the electric vehicle market.

More Powerful Than Expected

While the Celestiq offers extensive customization options, it comes with just one powertrain configuration: dual electric motors delivering a combined 655 horsepower and 646 lb-ft of torque. These figures surpass earlier estimates, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds when using Velocity Max mode. Cadillac estimates the driving range at 303 miles, though official EPA ratings have not yet been released.

The Celestiq clearly outperforms the Rolls-Royce Spectre in key areas such as power, acceleration, and range—at least for now. However, the British luxury EV made its U.S. debut more than a year and a half before Cadillac’s flagship, and Rolls-Royce’s name carries a longer-standing association with ultra-luxury. That said, the Celestiq holds a significant advantage when it comes to price. With a starting cost in the mid-$300,000s, it remains notably more accessible than the Spectre, which begins at over $420,000.