The production model Cadillac Celestiq has been revealed and will cost more than $300,000

Cadillac will find out if there are enough buyers willing to spend Rolls-Royce’s money on the Celestiq when the big electric hatch goes on sale in 2024.

Teasing us with a summer conceptCadillac on Tuesday unveiled the production version of its new flagship electric car and confirmed that prices will start at $300,000.

It’s a lot more expensive than anything Cadillac has offered in the past, but the Celestiq isn’t like any previous car that’s worn the crest badge. Ignoring the advanced technology installed in the car, the Celestiq will be handcrafted, similar to a car built from buses, allowing for a high level of personalization. To help them, buyers will have a personal on-call concierge, as well as access to a Cadillac designer and other services. As a result, no two Celestiqs are expected to be the same.

The car’s manual assembly means production, which is due to start in December 2023, will be limited to just 1.2 cars per day, meaning annual volume will be well under 500 units. To ensure production, Cadillac invested $81 million in parent company General Motors’ sprawling Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. The bulk of the funds went toward low-volume production equipment, such as 3D printers, Cadillac said.

“The Celestiq is unlike any Cadillac before it, and the customer experience is equally exceptional,” Rory Harvey, Cadillac’s global vice president, said in a statement. “Each vehicle is a unique expression of its owner, utilizing advanced technologies that make the driving experience personal and rewarding.”

Underpinning the Celestiq is the Ultium platform and GM’s battery pack, configured here with a 111 kWh battery and a twin-motor four-wheel drive powertrain estimated to deliver 600 hp. acceleration in 3.8 seconds. The Celestiq also has a unique gear ratio among Ultium-based vehicles. The ratio has been calibrated to provide the optimum balance between performance and range, with the latter estimated at 300 miles per charge.

GM Ultium Charge 360 ​​App will allow owners to easily find and pay for electricity on the go, and thanks to the built-in 200kW fast charging system, the range can be increased to about 78 miles in 10 minutes of charging when using the DC fast charger. An adjustable regenerative braking system is also featured, and allows for single-pedal control.