Cadillac launches Rolls-Royce-rivalling electric car for $US340,000

US car-maker Cadillac has confirmed pricing for its new flagship hand-built electric-car, with the Celestiq set to go on sale from $US340,000 – equivalent to almost $AU520,000.

Revealed in October 2022, Cadillac initially projected Celestiq prices would start “north of $US300,000 ($AU458,000)” – but the true figure eclipses its earlier estimations by more than 10 per cent.

US publication CarBuzz discovered Cadillac’s Global Chief Marketing Officer, Melissa Grady Dias, had uploaded a post to social media platform LinkedIn with the $US340,000 ($AU520,000) price tag – which excludes on-road costs and options.

MORE: Cadillac reveals $US300,000 electric Rolls-Royce competitor

For context, in the US the Rolls-Royce Ghost is priced from approximately $US345,000 ($AU527,000) plus on-road costs, while the flagship Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner W12 costs almost $US320,000 ($AU490,000) before on-roads.

Additionally, Cadillac claims each example of the Celestiq is bespoke to its owner, as the brand offers a comprehensive customisation program, though these one-off commissions are expected to further drive up the electric car’s price.

As previously reported, the Cadillac Celestiq is powered by dual electric motors – producing up to 447kW and 868Nm – with its 111kWh battery giving up to 483km of claimed driving range.

The electric luxury sedan is underpinned by General Motors’ Ultium battery platform – also found in the GMC Hummer EV pick-up and Cadillac Lyriq SUV, among other cars – and supports DC fast charging at up to 200kW.

Inside, a 55-inch screen spans the width of the dashboard, incorporating an 8K digital instrument panel, infotainment system and a dedicated screen for passengers which cannot be viewed from the driver’s position.

Second-row occupants are also treated to a pair of 12.6-inch screens incorporated in the headrests of the front seats.

The Cadillac Celestiq will be hand-built at General Motors’ Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan and is due to roll down the production line from December 2023.

As reported last month, Cadillac could return to Australia after trademark applications filed by General Motors were discovered by Drive.

While only the Optiq and forthcoming Escalade IQ have been trademarked locally, General Motors Australia and New Zealand recently announced it had appointed Jess Bala as Managing Director – the former Director of Global Product Planning and Product Strategy for Cadillac.

Ms Bala will take the position on 1 September 2023, succeeding Marc Ebolo who will become General Motors’ Director of Sales in the Middle East.