Neiman Marcus is well known for its outlandish limited-edition Christmas gifts — look up its $7 million solar yacht if you want to go down that rabbit hole — so it’s probably no surprise to see the US luxury retailer offer a one-off US$975,000 ($1.54 million) Cadillac Celestiq for this holiday season.
The “standard” Celestiq starts from US$340,000, not only making it the most expensive Cadillac in the company’s long history, but also a genuine competitor for Rolls-Royce and Bentley.
Each Celestiq is hand built at the “Artisan Center” located within GM’s technical centre in Warren, a suburb of Detroit, which typically builds the company’s concepts and prototypes.
“Standard” Celestiq shown throughout
It’s not clear what changes and customisations Neiman Marcus has specified for the Carmen Celestiq, but at the Celestiq’s launch, Cadillac claimed there were so many personalisation options on offer, no two vehicles will be the same.
We also don’t know the exact price of the Carmen Celestiq because the US$975,000 asking price, before taxes and fees, includes a number of unique experiences.
These include a tour of the factory, where the buyer can watch their car being built, and some one-on-one time with brand’s design team, which includes viewing an upcoming Cadillac model that’s yet to be revealed to the public.
The buyer will also stay in the “luxury suite at a boutique hotel” in either downtown Detroit or, if you so desire, the suburbs. If that’s not vague enough for you, there’s also a “a private tour of a notable Detroit landmark institution with a docent or historian followed by a seated multi-course dinner prepared by a renowned Detroit chef”.
If someone buys the Neiman Marcus Carmen Celestiq, Cadillac will also donate $US25,000 to the Detroit Opera House ($40,000).
Based on GM’s BEV3 architecture, which is shared with the more affordable Lyriq crossover, as well as the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV, the Celestiq has an aluminium spaceframe and a body largely made from carbon-fibre and composite materials.
It is powered by a pair of electric motors developing a total of 450kW and 870Nm. The Celestiq can complete the 0-60mph (0-97km/h) dash in 3.8 seconds.
Equipped with a standard 111kWh battery pack capable of DC fast charging up to 200kW, the Celestiq has a claimed EPA range of around 480km.
Along with the eye-catching exterior, the Celestiq’s interior is designed to wow, with a series of screens stretching the entire width of the dashboard and measuring 55 inches diagonally, as well as hand-finished metal trim and leather surfaces.
Production of the Celestiq is due to begin by the end of 2023, and given the car’s high price and limited production capacity, output will be limited.
