I Don't Care What People Think of The Whole EV Situation, But This Cadillac Sollei and Celestiq Look Super Gorgeous To See in Person

Cadillac’s Sunlit Rebirth

Cadillac’s history is a study in reinvention, from Prohibition-era mobster chariots to the V-Series Blackwing sedans that clawed respect from BMW’s M division. Now, the brand is betting its future on the Sollei, a coachbuilt electric convertible concept that channels mid-century glamour with a sustainable twist. Designed as a companion to the $300,000 Celestiq hyper-luxury sedan, the Sollei is Cadillac’s answer to critics who claim EVs lack soul.

The Cadillac Sollei’s is built on GM’s Ultium platform, shared with the electric Corvette E-Ray, the Sollei pairs a 600-hp dual-motor AWD system with adaptive air suspension tuned for "effortless glide." Yet its true innovation is in the details. The doors feature electrochromic glass that tints at a touch, a soundscape system that mimics ocean waves or vintage V8 burbles, and a climate control array that uses AI to adjust airflow based on passenger biometrics. 

Photo credit - Vic Cheng

Each Sollei is a blank canvas for its owner, offering over 200 bespoke material combinations, from carbon fiber woven with 24-karat gold thread to seats upholstered in leather tanned using olive leaf extract. Cadillac’s design team calls it “the ultimate expression of personal luxury,”. 

A member of the Facebook group “Apex Automotor” recently shared their firsthand experience viewing the Sollei at a Cadillac design event, calling the convertible “super gorgeous”. 

 “So here I am standing in front of this Sollei. I don’t care what people’s opinion on the whole EV situation. But this and the Celestiq right next to it, it’s super gorgeous to see in person,” The quote solidifies the mission of the car, to silence debates with sheer visual drama. Inspired by “the tranquil art of travel and nature,”

The Sollei’s retractable hardtop and hand-painted finishes evoke the 1957 Eldorado Biarritz, while its vegan leather interior and solar-themed motifs cater to a new generation of eco-conscious elites. Every detail, from the 55-inch pillar-to-pillar OLED screen to the 3D-printed bird-watching kit, is tailored to reflect the owner’s personality, reviving Cadillac’s legacy of one-of-one coachbuilding.

• While BMW’s cabins prioritize driver-focused minimalism, Cadillac counters with opulent interiors. The Celestiq, offers 126 ambient lighting colors and hand-polished wood accents, a stark contrast to the M5’s austere design.
• Cadillac’s Ultium platform, shared with the electric Corvette E-Ray, underpins both the Sollei and Celestiq. BMW’s i7, meanwhile, relies on its own CLAR-We architecture—a battle of proprietary tech that will define the next decade.
• Cadillac Vice President John Roth recently emphasized the brand’s vision, stating, “The sky’s the limit on what we’re going to be able to do in the luxury EV space”. This philosophy may position the Sollei as a direct challenge to the Rolls-Royce Spectre.

Cadillac’s Identity Shift

Cadillac’s past is inextricably linked to organized crime, Al Capone famously armored his Fleetwood V16 limousines. But the Sollei and Celestiq signal a cleaner, greener future. The Sollei’s Fine Mycelium™ dashboard panels, grown from mushroom roots, and the Celestiq’s solar-roof charging capability reflect a brand distancing itself from gas-guzzling excess.

Yet Cadillac still leans on its Corvette connection. The Celestiq’s dual-motor AWD system shares DNA with the electric Corvette E-Ray, while the Sollei’s adaptive suspension borrows from the C8 Stingray. This “Corvette-plus-luxury” formula has defined Cadillac since the 2004 CTS-V, which paired a Corvette-sourced LS6 V8 with heated suede seats. The Sollei takes it further, wrapping GM’s EV tech in coach-built exclusivity.

EV Skepticism and the Silent Majority

The Sollei arrives as the auto industry grapples with EV fatigue. Brands like Toyota and Ford have struggled to inject excitement into electrification, while Tesla faces criticism over quality control. Cadillac’s response? Prioritize emotion over specs.

In a recent interview, Cadillac’s global VP, John Roth, emphasized, “Our EVs must deliver the same visceral thrill as our V-Series models.” The Sollei’s design team took this to heart, integrating tactile materials like reclaimed teak and titanium. Even the steering wheel uses haptic feedback to simulate the “rumble” of a combustion engine—a nod to traditionalists.

Apex Automotor Weighs In

On the Facebook group “Apex Automotor,” reactions to the Sollei have been mixed but passionate. Users praised its return to Cadillac’s design roots, with one member calling it “classy, finally!” Another argued EVs suit Cadillac’s DNA, “Quiet luxury is what they’ve always done best—just ask Rolls-Royce.” Yet skeptics questioned the Sollei’s practicality, with one commenting, “Cool art project, but who’s buying a $400k EV convertible?”

Cadillac’s High-Stakes Reinvention

The Sollei and Celestiq are more than EVs—they’re Cadillac’s bid to reclaim its throne as America’s luxury standard. By fusing Corvette performance with coach-built artistry, the brand is betting that exclusivity trumps efficiency in the EV era.

BMW’s M division may still dominate track times, but for the first time in decades, Cadillac has a counterpunch that’s impossible to ignore: beauty.

What do you think about the Sollei, is it the last hooray for Cadillac or will it usher in a new era of luxury EVs? Leave a comment down below! 

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.