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2026 Cadillac Celestiq Now Costs More Than Rolls-Royce Spectre After $60,000+ Price Hike

The 2026 Cadillac Celestiq, already Cadillac’s most expensive model, has received a substantial price bump, pushing its starting price into the low-$400,000 range—an increase of at least $60,000 over its original $340,000 debut price. This new positioning means the electric ultra-luxury land yacht is now more expensive than its key electric rival, the Rolls-Royce Spectre, which starts around $420,000 (though its India price starts at $7.5 Crore). Cadillac justifies the hike by emphasizing the Celestiq’s “bespoke spirit” and the client’s “level of curation,” with the final transaction price expected to be closer to $450,000 after customization.

A Massive Price Increase for a Bespoke EV

The significant price jump reflects the Celestiq’s positioning as a hand-built, commission-only vehicle in the ultra-luxury segment.

New Starting Price: The 2026 Cadillac Celestiq “canvas” now starts in the low-$400,000 range.
Magnitude of Hike: This represents an increase of at least $60,000 over the original $340,000 price tag for the 2025 model year. For context, that increase alone could purchase a base Lyriq EV.
Exceeds Rivals: The Celestiq is now more expensive than the electric Rolls-Royce Spectre, which has a U.S. starting price estimated around the low-$400,000 range.
Justification: Cadillac attributes the pricing to the vehicle’s “bespoke spirit” and the client’s deep involvement in the curation process, suggesting “no two Celestiqs will be alike”.

Technology and Craftsmanship Remain Unchanged

Despite the price increase, the Celestiq retains the same high-tech and hand-crafted features.

Advanced Technology: The Celestiq features over 275 patented and patent-pending technologies. These include:
- A four-zone smart glass roof with quadrant-by-quadrant opacity control.
- Five HD interactive displays across the interior.
- An industry-first ClimateSense individual four-zone microclimate system.
Hand-Built Luxury: The cabin utilizes handcrafted materials such as high-end leathers, carbon fiber, and crystal glass. A personal Cadillac design concierge assists clients in the design process.
Powertrain: The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain is unchanged, producing 655 horsepower and 646 lb-ft of torque, capable of 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds.

Sales and Brand Cachet in Question

The Celestiq’s success hinges on brand cachet at a price point where logic gives way to emotion.

Low-Volume Strategy: Cadillac only planned to produce a very low volume of 25 cars for the 2025 model year, with annual output expected to be between 100 and 250 units in subsequent years.
Sales Status: Most of the 2025 models had been sold by May of that year.
Emotional Purchase: Cars at this price point are “largely emotional purchases,” and the biggest question mark is whether Cadillac’s brand cachet can compete with the prestige of Rolls-Royce and Bentley.
Long-Term Connectivity: The 2026 model bundles eight years of connected services at no extra cost, effectively providing satellite radio for the average first ownership period.

Final Thoughts

The massive price increase for the 2026 Cadillac Celestiq is a calculated maneuver to solidify its status as a truly ultra-exclusive, bespoke luxury vehicle that now directly targets and even surpasses the Rolls-Royce Spectre on price. While the Celestiq has the technology, craftsmanship, and performance to compete, its ultimate success will depend on its ability to command the brand cachet required at the pinnacle of the market. This electric land yacht represents Cadillac’s most ambitious attempt to return to its “Standard of the World” status by emphasizing scarcity and personalization over volume.

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