The Sollei, built on the Celestiq platform, highlights the potential of custom design.
The Cadillac Celestiq represented the brand’s reentry into the ultra-luxury market, but after decades of captivating concepts like the Sixteen, Ciel, and Elmiraj, it left us somewhat underwhelmed. Nonetheless, Cadillac continues to innovate with its latest creation.
Described as the “ultimate design expression of a coach-built luxury electric convertible,” the Sollei concept, based on the Celestiq, features a custom design inspired by the sun, travel, and leisure. It’s truly impressive, especially at a time when Rolls-Royce no longer offers a convertible.
The link to the Celestiq is clear, as the Sollei features a striking black crystal shield grille with vertical headlights on either side. Both elements light up in a coordinated sequence to greet you or bid you farewell.
While the front end is instantly recognizable, the Sollei boasts a billet aluminum windshield frame with a distinctive “Aurora” tint that extends throughout the vehicle. The wide doors open nearly 90° to facilitate easy access to the rear seats. Additionally, the doors are operated via discreet buttons integrated into the beltline for a more streamlined look.
The rear of the convertible is distinctive, featuring a slim light bar that integrates into a prominent Cadillac crest. The model is equipped with a Daybreak metallic fabric roof and is finished in a striking Manila Cream, a color first used on Cadillac vehicles in 1957.
An Interior That Showcases Exceptional Craftsmanship
The Sollei introduces Fine Mycelium, a bio-based material made from mycelium, the renewable root structure of mushrooms. This innovative fabric is used in the charging mats and door pockets and is expected to eventually serve as a leather alternative.
In addition to Fine Mycelium, the Sollei features Bask carpeting, which Cadillac describes as a boucle fabric that adds “beautiful texture and subtle warmth, complementing the color of the roof material while keeping the interior light and airy.”
Beyond its unique materials, the convertible includes a full-length center console with command displays for both front and rear passengers. The console is adorned with stylish wood trim and includes a rear drink tray and multiple storage compartments.
Bird Calls At Cocktail Hour
Among the features is a “fully integrated beverage chiller with a power glass door,” located between the rear seats. This fridge includes a custom decanter and tumblers, both adorned with a “sunburst” pattern and the Cadillac goddess.
In addition to its luxury amenities, the Sollei also comes with 3D-printed acrylic bird calls designed to attract North American species like the goldfinch and nuthatch.
Although it might seem a bit unconventional, Cadillac representatives noted that bird-watching is gaining popularity, with a recent study showing that over a third of Americans participate in bird-focused activities. To complement this theme, the Sollei also includes a “leather-bound journal with hand-painted bird illustrations” and a leather tool roll for pens and pencils, all custom-matched to the vehicle’s interior, so enthusiasts can document their bird-watching adventures.
After a day of bird-watching, you can unwind with a serene drive home and the roof down. Enhancing this experience is a distinctive ambient lighting system with multiple zones, each offering 126 color options for a wide range of choices.
While Cadillac has yet to reveal specific performance details for the Sollei, the Celestiq—on which it’s based—features a 111 kWh battery pack and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering approximately 600 hp (447 kW / 608 PS) and 640 lb-ft (867 Nm) of torque. This setup allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and provides a range of around 300 miles (483 km) on a single charge.
