- Cadillac has unveiled the Sollei concept, an ultra-luxury four-seat convertible.
- The car is based on the Celestiq and “pushes the boundaries of future bespoke commissions.”
- The attention to detail is impressive and the woodwork is a sight to behold.
The Cadillac Celestiq marked the brand’s return to the ultra-luxury segment, but it left us feeling a bit cold after decades of tantalizing concepts such as the Sixteen, Ciel, and Elmiraj. However, the company is continuing to push boundaries with its latest creation.
Billed as the “ultimate design expression of a coach-built luxury electric convertible,” the Sollei concept is based on the Celestiq and features a bespoke design inspired by the sun, travel, and leisure. It’s a sight to behold, especially in an era where Rolls-Royce no longer offers a convertible.
More: 2024 Cadillac Celestiq Flagship Debuts With 600 HP, 300 Miles Of Range And $300,000+ Price Tag
The connection to the Celestiq is immediately apparent as the Sollei has a prominent black crystal shield grille flanked by vertical headlights. Both are illuminated in a choreographed sequence to welcome you or say goodbye.
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While the front end is instantly recognizable, the Sollei has a billet aluminum windshield frame that features a unique “Aurora” tint used throughout the vehicle. Further back, the wide doors open nearly 90° to aid entry and egress from the rear seats. Speaking of the doors, they open through discreet buttons integrated into the beltline for a more streamlined appearance.
The rear end is unique to the convertible, featuring a slender light bar that flows into a large Cadillac crest. The model also has a Daybreak metallic fabric roof, and it’s finished in an eye-catching Manila Cream, first used on Cadillac vehicles in 1957.
An Interior That Puts Craftsmanship On Full Display
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While the exterior is breathtaking, the interior is what really sets the Sollei apart. It features stunning craftsmanship that shows what’s possible on Cadillac’s ultra-luxury flagship.
Eyes are naturally drawn to the 55-inch curved display, but the wood trim is the real star. Cadillac officials told us their artisans used five different wood veneers, hand cut them, and individually put them in place. The result is nothing short of amazing as the door panels ooze elegance thanks to beautiful wood paneling with a metallic inlay.
The seats are even more eye-catching as they have a wooden sunburst motif as well as Fine Nappa leather with a “pink iridescent pigment that creates a subtle color-changing sunrise effect.” They also have perforation, quilting, and embroidery.
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Speaking of upholstery, the Sollei is the first Cadillac to use a bio-based material known as Fine Mycelium. As the name suggests, the material incorporates mycelium which is the renewable root structure of mushrooms. The fabric is used on the charging mats and door pockets, and is envisioned to eventually have the same applications as leather.
Fine Mycelium isn’t the only interesting material used on the Sollei as there’s Bask carpeting. Cadillac says the boucle fabric adds a “beautiful texture and subtle warmth, matching the color of the roof material [while] keeping the whole interior very light” and airy.
Putting fabrics aside, the convertible has a full-length center console with front and rear command displays. The console is covered in stylish wood trim and features a rear drink tray as well as numerous storage compartments.
Bird Calls At Cocktail Hour
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Among the amenities is a “fully integrated beverage chiller with a power glass door.” The fridge is located between the rear seats and houses a custom decanter and special tumblers. Both feature a “sunburst” pattern, while the glasses also sport Cadillac’s goddess.
While cocktails and ultra-luxury vehicles go hand-in-hand, the Sollei also comes with 3D-printed acrylic bird calls. They’re designed to attract North American birds such as the goldfinch and nuthatch.
While the idea seems a little bird-brained, Cadillac officials told us bird-watching is having a ‘bit of a moment’ and that’s backed up by a recent study that found more than a third of Americans have engaged in bird-focused activities. Besides the bird calls, the Sollei has a “leather-bound journal with hand painted bird illustrations and a leather tool roll for pens and pencils, made to custom match the vehicle interior, allowing enthusiasts to capture their bird-watching experiences.”
After a busy day of birding, you can rewind on a peaceful drive home with the roof down. Helping to elevate that experience is a unique ambient lighting system with multiple zones. Each has 126 color options to choose from, so there’s no shortage of choices.
Cadillac didn’t mention performance specifications, but the Celestiq has a 111 kWh battery pack as well as a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing approximately 600 hp (447 kW / 608 PS) and 640 lb-ft (867 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and travel around 300 miles (483 km) on a single charge.
