Cadillac 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 and 867 Nm of torque. This
enables the car to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 3.8 seconds and travel
around 483 km on a single charge.


