After a lengthy delay, Cadillac began Celestiq deliveries earlier this year. They’re now picking up pace and the latest model was delivered to Michigander Mark Mitchell.

His ultra-luxury flagship was delivered in a private ceremony at The Daxton Hotel in Birmingham yesterday. While Cadillac House is only a stone’s throw away in Warren, the hotel was a fitting location as it’s owned by Mitchell.

More: Cadillac Delivers First $350,000 Celestiq EV

Besides receiving his Siku Tricoat Celestiq, which features a Camelia and Sheer Gray interior, Mitchell got his car signed by GM President Mark Reuss, who was in attendance for the event. Mitchell was delighted and said, “The vehicle completely surpassed my expectations.”

As a brief refresher, the car features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that produces 655 hp (488 kW / 664 PS) and 646 lb-ft (875 Nm) of torque. It’s powered by a 111 kWh battery pack, which provides approximately 303 miles (488 km) of range.

A Brand Revamp And A New XT5

While the Celestiq marks the company’s return to the ultra-luxury segment, Cadillac’s John Roth recently noted the brand was struggling as recently as 2015. As he explained, “The product portfolio was good, but not great” and they were spending too much on incentives to attract buyers.

This caused a major rethink and a massive investment that would transform the brand. Part of this was driven by a plan to have Cadillac go electric-only and this necessitated a slew of new models including the Optiq, Lyriq, Vistiq, Escalade IQ, and Celestiq.

While that plan was ultimately abandoned, Cadillac has a lot of new product and roughly 25% of sales now come from EVs. The company also noted the Optiq, Lyriq, and Vistiq are conquest kings as more than 70% of buyers are new to the brand.

That’s good news, but a majority of sales still come from ICE-powered vehicles. This is a problem as the XT4 and XT6 are toast, while the XT5 is a dinosaur. However, the company is working to address that as Roth recently told dealers about the next-generation XT5.

The redesigned crossover will be launched in the second-half of 2027 and is expected to echo its Chinese counterpart. However, the US-spec model will be made in Tennessee and could use a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that develops 328 hp (245 kW / 333 PS).

According to the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index Automobile Study, Americans are becoming less satisfied with their vehicles. The overall satisfaction index dropped one point this year to 79.

Mainstream brands held steady at 79, while luxury brands slipped a point as they fell to 80. The biggest drop came from smaller brands, which are grouped into an “others” category, as they plunged 9% to 74.

More: New Car Owners Overwhelmed By Modern Technology

Jumping into specifics, Subaru was deemed the most satisfying brand with a score of 85. It was followed by Mazda and Toyota in second with 82, while Buick, GMC, and Honda tied for third at 81.

Stellantis had a dismal showing as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram all fell. In fact, all four brands found themselves at the bottom of the list with Chrysler and Ram tied for dead last at 69.

2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index For Mainstream Brands

ACSI

Interestingly, satisfaction with most vehicle related components and experiences was largely unchanged. However, there were drops related to technology and safety. The latest study also introduced two new categories – expected future resale or trade-in value and driving distance on a full charge or full tank of gas – and consumers weren’t exactly thrilled with either, especially for EVs.

On the luxury side of the equation, Lexus was top dog with a score of 87. They were followed by Mercedes (82) as well as Cadillac and Tesla, which tied for third at 81. BMW finished last with a score of 75 and they dropped four points from 2024.

2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index For Luxury Brands

ACSI

Luxury buyers were less satisfied with a number of things including driving performance, exteriors, interiors, and technology. There were also drops in safety and dependability.

Aside from the mainstream versus luxury divide, people were less satisfied with hybrids and EVs. Hybrids fell two points to 80, while electric vehicles dropped four points to fall to 73. This stands in contrast to gas-powered models, which held steady with a satisfaction index of 80.

The American Customer Satisfaction Index noted that with 22% of borrowers opting for 84-month loans, there will likely be an increased emphasis on reliability and dependability as consumers are holding onto their vehicles for longer. Ram spotted this shift awhile ago and they recently launched a new 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

ACSI

Mary Kay and their iconic pink Cadillacs are entering the electric era as the company unveiled an Optiq at their annual seminar in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The model features a pink pearl exterior, which is contrasted by black accents and chrome flourishes. We can also see some relatively subtle Mary Kay badging on the front doors.

More: Cadillac’s Baby V-Series Charges At Tesla Stations And Hits 60 In 3.5 Seconds

The crossover is the latest in a long line of pink Cadillacs, which started in 1968, when Mary Kay Ash purchased a Coupe De Ville. A dealer painted it to match Mary Kay’s pale pink lip and eye palette, and the hue would later become known as Mary Kay Pink Pearl.

The Optiq will apparently replace the pink XT5 as part of Mary Kay’s Career Car Program. It rewards top sellers with the use of an eye-catching Cadillac.

Mary Kay described the change as a “significant step forward” and one that reflects their “commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and meeting expectations of the next generation.” They added that the “transition from internal combustion to electric symbolizes more than just a vehicle upgrade, it marks a recharged vision for the future of the iconic beauty brand.”

The 2026 Optiq starts at $50,900 and features a host of upgrades, including a native NACS port for access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. Buyers will also find two new powertrains, including a rear-wheel drive variant with 315 hp (235 kW / 319 PS) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque.

Customers can also opt for an upgraded all-wheel drive model that develops 440 hp (328 kW / 446 PS) and 498 lb-ft (674 Nm) of torque. It’s a huge improvement over the previous rating of 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) and 354 lb-ft (479 Nm).

President Trump’s trade war continues to cause self-inflicted injuries as American companies are getting slammed by higher fees. This includes General Motors, which revealed tariffs cost them $1.1 billion in the second quarter.

All told, the automaker is expecting tariffs to cost them between $4 and $5 billion this year alone. That’s a staggering figure and one that will likely result in price increases.

More: GM Needs A Corvette Turnaround As Sales Crash In First Half

Tariffs aside, the company earned $47.1 billion in revenue in the second quarter and had an adjusted EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) of $3 billion. GM went on to note the latter figure decreased primarily due to tariffs.

In North America, the company reported net revenues of $39.5 billion. This was aided by record crossover sales as well as strong demand for trucks. U.S. dealer inventories were also down in Q2, while EV sales were up significantly.

Other notable takeaways include lower than average incentive spending and average transaction prices in excess of $51,000. The automaker said this shows “robust demand across our portfolio.”

While the elimination of the clean vehicle credit will likely cause chaos, GM noted second quarter EV sales were up 111% from a year ago and they controlled 16% of the U.S. EV market.

Chevrolet became the second best-selling EV brand as sales jumped 146% in Q2. This is largely due to the affordable Equinox EV, which is the third best-selling electric vehicle in America so far this year. The company went on to note Cadillac is the best-selling electric luxury brand and the 5^th largest EV brand in America – including both luxury and mainstream brands.

In a letter to shareholders, CEO Mary Barra acknowledged slower EV growth. However, she said “We believe the long-term future is profitable electric vehicle production, and this continues to be our north star. As we adjust to changing demand, we will prioritize our customers, brands, and a flexible manufacturing footprint, and leverage our domestic battery investments and other profit-improvement plans.” Speaking of flexibility, Barra noted ICE models have a “longer runway” than initially expected.

Lead image credit: White House photo

Cadillac has expanded its electric lineup more than ever, but shifting consumer interest in the States could complicate its all-EV ambitions. As demand for electric vehicles tapers off, the company may need to revisit its goal of becoming an EV-only brand by 2030.

The final quarter of this year could be especially challenging, since the federal EVs tax credit is scheduled to end, likely making both new and used electric models less accessible to many buyers.

Read: Cadillac Is About To Lose $7,500 Per EV And Still Isn’t Backing Down

GM’s flagship brand has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past couple of years. It first launched the all-electric Lyriq SUV and more recently, it’s been followed up by the electric Optiq and the three-row Vistiq. Additionally, Cadillac wants to once again become the ‘Standard of the World’ with the Celestiq. It has also launched two electric versions of the Escalade, known as the IQ and IQL.

Flexibility in a Shifting Market

Even with these investments, Cadillac is approaching the market with cautious adaptability. According to global Cadillac vice president John Roth, the brand is staying open to adjusting its powertrain strategy as needed.

“It’s really important in this continuously evolving marketplace to make sure that you’re meeting customers where they are,” he said. “The auto industry is never a straight line, and so to put absolutes in the marketplace, you’ve got to have some flexibility to pivot when it makes sense to do so.”

As Auto News pointed out, more manufacturers are acknowledging that both gasoline and electric models need to be available side by side, with consumers ultimately setting the pace for the transition. Roth confirmed that GM is actively working on plans for the fourth quarter to prepare for the end of the tax credit.

A Shrinking Gas-Powered Lineup

While Cadillac has grown its fleet of EVs, its range of ICE models has shrunk dramatically. The company recently halted production of the XT4, and the XT6 is set to follow later this year.

The XT5 is expected to remain in the lineup only through 2027. Meanwhile, the factory that currently produces the CT4 and CT5 sedans is being converted to focus exclusively on EVs. This shift could eventually leave the Escalade as the last gas-powered Cadillac standing.

Cadillac is aiming to lead the pack when it comes to luxury EV offerings in the US, and it doesn’t plan to slow down, even as federal tax incentives disappear. By the end of September, President Trump’s One Bill Beautiful Bill Act will eliminate credits, effectively increasing the prices of all eligible new EVs by $7,500. It comes at a bad time for Cadillac, which has recently grown its EV family dramatically.

The company has introduced several new electric models: the performance-focused Lyriq V, the full-size Escalade IQ and IQL, the compact Optiq and Optiq V, as well as the mid-size Vistiq and the ultra-luxury Celestiq.

Read: Nearly 1 Of 4 Cadillacs Sold Is Fully Electric

While the loss of the credit could push some automakers to lean more heavily on internal combustion engines, Cadillac appears committed to its EV trajectory. As John Roth, vice president of global Cadillac, put it, “you can never stick your head in the sand.”

Preparing for a Post-Credit Landscape

According to Roth, “the auto business is not a straight line. The EV business is certainly not.” He noted that while Cadillac will remain eligible for the $7,500 lease and non-lease vehicles through the third quarter, it is making plans for when the credit is removed.

Speaking with The Detroit Free Press, Roth didn’t reveal specific steps Cadillac will take once the credits are gone, but he made it clear that adjustments are underway.

Cadillac’s Plans

“Are we always game-theorying what’s going on in the marketplace? Absolutely,” he said. “As you look in our past, chip shortages, pandemics, you name it, we’ve been through a lot as an organization. And going through that makes you stronger about managing the challenges that are in front of you but also taking advantage of the tailwinds that are blowing behind you.”

Fortunately for Cadillac, it has remained relatively shielded from the impacts of trade tariffs enforced by President Trump. With the exception of the Optiq, all of Cadillac’s current US models are manufactured in the United States, meaning there has been “very limited impact, if you will, on the Cadillac brand.”

The Lyriq has been a bright spot for Cadillac, but it had a dismal second quarter as sales tumbled 31.2% to 5,017 units. This followed a disappointing first quarter and year-to-date sales are down 28.8% to 9,317.

That’s a disappointing showing, but nearly 25% of Cadillacs sold in the first half of the year were electric. That figure was the “highest among full-line luxury brands” and Cadillac was the “luxury EV market share leader” in the second quarter.

Review: Is Cadillac’s New Vistiq The Baby Escalade You’ve Been Waiting For?

While the Lyriq got the short end of the stick, the company pointed to “strong initial demand” for the Optiq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ. The Optiq racked up 3,224 sales, while the Vistiq found 1,744 takers. Cadillac also delivered 1,810 Escalade IQs, which start at $130,090 for 2025.

Despite modest sales, more EVs are coming including the Lyriq-V, Optiq-V, and Escalade IQL. The latter arrives this summer and begins at $132,795. That’s pretty expensive, but the luxury SUV has 460 miles (740 km) of range as well as a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 4.7 seconds.

Elsewhere in the lineup, the gas-powered Escalade was the biggest seller as consumers snapped up 11,692 units. That was an increase of 16.1% and the boost was likely aided by a rather significant facelift.

The XT4 was off 22.2%, while the XT5 and XT6 saw slight gains. Unfortunately, all three models are getting old at this point and the three-row crossover has a date with the undertaker – at least in North America.

Last but not least, Cadillac sedans saw mixed news. The CT5 was up 9% to 4,187 units, while the CT4 crashed 19.1% to 1,430 units.

Cadillac US Sales

It’s been a long and bumpy road, but Cadillac is one step closer to returning to the “Standard of the World” as the first Celestiq was delivered to its owner during a private ceremony at Cadillac House. The moment was years in the making as the model debuted in the fall of 2022 and was originally slated to go into production the following year.

Of course, the company’s return to the ultra-luxury segment started long before this happened. In fact, it can probably be traced back to Cadillac’s reinvention in 2002, which saw the unveiling of the CTS. Not long after, in 2003, Cadillac unveiled the stunning Sixteen concept and hinted at their return to the upper echelons of automotive elegance.

More: We Visit Cadillac House, Home Of The Celestiq

However, fans had a long wait ahead of them and Cadillac kept them on their toes. To help keep the faith alive, they introduced a string of high-profile concepts including the Ciel and Elmiraj. The latest is the Sollei, which is essentially a drop top Celestiq.

Cadillac didn’t say much about the first production model, but they released a single picture of a brown car with a brown interior. The company noted the model was “built to the client’s individual specifications” as every customer can work with a Celestiq concierge and Cadillac designer to create a unique car that fits their “tastes and desires.”

While a lot has changed in the past few years, the Celestiq is more powerful and capable than originally announced. The production model has a 111 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 655 hp (488 kW / 664 PS) and 646 lb-ft (875 Nm) of torque. This setup enables the car to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.7 seconds and travel an estimated 303 miles (488 km) between charges.

Besides the beefy powertrain, the Celestiq is notable for having power open and close doors as well as massive 23-inch wheels. The car also has an undeniable presence as it measures 217.2 inches (5,517 mm) long, which makes it longer than an Escalade.

The interior is dominated by screens as there’s a 55-inch pillar-to-pillar display, an 11-inch Front Command Center, and an 8-inch Rear Command Center. Customers will also find two 12.6-inch rear passenger displays. Other highlights include Super Cruise, a dimmable fixed glass roof, and a 38- or 42-speaker audio system.

Pricing starts in the “mid-$300,000 range,” although the actual cost is determined by a customer’s individual level of curation.

Cadillac introduced the 2026 Optiq-V earlier this month and now the luxury brand has announced a series of updates to the standard model. The changes are pretty notable as there’s two new powertrains as well as a newly standard NACS port, which allows for easy access at Tesla Supercharger stations.

Starting with the entry-level Optiq, it features an 85 kWh battery pack as well as a rear-mounted motor producing an estimated 315 hp (235 kW / 319 PS) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. That’s pretty impressive as it’s more powerful than the current all-wheel drive model.

More: Cadillac’s Baby V-Series Charges At Tesla Stations And Hits 60 In 3.5 Seconds

Speaking of which, the 2026 Optiq offers a new “rear-wheel drive based all-wheel drive system.” It produces an estimated 440 hp (328 kW / 446 PS) and 498 lb-ft (674 Nm) of torque, which is a huge improvement over the previous rating of 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) and 354 lb-ft (479 Nm).

Cadillac didn’t release full performance details, but said the 2026 Optiq has an estimated range of 300 miles (483 km). When the battery is low, it can get up to 79 miles (127 km) of range in as little as ten minutes.

Besides the powertrain updates, the 2026 Optiq has “Vision Enhanced Parking.” The company didn’t say much about it, but it sounds like an upgraded version of Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist and Cadillac says it uses cameras as well as radar sensors.

Last but not least, the crossover comes with the latest version of Super Cruise. It features a number of improvements including Google Maps integration and automatic lane changes to stay on your route. There’s also a new hands-on capability that keeps the vehicle centered in its lane and following a safe distance from the car ahead. This allows for smoother transitions to and from Super Cruise-enabled roads.

There’s also an upgraded adaptive cruise control system, which can automatically adjust to keep pace with changing speed limits. Like in the Vistiq, the system should let you speed, if you want to. As an example, if you’re doing 75 mph in a 70 mph zone and the speed limit drops to 55 mph, the car would do 60 mph.

Cadillac didn’t mention pricing, but the 2026 Optiq will arrive at dealerships later this year.

General Motors is having a great year when it comes to electric vehicles. Sure, some reports indicate sales might be cooling off in some corners of the market, but for GM, things are hot. The company says its EV sales have jumped 94 percent year over year, and one of its brands, Chevrolet, now ranks second only to Tesla in U.S. EV sales.

That’s not a small gap, though. Tesla still held nearly 44 percent of the U.S. EV market in the first quarter of the year, with 128,100 vehicles sold, or roughly as much as everyone else combined. However, Tesla’s May figures aren’t available yet, making a direct comparison with GM impossible.

Also: US EV Sales Jump In Q1, But The Biggest Losers Might Surprise You

Still, GM managed to sell 62,830 electric cars, trucks, and SUVs between January and the end of May. The first quarter alone saw a 94 percent year-over-year jump, and that momentum hasn’t let up. May turned out to be the company’s second-best month ever for EV sales, pushing GM to a 15.5 percent share of the current EV market.

Chevrolet carried much of that weight, accounting for over half of those numbers with roughly 37,000 deliveries during the same period. Leading the charge was the electric Equinox, which became GM’s best-selling EV with 21,804 units delivered.

Strong Numbers and Stronger Momentum

“Customers are responding in record numbers to our world-class portfolio of electric and gas-powered vehicles,” said Rory Harvey, executive VP and president of global markets. “In the first two months of the second quarter, we more than doubled our EV sales compared to the same period last year.” Lots of those sales are coming from the top EV seller, Tesla.

In fact, according to Scott Bell, vice president of global Chevrolet, over half of the sales GM has this year are conquest sales, meaning customers are switching over from other brands. He told the Detroit Free Press that the Equinox is a major player here.

“It’s certainly the most affordable EV out there with that kind of range. It is by far the leader in the clubhouse; it doubles our Blazer volume easily on a monthly basis,” said Bell. “Once you convert to an EV, you’re not leaving. Especially once you’ve invested in the infrastructure, a home charger, 86% of them will stay.”

Interestingly, General Motors’ figures are even more impressive when compared to Ford’s. The Blue Oval brand delivered 34,132 cars during the first five months of the year, marking an 8.3 percent drop from the same period in 2024. That’s right, Chevrolet outsold Ford, and that doesn’t take into account any of the sales from Cadillac and GMC. No doubt, some of that success comes from GM’s wider range of available EVs.

More: Dealer Fees In California Could Jump A Staggering 488 To 614%

At the same time, both GM and Ford are doing just fine when it comes to their combustion-engine businesses. Hybrids are selling great, too. We’ll get a clearer picture of the EV sales landscape soon. GM will announce its second-quarter sales numbers on July 1. Other automakers will no doubt do the same around the same time.