The Cadillac SOLLEI Concept Is A Vision of Bespoke Luxury

Today, the Cadillac SOLLEI concept vehicle was introduced, the ultimate design expression of a coach-built luxury electric convertible. This forward-looking imaginative concept convertible explores the possibilities of future bespoke commissions that are tailored to reflect the unique passions and interests of its clientele.

SOLLEI conceptualizes an all-electric, 2+2 convertible equipped with the brand’s signature 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen, awe-inspiring interior, exterior lighting chorography for arrival and departure, and intuitive front and rear command console.

Defined in its name sun (‘SOL’) and leisure (‘LEI’), SOLLEI represents Cadillac’s optimistic inspiration for an open-air, leisurely lifestyle.

“SOLLEI reimagines the discovery of travel, envisioning a personalized driving experience that connects one with the natural world around them,” said Erin Crossley, design director, Cadillac. “The concept celebrates Cadillac’s pedigree of elegant convertibles in a modern form by cultivating high luxury through design expressions and experiences.”

SOLLEI is also Cadillac’s first concept vehicle to incorporate an innovative bio-based material developed in collaboration with MycoWorks. Used in the charging mats on the console and the door map pockets, Fine Mycelium™ by MycoWorks is ushering in a new era of luxury materials grown from mycelium (the renewable root structure of mushrooms). The material reflects Cadillac’s mission to pioneer renewable automotive resources.

Sophisticated exterior, clean body style

The SOLLEI’s exterior design exudes emotion and embodies Cadillac’s unmistakable bold proportions. The low, elongated body is accentuated by a wide stance and long coupe door, facilitating easy access to the spacious rear.

The uninterrupted surfaces and stretched A-line emphasize the vehicle’s length, while the low tail design creates dynamic yet elegant proportions. The mid-body line seamlessly connects the headlamp to the taillight, unifying the car’s harmonious design. Conventional door handles are replaced with discrete buttons helping to enable the clean profile line.

Celebrating Cadillac’s heritage of bold colors, the exterior is finished in “Manila Cream,” a color originally used on Cadillacs in 1957 and 1958. This revived finish was meticulously curated and hand-painted by Cadillac craftsmen.

Artistic interior, expressive personality

The interior of SOLLEI channels Cadillac’s “art of travel” design philosophy, elevating the travel experience for both driver and passenger. Features include a fully integrated beverage chiller with a power glass door and crystal glasses seamlessly blending leisure with travel.

Craftsmanship is at the heart of Cadillac design. Every detail is intentionally designed to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Illuminated décor and unique embellishments add expression to Cadillac’s unparalleled aesthetics. The interior decor, wrapped in unstained wood veneers, honors natural color and grain pattern variations, while surfaces feature open pore finishes that can be felt by touch. Each piece is hand-cut and hand-laid using marquetry techniques, creating a beautiful focal point that draws the eye from the front doors to the console, and continuing into the rear compartment. Even the windshield is framed in milled brushed aluminum continuing Cadillac’s use of natural materials.

Personalization and nature connection

Cadillac design utilizes lighting in many of our products as a layer of personalization. SOLLEI elevates this offering with distinguished ambient lighting for true customization including multiple zones and 126 color options in each zone. The lighting can evoke specific moods and personalize the interior ambiance.

SOLLEI also caters to bird-watching connoisseurs with a unique interior accessory. A custom brushed metal and leather-wrapped case houses 3D printed acrylic bird calls, 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.

Celestial and optimistic design

SOLLEI celebrates the optimism of travel and the celestial environment with its rich sensory engagement, unexpected discoveries, and sense of occasion. Sun themed features are pronounced in its color, materials, and finishes:

• Unique sunburst-themed lighting and graphic choreography.
• Sunburst motif perforation, quilting, and embroidery on seat patterns.
• Interior Fine Nappa leather featuring a pink iridescent pigment that creates a subtle color-changing sunrise effect.
• Charging mats on the console, door map pockets and custom accessories are made from MycoWorks’ premium bio-based material created using their Fine Mycelium technology. This material is in an iridescent finish in a soft hue color palette.
• Pink iridescent hue on the beverage chiller door and glass tray in the rear compartment that reveals different sunlight exposures.
• “Aurora” tint on primary metal finishes, which includes color shifting to reflect the phenomenon of the sun’s solar winds reacting with the earth’s atmosphere.
• Convertible metallic roof fabric called “Daybreak”, whose name ties to the functionality of the convertible roof; as the roof pulls back, sunlight can pour over the interior.
• Textured floormat material named “Bask”, a boucle fabric adding beautiful texture and subtle warmth, matching the color of the roof material keeping the whole interior very light.

Continuing the tradition of bespoke expression

The SOLLEI convertible exercise represents the brand’s vision to offer modern design this time in an open-air format, inspired by iconic Cadillacs from the past.

While luxury car companies like Rolls-Royce and Bentley have done bespoke commissions like the Bentley Batur Convertible and Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail, the question remains – Does Cadillac have the cache to attract buyers for high-dollar custom builds like this? We’ll see..

What do you think of the Cadillac SOLLEI concept?