Cadillac Introduces the Sollei: A Bespoke Electric Convertible
DETROIT – Cadillac has unveiled the Sollei concept vehicle, an embodiment of bespoke luxury in an electric 2+2 convertible. This forward-thinking design experiment showcases the potential of custom commissioned vehicles, reflecting the unique passions and interests of its discerning clientele.
A Vision of Sun and Leisure
The name Sollei, derived from “sun” (SOL) and “leisure” (LEI), encapsulates Cadillac’s vision of an open-air, relaxed lifestyle. The concept features Cadillac’s signature 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen, an awe-inspiring interior, and innovative lighting choreography for arrival and departure, all controlled via intuitive front and rear command consoles.
“Sollei reimagines the discovery of travel, envisioning a personalized driving experience that connects one with the natural world around them,” said Erin Crossley, Cadillac’s design director. “The concept celebrates Cadillac’s heritage of elegant convertibles in a modern form, emphasizing high luxury through unique design expressions and experiences.“
Innovative and Eco-Friendly Materials
Sollei is Cadillac’s first concept to incorporate bio-based materials, developed in collaboration with MycoWorks. Fine Mycelium, used in charging mats and door map pockets, highlights Cadillac’s commitment to pioneering renewable automotive resources. This material, grown from the renewable root structure of mushrooms, signifies a new era of sustainable luxury.
Exterior Design: Elegance in Motion
The Sollei’s exterior boasts bold proportions and a low, elongated body with a wide stance and long coupe door for easy access to the spacious rear. The seamless surfaces and stretched A-line emphasize the vehicle’s length, while the low tail design creates a dynamic yet elegant silhouette. Discrete buttons replace conventional door handles, maintaining a clean profile.
The vehicle is finished in “Manila Cream,” a color originally used on Cadillacs in the late 1950s, meticulously curated and hand-painted by Cadillac craftsmen.
Interior: Artistry and Comfort
Inside, the Sollei elevates travel with a fully integrated beverage chiller, crystal glasses, and an array of unique embellishments. Illuminated décor and hand-cut, hand-laid wood veneers add to the luxurious ambiance. The windshield, framed in milled brushed aluminum, continues Cadillac’s tradition of using natural materials.
Personalized Lighting and Bird-Watching Features
Cadillac’s advanced lighting technology offers 126 color options in multiple zones, allowing for a truly personalized interior ambiance. For bird-watching enthusiasts, the Sollei includes a custom case with 3D printed bird calls, a leather-bound journal with hand-painted bird illustrations, and a tool roll for capturing bird-watching experiences.
Sun-Inspired Design Elements
Sollei’s design celebrates travel and the celestial environment with sun-themed features, including:
- Sunburst-themed lighting and graphic choreography
- Seat patterns with sunburst motif perforation, quilting, and embroidery
- Nappa leather with a pink iridescent pigment for a subtle sunrise effect
- Iridescent Fine Mycelium™ material for charging mats and accessories
- “Aurora” tint on metal finishes reflecting solar winds
- Convertible metallic roof fabric named “Daybreak”
- Boucle floormat material named “Bask”
Continuing a Legacy of Bespoke Expression
The Sollei concept, unveiled at Cadillac House at Vanderbilt, a state-of-the-art facility at GM’s Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, represents Cadillac’s vision of modern design in an open-air format. This bespoke design experience underscores Cadillac’s dedication to innovation and luxury, honoring its iconic past while looking towards the future.
