--- title: "Cadillac Sollei and Genesis X Could Revive Ultra-Luxe Convertibles" date: "2024-07-22" modified: "2024-07-22" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/tech/cadillac-sollei-could-herald-the-return-of-ultra-luxe-convertibles-if-gm-lets-it" categories: - "Cadillac News" - "Car Tech" - "Electric Vehicles" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Cadillac" - "Convertible" - "Electric Vehicle" --- # Cadillac Sollei and Genesis X Could Revive Ultra-Luxe Convertibles ![]() *Cadillac* Cadillac could be joining Genesis in making big, luxurious, four-seat convertibles popular again. Nearly two years after Genesis rolled out the [stunning X Convertible concept]() in 2022, America's luxury brand has its own electric convertible concept that reminds us of classic two-plus-two luxury drop-tops: the Cadillac Sollei. As long as GM ever lets [Cadillac]() build the damn thing. The Sollei continues where the [Celestiq]() left off. It uses the same Ultium chassis as the Celestiq and even wears the same front end. However, while the four-door Celestiq is Caddy's electric answer to [Rolls-Royce](), the Sollei is a throwback to the brand's squishy, old-school luxury convertibles, like the DeVille and Eldorado. Even its hand-painted "Manilla Cream" color was originally used on late-'50s Cadillacs. Unfortunately, the Sollei isn't slated for production yet, as GM's only termed it an "imaginative design exercise." ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Unlike most modern luxury convertibles, like the new [Mercedes SL-Class](), BMW 8 Series, [Maserati GranCabrio](), and Aston Martin DB12 Volante, the Cadillac Sollei doesn't have any sporty pretensions. Its very name—the combination of "Sol" and "Lei"—means "sun" and "leisure," respectively. Fitting for a design with a high shoulder line, low-sloping rear end, and smooth bodywork, suggesting relaxation rather than blood-pumping excitement. That same feeling of leisure seems to carry into the cabin, too, where its Celestiq-borrowed interior gets a color scheme seemingly inspired by lemon meringue pie. Deliciousness isn't its only attribute, though. With its Mycelium™ by MycoWorks materials (literally a material made from grown from mushrooms) and unstained open-pore wood trim, the cabin is eco-friendly, too. The rear-seat drinks cooler, crystal glassware, and sunburst-effect metalwork keep with the chill, relaxed theme. There's even a bird-watching kit—which includes 3D-printed acrylic bird calls, a leather-bound journal, and leather tool roll for pens, all found in a leather-wrapped case. Is there anything less heart-pounding than bird-watching? ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() All this combines to make a throwback convertible luxury car, contrasted by GM's most advanced EV technology. Combined with Genesis' aforementioned X Convertible that's long been rumored for sale, this concept could mark the return of old-school luxury convertibles. However, GM needs to find the guts to give Cadillac the green light to build it. With the Celestiq's platform and face, it seems relatively easy for GM to put the Sollei into production. Even if it's just built as an ultra-low-volume halo car, designed to be aspirational for Cadillac customers, the Sollei's existence would help reestablish a bygone era of luxury Americana. Maybe if we all get behind it, we can pressure Cadillac into heralding the return of old-school convertibles with new-school technology. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()