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We chat to the design director of the Sollei, a luxurious open-top EV idea for the 21st century.

Cadillac's 122-year history has had its share of ups and downs. In its peak, the carmaker led the industry, with its premium automobiles incorporating pioneering technology and exquisite craftsmanship. At its lowest, Cadillac marketed warmed-over copies of average GM vehicles.

It seems the premium brand's dog days are gone, and it's once again attempting to prove itself deserving of its onetime "Standard of the World" moniker. This starts with the Celestiq, a hand-built fastback that has its eyes set on Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Cadillac is intent to sustain its momentum in the ultraluxury category, as indicated by the Sollei concept.

The two-door Sollei is basically a Celestiq convertible since it rides on the same underpinnings as Caddy's four-door flagship. Despite having two fewer points of entry, the Sollei retains the Celestiq's 130.2-inch wheelbase and 217.2-inch total length. New bodywork aft of the A-pillars gives the Sollei its own distinct style. Softer lines and a boattail rear end offer gravitas to the droptop idea, which pays tribute to the enormous Cadillac convertibles of the past while avoiding vintage design influences.

Like practically everything else about the Sollei, its doors are huge, each measuring five feet, eight inches long. Their wide apertures allow simple access to the spacious rear seats. Credit the extended wheelbase, as well as the space-efficient layout of the 111.0-kWh battery pack's pouch-style cells that carry over from the Celestiq.

Given the numerous pieces it shares with the Celestiq, the Sollei ought to go from concept to production vehicle with considerable simplicity. However, the fact that Cadillac may create the Sollei does not imply it will. Maybe if enough mega-rich clientele express interest in buying a Sollei, Cadillac may greenlight at least a limited run of the electric convertible. We'd love to see this land yacht take sail.

The Design Director

Before heading the Sollei and Celestiq designs, Erin Crossley spent years working in GM's color and trim division, and it shows. Crossley shared us some insight into the construction of the Sollei's rich hues and beautiful design.

Car and Driver: How long did development take?

Erin Crossley: About a year and a half from first sketching to the final concept car being produced.

How was the color scheme decided?

The crew performed an examination of like 10 distinct concepts. Everybody just drawn toward this golden tint.

What were some alternative options?

Our top two were a daylight theme, which was the yellow base, and a midnight theme, which was deeper tones, more purple.

Why carry over the four-door Celestiq's wheelbase and overall length to the two-door Sollei concept?

That was deliberate. We wanted Sollei to have this wide, expansive back seat that speaks to the concept that all occupants enjoy the same spaciousness, with a focus on the beverage cooler between the seats.

Can you comment about the design choice to incorporate such lengthy doors?

It enables for improved rear-seat entrance and egress. It's larger than any manufacturing door we've ever done. It gave us the very long, beautiful profile we were going for.