Cadillac presents coachbuilt SOLLEI convertible EV

Cadillac, like Rolls-Royce, was established in the first decade of the 1900s and also like the British automaker, positioned itself as a maker of luxury cars. Once a respected brand in the upper end of the American market, Cadillac lost its following as it became less distinct from the models of other GM brands in the 1990s.

It is still regarded as GM’s luxury brand, an alternative to the European brands, and to reinforce this proposition is the SOLLEI concept car. The ‘SOL’ refers to the sun while the ‘LEI’ is from ‘leisure’, represents Cadillac’s optimistic inspiration for an open-air, leisurely lifestyle.

This is a coach-built design proposal for a convertible in the electric age, suggesting how Cadillac could take on future bespoke commissions.

The SOLLEI conceptualizes an all-electric, 2+2 convertible equipped with the brand’s signature 55-inch (1.4 metres) pillar-to-pillar screen, exterior lighting chorography for arrival and departure, and intuitive front and rear command console.

“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.”

Bio-based material
This is Cadillac’s first concept vehicle to incorporate an innovative bio-based material developed in collaboration with MycoWorks. The material reflects Cadillac’s mission to pioneer renewable automotive resources.

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).

Sophisticated exterior, clean body style
The SOLLEI’s exterior 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 colours, the exterior is finished in Manila Cream, a colour 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 epitomises the brand’s ‘art of travel’ design philosophy, elevating the travel experience for both the driver and the passenger. Features include a fully integrated beverage chiller with a power glass door and crystal glasses seamlessly blending leisure with travel.

Craftsmanship has always been in the Cadillac DNA, and this is evident in the SOLLEI. Illuminated decor and unique embellishments add expression to the brand’s aesthetics.

The interior decor, wrapped in unstained wood veneers, honours natural colour 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 into the rear compartment.

The windscreen is framed in milled brushed aluminium continuing Cadillac’s use of natural materials.

Personalization with light
Cadillac designers use lighting as a layer of personalization. In the SOLLEI, there is distinguished ambient lighting for true customization including multiple zones and 126 colour options in each zone. The lighting can evoke specific moods and personalize the interior ambiance.

For those who are bird-watchers (the feathered kind), the designers have added 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.

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