From Bespoke Paint to a Unique VIN: Inside the Curated by Cadillac Program

Cadillac is extending the hand-built, concierge-level personalization of its $340,000 Celestiq sedan to the all-electric Escalade IQ. The new Curated by Cadillac program for the 2027 model year offers more than 160 exterior colors and finishes, 44 interior hues, and millions of possible design combinations. Each SUV is hand-painted and assembled at the automaker’s Artisan Center in Warren, Michigan, receiving a unique VIN and an exclusive badge that marks it as a one-of-a-kind build.

The experience goes beyond picking paint and upholstery. Customers work with a personal concierge and their dealer through dedicated design consultations to narrow the overwhelming number of options. All materials and finishes used under the program are covered by Cadillac’s warranty.

This level of exclusivity carries a steep premium. The Curated by Cadillac package costs $54,995 on top of the Escalade IQ’s base price, which for the 2026 model started at $130,300. That pushes the total for a customized IQ well past $185,000 before any other add-ons. U.S. and Canadian deliveries are expected to begin in the second half of 2027.

Why Cadillac Is Bringing Ultra-Luxury Personalization to the Escalade

Cadillac’s Strategy to Fill the Ultra-Luxury Gap

By adapting the Celestiq’s bespoke production process for a high-volume nameplate like the Escalade, Cadillac is targeting affluent buyers who want more than a premium badge — they want a vehicle no one else has. The program allows the brand to charge a markup that far exceeds typical option packages, potentially boosting per-unit margins at a time when the electric flagship SUV must justify its six-figure price. It also puts Cadillac in closer competition with ultra-luxury nameplates that already offer factory custom commissions, though the $55,000 adder likely keeps the vehicle out of reach for most traditional Escalade shoppers.

What Potential Buyers Should Know About the Curated Escalade IQ

  • The customization package adds $54,995 to the Escalade IQ’s base price; budget at least $185,000 before considering other options.
  • Orders are guided by a personal concierge and design consultation, so expect a longer ordering process than a standard acquisition.
  • Deliveries are slated for the second half of 2027, and the program is initially available only in the U.S. and Canada.