- A New Starting Point for Cadillac
- Powerful Performance and Rich Features
- Luxurious Standard Configurations
- Unique Design Touches
- Perfect Combination of Range and Power
- Outstanding Powertrain
- Younger Consumers’ Driving Experience
- Spacious Interior
- Global Sales Strategy
A New Starting Point for Cadillac
Entering Cadillac's EV luxury lineup, the Optiq will sit below the Lyriq and is priced about $4,500 less, targeting buyers who prefer a smaller footprint.
Powerful Performance and Rich Features
Despite its compact size, the Optiq boasts a 33-inch curved screen, AWD, and a range of 300 miles, showcasing impressive capabilities. As demand for EVs grows, although it may be slowing, Cadillac is forging ahead with the launch of electric options across various segments, even creating new ones.
Luxurious Standard Configurations
The latest addition to the lineup, the 2025 Optiq, is a compact crossover based on GM's Ultium EV platform and battery technology, set to go on sale later this year. Cadillac expects the starting price to be around $54,000, including destination charges. This makes the Optiq slightly cheaper than the 2024 Lyriq, which starts at $58,590, also including destination. However, the Optiq will come with numerous standard features, including dual-motor AWD, GM's Super Cruise automated driving assist for highways, a 33-inch display integrating digital screens for the gauge cluster and infotainment system, and a 19-speaker AKG premium audio system equipped with Dolby Atmos.
Unique Design Touches
This vehicle features unique design elements such as laser-etched glass on the rear quarter panel, a glass roof that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding metal, and choreographed lighting that welcomes the driver upon approach.
Perfect Combination of Range and Power
The only announced battery is an 85-kwh unit that Cadillac estimates will deliver a range of 300 miles. With a DC fast charger, owners should be able to add nearly 80 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
Outstanding Powertrain
The dual motors peak at a combined 300 hp. To optimize range, the front motor is rated up to 200 hp and is used to power the vehicle alone during steady driving when the extra traction of an AWD system isn’t necessary. A drive mode selector with a Sport mode is also included.
Younger Consumers’ Driving Experience
Cadillac has not provided any performance numbers, apart from a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. However, Green Car Reports has learned that the vehicle's performance engineer was part of the team that developed Cadillac's hardcore Blackwing models, a decision made to ensure the Optiq delivers a sportier driving experience aimed at attracting younger consumers, particularly older Millennials.
Spacious Interior
At 190 inches long, the Optiq is comparable in size to the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, which also utilizes Ultium technology. Like the Equinox EV, the Optiq offers spaciousness typical of a compact crossover. While there is no front trunk, the cargo space is relatively generous at 26 cubic feet as standard and can expand to 57 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded flat.
Global Sales Strategy
The Optiq and Equinox EV will share a manufacturing plant, specifically GM's facility in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. Unlike the Chevy, the Optiq will be sold in 10 regions globally, including several European countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand, and in the key market of China.
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