Competes with: Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mercedes-EQ EQB, Lexus RZ, Volvo XC40 Recharge
Looks like: A pint-size Lyriq
Powertrain: 300-horsepower dual electric motors with 85-kilowatt-hour battery; all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Fall 2024
Cadillac has now shown the world its complete lineup of electric vehicles, consisting of four SUVs of various sizes and one half-million-dollar bespoke flagship sedan. Now we’ve seen what slots below the two-row mid-size Lyriq SUV: the new 2025 Optiq, a compact two-row SUV meant to be the entry point into the brand’s electric showroom, arriving in the autumn.
The 2025 Optiq goes on sale in the fall with a starting price of $54,000 (including destination), according to Cadillac. Cadillac declined to say whether any lesser trims will appear, such as a two-wheel-drive single-motor version, but the arrival of the baby Caddy electric SUV should expand the company’s reach into this burgeoning field.
The new Optiq features all of the Cadillac EV styling elements, including the vertical LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal grille with dancing welcome light patterns, and the separated two-element vertical taillights. It’s all in a smaller package, however, with a 6-inch shorter wheelbase than the Lyriq’s, and also uses the flexible Ultium platform that underpins all of Cadillac parent GM’s electric cars (with the exception of the temporarily defunct Bolt EV).
Of note is the standard glass roof and unusual graphic detailing on the rear quarter window, a first for Cadillac. Note that this rear glass is actually a styling element; from inside the vehicle, the viewable translucent portion is quite a bit smaller than the actual glass panel.
Powering the new Optiq is GM’s Ultium modular lithium-ion battery system and related chassis, which has become the basis of the company’s EVs. Here, the platform employs a 10-module, 85-kilowatt-hour (usable) battery that Cadillac says is good for 300 miles of range. The company also says the car can add about 79 miles of range in 10 minutes on a DC fast charger, but it has not yet provided the vehicle’s maximum charging capacity. Home-charging times on a 240-volt system depend on the charger’s capacity and amperage and the home circuit, according to Cadillac, adding anywhere from 24 to 55 miles of range per hour.
The Optiq will launch with a dual-motor setup for all-wheel drive and will produce a total of 300 horsepower and 354 pounds-feet of torque, per Cadillac. No performance numbers were given for the Optiq, but with a reported curb weight of 5,192 pounds, it’s going to need all that output for sprightly performance. Twenty-inch wheels will be standard, with 21-inch wheels as an option.
Both trims will feature some common equipment, such as Regen on Demand, a pressure-sensitive paddle on the steering wheel that increases the brake regeneration to slow the SUV. One-pedal driving will also be an option, allowing drivers to forgo the brake pedal altogether by immediately providing max regen upon lifting off the accelerator pedal. Four drive modes will be included: Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice and a customizable “My Mode,” allowing driver-selected brake responsiveness and steering feel.
All Optiqs will come with a dual-level charging cord, as well, allowing owners to plug the vehicle into a four-prong 240-volt or three-prong household 120-volt outlet for recharging.
Cadillac Ups the Interior Game
Inside, the 2025 Optiq will feature the increasingly common 33-inch curved glass display seen throughout a number of GM products. It’s an LED display with 9K resolution and is able to display “over 1 billion colors,” according to Cadillac, which … sounds like a curious marketing claim. A Google operating system will be standard, bringing into the vehicle all manner of functionality, such as Google Maps for navigation, Google Assistant for vehicle voice commands and the Google Play store. But it comes at the expense of Apple CarPlay, which (like most new GM Ultium-based vehicles) won’t be offered at all.
Cadillac claims the Optiq is reasonably spacious, however, with what the company calls best-in-class second-row room and cargo capacity. The interior materials are unusual, using a woven-yarn accent fabric that uses 100% recycled materials, while the “PaperWood” veneer dash and door trim is created from tulip wood and recycled newspaper.
The Super Cruise semi-autonomous hands-free driving system will be standard with three years of connected service (a subscription will be required after that to keep Super Cruise active). Blind Zone Steering Assist, Enhanced Automatic Parking, forward collision warning and plain old adaptive cruise control will also be standard, among other features. And to keep everyone singing, a 19-speaker AKG audio system with Dolby Atmos sound will be included.
