Cadillac Optiq-V Vs. Lyriq-V: Quickest-Ever Cadillac SUVs Compared
On paper, the new Optiq-V runs its bigger, faste sibling the Lyriq-V very close indeed.
Cadillac Doubles Its EV Muscle
With the reveal of the Optiq-V, Cadillac now has two fully electric members of its growing V-Series high-performance lineup, joining the larger Lyriq-V. The gas-powered V-Series range includes the fire-breathing CT5-V Blackwing with its raucous V8, but for those who prefer their performance to be delivered in the drama-free fashion of an EV, it's all about the Lyriq-V and new Optiq-V. Here are five key differences between these high-performance EVs from Cadillac.
1. Smaller, Lighter Optiq-V Likely To Be More Agile
2026 Cadillac Optiq-V
2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V
The most obvious difference between these two electric SUVs comes down to size. The Optiq-V measures 190 inches in body length, making it seven inches shorter than the Lyriq-V. Width is just 2.4 inches more for the Lyriq-V, while the Optiq-V is 0.7 inches taller.
Perhaps more significant than size is weight. Both are heavy beasts, as is expected for electric SUVs. The Lyriq-V comes in at a monster 5,980 pounds, while the Optiq-V weighs 5,445 lbs – that 535-pound difference could make the Optiq-V feel more responsive through the corners. But, while both have electronic power steering, the Lyriq-V has a continuously variable system that adjusts the amount of assistance needed based on factors like vehicle speed.
It will be interesting to gauge the effect of these differences in a back-to-back test drive.
2. Lyriq-V Has Small Performance Edge
Lyriq-V owners wouldn't have been pleased if the smaller, cheaper Optiq-V turned out to be quicker, so Cadillac appears to have perfectly tuned the smaller SUV to be slightly slower.
Both have dual electric motors and all-wheel drive, but whereas the Optiq-V makes 519 horsepower and 650-lb-ft of torque, the Lyriq-V produces 615 hp – torque remains the same for the larger vehicle.
The Optiq-V has a claimed 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, whereas the Lyriq-V cuts that down to 3.3 seconds, so retains its title as the quickest Cadillac ever. Both these times require the EVs to be in Velocity Max mode, a selectable setting that allows for peak performance.
3. Optiq-V Has Smaller Battery But Nearly Matches Lyriq-V's Range
Dashboard of the 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V
2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V
A battery capacity of 85 kWh applies to the Optiq-V, which is sufficient for an estimated 275 miles of range. The Lyriq-V has a larger 102-kWh battery and an estimated range of 285 miles – only 10 miles more than its smaller sibling. Based on these figures, it's likely that the Optiq-V will be quite a bit more efficient, most of which stems from its 535-pound weight advantage.
4. Native NACS Inlet Unique To Optiq-V
The built-in NACS port on the 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ-V —
Source: Cadillac
Not only is the Optiq-V more efficient, but it's the first vehicle from General Motors that will have a native NACS (North American Charging Standard) inlet. This is a welcome move that will make fast-charging options more convenient across the country, as the Optiq-V can make use of the Tesla Supercharger network. The Lyriq-V still requires a NACS DC GM-approved adaptor.
'Integrating the native NACS port into our vehicle architecture is an important step forward, reflecting our leadership in engineering and our commitment to providing our customers with more charging options,' said John Cockburn, Optiq-V chief engineer.
5. Price Difference Of Over $10,000
Source: Cadillac
So, how much do you save if you go for the smaller and (slightly) slower of Cadillac's high-performance electric SUVs? Well, the 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V will cost you $68,795, including the destination charge. For the 2026 Lyriq-V, the equivalent price (including the destination charge) is $80,090.
You do get a few better features with the Lyriq-V, such as the standard 23-speaker AKG sound system, whereas the Optiq-V has a 19-speaker version. However, the Optiq-V is also well-specified and matches the Lyriq-V's immersive 33-inch dashboard display.
As things stand now – unless we needed the extra space and assuming the driving experience is similar – we'd be tempted to go for the Optiq-V and add one or two desirable options, while still coming in way below the Lyriq-V's MSRP. You'd still be getting an extremely quick and very luxurious EV.
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