2026 Cadillac Optiq-V is a 387kW Porsche Macan EV rival
The 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V is the second high-performance electric SUV to appear from General Motors' luxury brand, though it's not quite as powerful as the first.
It incorporates a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain producing 387kW of power and 880Nm of torque, up 163kW and 400Nm on the regular Optiq.
Cadillac claims this 2470kg battery-powered SUV can complete the 0-60mph (0-96km/h) sprint in 3.5 seconds with launch control activated.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
For context, a similarly sized Porsche Macan 4S has 380kW of power and a 0-60mph claim of 3.9 seconds with launch control, though the Macan Turbo shades the Optiq-V with up to 470kW and a 3.1-second claim.
Cadillac's own Lyriq-V produces 459kW/880Nm, giving it a 0-60mph time of just 3.3 seconds using launch control.
While the Lyriq-V has been confirmed for an Australian launch in 2026, along with the regular Optiq and larger three-row Vistiq, GM Australia and New Zealand has previously indicated the Optiq-V isn't on the cards for local release.
'No, [Optiq-V isn't] coming here. We'll have a Lyriq-V,' GM ANZ managing director Jess Bala told CarExpert in May.
'We haven't done a V-Series here before, so we want to assess that one first and then we have to look at different regulations within battery architectures and things like that.
'So we'll start with Lyriq-V, and we'll continue to assess if there are opportunities that arise.'
A GM ANZ spokesperson had no further comment when asked today about the Optiq-V's chances, and the official press release notes availability only in North America, the Middle East and Israel.
The Optiq-V features the same 85kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) battery as the regular Optiq, though range under the stricter US EPA test cycle drops to 443km, down from 486km.
It'll be GM's first EV with a native North American Charging Standard inlet, allowing it to be compatible with Tesla's Supercharger network in North America. On a DC fast-charger, GM says the Optiq-V can gain 113km of range in 10 minutes.
Cadillac has followed largely the same formula with the Optiq-V as with the Lyriq-V. To that end, both have five-link rear suspension with Continuous Damping Control adaptive dampers, as well as Brembo front brake calipers.
The luxury brand says it prioritised a 'harmonious balance of aerodynamics, weight distribution, agility and safety', and in addition to the suspension upgrades it says the Optiq-V has 'tighter steering'.
A V-Mode, activated by pressing the V button on the steering wheel, allows drivers to save performance-focused settings including a Competitive Mode that 'enables a suite of traction management features', plus unique propulsion sounds.
The Optiq-V is distinguished from the regular Optiq by unique front-end styling, with the trademark V-Series grille mesh pattern found in the lower grille.
There's also a revised upper grille area, a high-gloss black front splitter, and body-coloured lower trim, while down back there's a gloss black diffuser.
A carbon-fibre front splitter, rear diffuser, and rear mid-spoiler are available in a special carbon package.
The Optiq-V rides on 21-inch satin graphite alloy wheels with low-profile tyres and a laser-etched V-Series badge; 21-inch wheels with a 'dark sport finish' are optional.
A fixed panoramic glass roof with a black surround is standard, while Magnus Metal Frost metallic matte grey exterior paint – as seen on the Lyriq-V – is optional along with the featured Deep Ocean Tintcoat.
Indeed, Cadillac has taken the blue of the V-Series logo and gone to town with it. Those Brembo front brake calipers can be had in blue or red, blue accents can be found within the rear quarter windows, and prominent blue accents can be found inside the cabin.
You can have the Optiq-V with either a Noir (black) interior or two-tone Noir and Sky Cool Grey, but both come standard with Santorini Blue accents.
There's blue trim across the front of the dash, on the doors, and even the seats feature blue piping. The front seatbacks are also finished almost entirely in blue.
The Optiq-V gets a unique darker patterned accent fabric woven from yarn made from 100 per cent recycled materials, while the centre console has genuine woven carbon-fibre trim.
V-Series logos can be found embroidered on the seats, etched on the sill plates, and dotted elsewhere in the cabin.
Otherwise, the basic layout of the Optiq's interior carries over, including a 33-inch curved display incorporating the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen.
The infotainment system features Google built-in, with embedded Google apps such as Google Maps and more available to download through the Google Play Store. There's also a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with Dolby Atmos.
Like almost every Cadillac, Super Cruise hands-free highway driving is standard. This Level 2+ autonomous driving technology is yet to be offered in any Australian-market GM vehicle.
The Optiq-V is priced from US$68,795 (~A$105,000), while the core Optiq lineup is priced from US$54,390 to $57,090 (~A$83,000 to $87,500). Production starts in the autumn (our spring) of 2025.
'V-Series continues to help forge Cadillac's performance legacy by providing customers an exhilarating driving experience,' said John Roth, vice president of global Cadillac.
'Optiq-V will be a significant addition to the V-Series portfolio bringing in new customers to the brand and emphasizing Cadillac's global impact.'
It's just a tenth of a second slower to 60mph than the supercharged V8-powered CT5-V Blackwing sedan when equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Though the Optiq-V and Lyriq-V (pictured above) are quick, they're quite different from the traditionally V8-powered models that have worn the V-Series nameplate over the years.
Cadillac's first V-Series model was the 2004 CTS-V sedan, which featured an overhead-valve 5.7-litre V8 (later a 6.0-litre) shared with the Chevrolet Corvette, mated with a six-speed manual transmission.
It was soon joined by the STS-V sedan and XLR-V convertible (pictured below with the first CTS-V), which used a supercharged version of Cadillac's Northstar overhead-cam V8, mated with a six-speed automatic.
These lasted a single generation, but the CTS-V went for two more generations, both with supercharged V8 power.
V-Series models were later joined by tamer VSport models, which swapped V8 power for twin-turbo V6s. That said, not every hardcore V-Series model has packed a bent-eight, with the BMW M3-rivalling ATS-V for example being the first V with a twin-turbo V6.
In recent years, Cadillac revised its V-Series strategy, rolling out models like the CT4-V and CT5-V that are less powerful than previous Vs (the CT4-V even comes with a four-cylinder engine, a first for a V-Series), but replacing the full-fat ATS-V and CTS-V models with new CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing models.
It also introduced the first ever Escalade-V, marking the first time the V-Series name has been used on an SUV.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
7NEWS
2 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50: Most powerful GTI detailed
For the 50th anniversary the Volkswagen Golf GTI's unveiling, the automaker has cooked up the Edition 50, which features a few more spuds under the bonnet, a dash of styling changes, and a sprinkle of chassis upgrades. Based on the already uprated Clubsport edition, the Edition 50 boasts a revised 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that now delivers 239kW and 420Nm. It continues to drive the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. The Edition 50 can reportedly complete the 0-100km/h dash in 5.5 seconds, or 0.1s faster than the Clubsport. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. For reference, the standard GTI makes 195kW/370Nm, while the Clubsport punts out 221kW/420Nm. The Edition 50's engine is also 4kW more powerful than the one fitted to the all-wheel drive Golf R. The original 1976 Golf GTI had a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine making 81kW and 140Nm, and came fitted with a four-speed manual transmission. The extra power is matched to retuned steering and revised Dynamic Chassis Control settings. Compared to the regular eighth-generation Golf GTI, the Edition 50 sits 15mm lower to the ground. For those who want a few more frills, there's an optional GTI Performance pack, which lowers the ride height by a further 5mm, has 235mm Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres, and stiffer springs for better response and reduced pitching and rolling. It also comes with 19-inch Warmenau forged alloy wheels that weigh just 8kg each — down 3kg on the 19-inch standard wheel — and an Akrapovič titanium exhaust, which saves a further 11kg. The GTI Edition 50 is available in five exterior colours: three (Pure White, Moonstone Grey, and Grenadilla Black Metallic) which are available on elsewhere, and two (Dark Moss Green Metallic, and Tornado Red) that are exclusive to the Edition 50. Visual tweaks include a black roof, unique side sill trim, black wing mirrors and exhaust tips, and a stripe along the bottom of the doors that fades from black to red. There's also 'GTI 50' logos to be found the steering wheel, rear wing, wing mirrors, and side step protectors. On the inside there are red seat belts, and sports front seats trimmed in faux velour with a check pattern and thin Racing Green stripe. As we learnt last week, the Edition 50 is the fastest Golf around the Nurburgring Nordschleife track with a time of 7 minutes 46.13 seconds in the hands of race driver Benny Leuchter. It beat the 7 minute 47.31 second time set by Mr Leuchter in an all-wheel drive 2022 Golf R. Production of the Edition 50 is set to start at the end of 2025, and the first customer vehicles won't be delivered until 2026. Pricing has yet to be announced, and Australian availability isn't confirmed. In a chat with CarExpert at the local launch of the new Mk8.5 Golf range, general manager for product at Volkswagen Australia, Arjun Nidigallu, said the German brand's local arm is actively looking into how the GTI Clubsport could fit into the local lineup, but noted, 'There are some technical things with the GTI Clubsport – engine and suspension variations that we need to make sure we have clearances for the Australian market'.
Perth Now
2 hours ago
- Perth Now
Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50: Most powerful GTI detailed
For the 50th anniversary the Volkswagen Golf GTI's unveiling, the automaker has cooked up the Edition 50, which features a few more spuds under the bonnet, a dash of styling changes, and a sprinkle of chassis upgrades. Based on the already uprated Clubsport edition, the Edition 50 boasts a revised 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that now delivers 239kW and 420Nm. It continues to drive the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. The Edition 50 can reportedly complete the 0-100km/h dash in 5.5 seconds, or 0.1s faster than the Clubsport. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert For reference, the standard GTI makes 195kW/370Nm, while the Clubsport punts out 221kW/420Nm. The Edition 50's engine is also 4kW more powerful than the one fitted to the all-wheel drive Golf R. The original 1976 Golf GTI had a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine making 81kW and 140Nm, and came fitted with a four-speed manual transmission. The extra power is matched to retuned steering and revised Dynamic Chassis Control settings. Compared to the regular eighth-generation Golf GTI, the Edition 50 sits 15mm lower to the ground. For those who want a few more frills, there's an optional GTI Performance pack, which lowers the ride height by a further 5mm, has 235mm Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres, and stiffer springs for better response and reduced pitching and rolling. It also comes with 19-inch Warmenau forged alloy wheels that weigh just 8kg each — down 3kg on the 19-inch standard wheel — and an Akrapovič titanium exhaust, which saves a further 11kg. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert The GTI Edition 50 is available in five exterior colours: three (Pure White, Moonstone Grey, and Grenadilla Black Metallic) which are available on elsewhere, and two (Dark Moss Green Metallic, and Tornado Red) that are exclusive to the Edition 50. Visual tweaks include a black roof, unique side sill trim, black wing mirrors and exhaust tips, and a stripe along the bottom of the doors that fades from black to red. There's also 'GTI 50' logos to be found the steering wheel, rear wing, wing mirrors, and side step protectors. On the inside there are red seat belts, and sports front seats trimmed in faux velour with a check pattern and thin Racing Green stripe. Supplied Credit: CarExpert As we learnt last week, the Edition 50 is the fastest Golf around the Nurburgring Nordschleife track with a time of 7 minutes 46.13 seconds in the hands of race driver Benny Leuchter. It beat the 7 minute 47.31 second time set by Mr Leuchter in an all-wheel drive 2022 Golf R. Production of the Edition 50 is set to start at the end of 2025, and the first customer vehicles won't be delivered until 2026. Pricing has yet to be announced, and Australian availability isn't confirmed. In a chat with CarExpert at the local launch of the new Mk8.5 Golf range, general manager for product at Volkswagen Australia, Arjun Nidigallu, said the German brand's local arm is actively looking into how the GTI Clubsport could fit into the local lineup, but noted, 'There are some technical things with the GTI Clubsport – engine and suspension variations that we need to make sure we have clearances for the Australian market'. MORE: Everything Volkswagen Golf
Canberra Times
3 hours ago
- Canberra Times
Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50: Most powerful GTI detailed
In a chat with CarExpert at the local launch of the new Mk8.5 Golf range, general manager for product at Volkswagen Australia, Arjun Nidigallu, said the German brand's local arm is actively looking into how the GTI Clubsport could fit into the local lineup, but noted, "There are some technical things with the GTI Clubsport – engine and suspension variations that we need to make sure we have clearances for the Australian market".
