Latest news with #Optiq
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Auto review: 2025 Cadillac Optiq is the optimal luxury electric SUV
There's a perception that everything is bigger in America, and it's hard to dispute. Generous proportions have always been an American automotive hallmark. Large size is certainly embedded in Cadillac's DNA, and that's how its devotees like it - mostly. There are those abhor massiveness yet still desire the luxury, options and agility that comes with Cadillac's living-large persona. Oh, and make it an EV while you're at it. Enter the 2025 Cadillac Optiq, which is about the same size as a Cadillac XT5 or a Tesla Model Y, but with a longer wheelbase and powered by volts. This allows for a roomy interior as well as a radically sloped windshield and backlight, lending the 190-inch long Optiq a low, sleek, sporty appearance that renders it among the best looking of the breed. The Optiq's striated rear window nicely picks up the Vegas-style front end's lighting detail. Well done. The inside story is just as impressive, with a sizable 33-inch LED display resting atop the instrument panel. Unlike other automakers that piece together multiple screens under a single piece of glass to mimic a single display, Cadillac gives the Optiq a screen that actually is a single display, one where the graphics traverse the entire screen. It's used for both driver instrumentation and infotainment duties. A head-up display is optional on upper trim levels. Thoughtfully, Cadillac designers use physical buttons for the climate control, rather than having drivers hunt and peck onscreen for them. Bravo. Less enthralling is the total absence of support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Cadillac does build-in other software, however, including Google Built-In, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to Spotify and Amazon Music. A 5G Wi-Fi hotspot and a superb 19-speaker AKG Audio System with Dolby Atmos comes standard. But the 2025 Cadillac Optiq does boast an impressive amount of interior volume, with 101 cubic feet of passenger volume and 26 cubic feet of cargo volume. That said, there is no front trunk, as there are in other EVs. Given their typically meager size, you won't miss it. Headroom and legroom are substantial in both rows, something you'd expect in a Cadillac. Trim quality is fairly good, although the presence of hard plastic trim on the lower door panels is abysmal for a Cadillac. And while the seats are not leather, they prove to be a comfortable alternative. And the mid-century modern door handles are an absolutely fabulous design touch. An 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack powers two motors that deliver all-wheel drive. Rated at 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, this powertrain provides an EPA-rated 302 miles of range. GM supplies a dual-level charging cord for recharging using an appliance-style four-pronged outlet or a standard three-pronged outlet for recharging at home at a 19.2-kW rate, supplying 55 miles of range per hour. You can use a DC fast charger, which will recharge the Optiq at rates up to 150 kW, providing 79 miles of range in 10 minutes. Yet the Optiq's motors perform differently. The front permanent-magnet synchronous motor constantly supplies power, while the rear induction motor works when needed, most importantly when accelerating. There's more than enough power for the task at hand. The vehicle's 5,500-pound curb weight and low-mounted battery pack ensure that it has a plated feel. Ride quality seems expertly balanced between sporty athleticism and ride comfort. The old-school Cadillac bob and weave is absent here. And as is the case with every EV, it's mercifully quiet, with even the worst road surface not feeling too intrusive. Best of all, GM's excellent SuperCruise semi-autonomous self-driving system is standard, and it works very well. While the 20925 Cadillac Optiq shares its underpinnings a with the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Honda Prologue, both of which are built alongside it in Mexico, the Optiq is clearly a notch above, offering value - now there's a word rarely heard about a luxury vehicle - that makes it a must-drive if you're looking in its $54,390-$57,090 base price range. The 2025 Cadillac Optiq proves the excellence of GM's EV lineup and makes for a worthy entry-level Cadillac EV. How good is it? Consider the Cadillac Optiq the optimal compact luxury SUV. 2025 Cadillac Optiq Base price: $54,390-$57,090 Powertrain: Dual-motor all-wheel drive Horsepower/Torque: 300/354 pound-feet EPA range: 302 miles Recharge time (240-volt): 33 miles/hour Length/Width/Height: 190/84/65 inches Ground clearance: 6 inches Payload: Not listed Cargo capacity: 26-57 cubic feet Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Cadillac Launches Killer Optiq Lease Deal for June
The Cadillac Optiq is the luxury American automaker's entry into the sporty EV segment. Yes, it's an SUV, and not a snazzy coupe or four-door, but don't let its looks fool you: there is a lot more fun and luxury underneath its rather understated exterior. If you need further convincing, Cadillac has dropped a nationwide lease offer that may make your decision-making process a little easier. Cadillac is currently running a national lease offer on the Optiq AWD Luxury trim for owners/lessees of 2011 model year or newer Acura, Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Volvo, Porsche, Tesla, Genesis, Polestar and Rivian vehicles. Well-qualified lessees can hop into Cadillac's sporty EV SUV for $409/month for 24 months with $4,909 due at signing and a 20,000-mile limit. If you own one of the above model year makes or a 2020 model year or newer of those same makes, you may also be eligible for a $2000 bonus towards the lease of an Optiq. Don't delay, though, as both of these offers end on 6/30/25. Potential lessees who want to save money on the upfront costs can pay $0 at signing, with some adjustments to the monthly payment. We have estimated the monthly payments by spreading the amount at signing over the lease's term. A zero-down lease offer would increase monthly costs by around $204, equating to a total monthly cost of $613. *This $0 down figure is an estimation. Official $0 down lease offers from Cadillac may differ based on their specific calculations, credit approval, and potential money factor adjustments. Always obtain a quote directly from Cadillac. Every Cadillac Optiq comes standard with a dual motor, AWD powertrain capable of 300 hp and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. Towing capacity sits at 1,500 lbs, although that will significantly affect your range. The base Luxury 1 trim level starts at $54,390 with an estimated range of 302 miles, an AKG Studio 19-speaker audio system with Dolby Atmos, Google Built-in, and a sizable 9K 33" infotainment display. Standard safety features include all the ones you've come to expect from a modern luxury car, like automatic braking, collision alerts, blind zone steering assist, traffic sign recognition, and more. The interior can seat five, offering up front legroom of 41.6″ and a segment-best second-row legroom of 37.8″. With the rear seats up, Cadillac claims the Optiq has a segment-best cargo volume of 26 cu ft that expands to 57 cu ft. when those seats are folded. Lease offers can vary based on location and specific vehicle configuration (trim level, options, etc.) and are subject to credit approval. Advertised payments typically exclude taxes, title, registration, and other potential fees. To take advantage of this offer or to get a precise quote based on your needs (including an official $0 down option), visit the official Cadillac website here. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
WIRED
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- WIRED
The Cadillac Optiq Shines—but Its Upcharges Don't
'The Optiq's algorithm minimizes your time,' Cadillac said in response, 'based on your battery state and the chargers in your area. It picks the route and charge stations for fastest [travel] time. The remaining-at-destination calculations are based on models of the vehicle using traffic patterns and elevation changes along the route. Fluctuation can come from changes to traffic patterns, winds, and driver behaviors.' Certainly a deal-breaker for some, there is no mobile-phone mirroring, so Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are entirely absent (as they are in Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid as well). Instead, drivers enter their user names and passwords into apps in the dash screen, and the car provides the connectivity over its cellular connection. For three years. After that, owners must pay $15 per month to continue 'App Access' … or revert to their phone, without the safety of having it mirrored onto the cash display. That's on top of $25 per month for Super Cruise after its own 36-month trial. It's all part of the billions a year in incremental 'digital services revenue' carmakers have promised the financial world. Buyers are the losers here; now they must pay monthly for a feature they used to get for free. Oh, That Rear End This is the smallest and shortest Cadillac, and while I found the front two-thirds of the Optiq fine, the rear end was jumbled at best. There's a kicked-up beltline over a short rear overhang, the brand's vertical rear lights, and an odd pattern of not-quite horizontal lines on the third side windows. Cadillac's larger SUVs and the Celestiq ultra-luxury sedan do a better and more coherent job with the same design language. The beltline is high, and only the glass roof kept the interior from feeling claustrophobic. But, what an interior. It's lovely, with woven-cloth fabrics, some mild bright-blue accents in the one I drove, and a handful of sustainable materials: yarn made from 100 percent recycled materials woven into patterned accent fabrics, and 'PaperWood' veneer from tulip wood and recycled newspaper. It's also one of the quietest cars I've ever driven, EV or not. Passengers are treated to a calm, smooth, pleasant, and altogether nice experience inside. That makes it an easy vehicle in which to cover miles—especially with the Blue Cruise hands-off adaptive cruise control. Interior space for four is generous, and while it may be a 'compact' SUV in North American terms, three people can ride in the rear seat without hating each other. Like all GM's EVs below the big trucks, there's no front trunk. That's a missed bet. It also lacks a rear wiper; Cadillac claims the airflow through its 'rear flow-through spoiler channels high-velocity air' to keep the rear window clean. Sloppy spring rainstorms in upstate New York beg to differ. Cadillac also suggests using the video rear-view mirror as an alternative to glass you can actually see through. Wait for the Hot Rod? Acceleration of the Optiq can best be described as deliberate. It's not slow, and 'Sport' mode is punchier, if any Cadillac driver ever uses it. GM has some of the best regenerative braking and one-pedal driving algorithms in the business, and overall the Optiq is easy to drive and holds the road adequately. Its weight and damping smooth bad roads and makes potholes shallower. But it offers absolutely none of the kick-in-the-back acceleration that sold a lot of EVs in the early years. That cues up the Optiq-V hot-rod model Cadillac has just announced. In the same compact crossover vehicle, power rises to a quoted 382h kW (519 hp) and 650 pound-feet (880 NM) of torque. In 'Velocity Max ' mode, Cadillac says the Optiq-V will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Estimated range is 275 miles; it'll enter production this autumn.
The Advertiser
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
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. We've missed out on all of these hot combustion-powered Caddys, and will continue to do so as GM ANZ has confirmed the luxury American brand will be EV-only in Australia. Content originally sourced from: 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. We've missed out on all of these hot combustion-powered Caddys, and will continue to do so as GM ANZ has confirmed the luxury American brand will be EV-only in Australia. Content originally sourced from: 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. We've missed out on all of these hot combustion-powered Caddys, and will continue to do so as GM ANZ has confirmed the luxury American brand will be EV-only in Australia. Content originally sourced from: 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. We've missed out on all of these hot combustion-powered Caddys, and will continue to do so as GM ANZ has confirmed the luxury American brand will be EV-only in Australia. Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
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.
