Sharply modern Cadillac OPTIQ: Everything you should expect from the luxury brand

Cadillac has built an exceptional range of new vehicles. It now offers six SUVs and a couple of sedans at prices running from $47,500 to $237,000. Drivetrains include front-drive, rear-drive, all-wheel-drive, gas (IC) and electric (EV).

GM (and Cadillac): All-in for EVs

GM in general has skipped right past hybrids. Cadillac is leading the brand’s foray into EVs. Even the big Escalade mothership is available with a choice of traditional V8s or electric motors producing 750-horsepower.

But the big news for the 123-year-old division is a trio of pure electric vehicles designed from the outset for the new age of electric vehicles – VISTIQ, LYRIQ and OPTIQ.

Sharply Modern Trio of Cadillac EVs

Based on GM’s new BEV3 Ultium electric vehicle architecture, the trio are sharply modern in design inside and out. They share the brand’s signature exterior design elements – vertical LED lights front and rear. Inside they boast a massive wall-to-wall (84-cm) curved touchscreen that combines instrument and infotainment roles.

We spent a week with a well-optioned OPTIQ, the entry level for those wishing to join the new Cadillac EV family.

The OPTIQ is a perfect example of what you should expect from the brand – style, features and technology.

From the gorgeous exterior and amount of instantly-available power to the thoroughly modern interior and excellent ride the intention to detail impresses.

After only a year on the market, the Cadillac OPTIQ gets several significant upgrades for 2026.

Chief among them is a second powertrain. The base trim gets a single (317-horsepower) motor driving the rear wheels while others boast a dual motor setup, the second one for the front wheels. The resulting 440 horsepower and 498 lb.ft. of torque can propel the OPTIQ from rest to 100 km/hr in less than five seconds!

Want more? There is a “V”-spec OPTIQ with 519-horsepower and 650 lb. ft. of torque!

The tester was the mid-level setup. As usual, the instant torque from electric motors is the first and lasting impression.

While explosive power is impressive, the OPTIQ offers a refined driving experience. Anyone experiencing an electric vehicle for the first time will find the transition seamless.

Seemingly at odds with the awesome amount of power is the silence. And the ability to go as much as 500 kilometres before needing a fresh dose of electricity for the batteries.

The AWD OPTIQ has multiple driving modes including Snow/Ice, Sport, Tour and a personalized My Mode.

The regenerative braking system in the Cadillac OPTIQ is the best I’ve come across among more than a dozen EVs tested.

There are multiple settings including a true one-pedal mode.

Not only does it allow the driver to slow and/or stop the vehicle with just the accelerator pedal – it remains on after the vehicle is shut off. Most others require you to go through the process of finding and setting the mode each time you start the vehicle.

Super Cruise: Hands-free driver assistance technology could be the best of its kind in the industry

Drivers will appreciate Cadillac’s excellent Super Cruise system which is among, if not the best, of the semi-autonomous hands-free driver assistance systems.

Charging is as effortless as it gets. The standard J3400 NACS port supports Levels 1, 2 and 3 high-speed DC fast charging with access to more than 250,000 public chargers and 29,000 more reliable Teslas Superchargers.

The OPTIQ comes with a variety of adaptors allowing you use the full range of stations, including a non-NACS home charger.

Cadillac is GM’s technology leader, and this is evident throughout.

But the OPTIQ avoids gimmicks. It relies on upscale materials, clean style and an overall air of refinement.

The Scandinavian-style interior includes lovely fabrics, and a refreshingly bold use of white and silver finishes and recycled materials, including a veneer trim piece comprised of equal parts recycled newspaper and tulip wood.

There is an impressive amount of interior space for a smaller EV, more than you expect from the size of its shadow.

The heated and ventilated front seats offer plenty of support and can be adjusted to fit any size or shape. The rear is not as commodious with leg and headroom on the short side – pun intended.

You access the large (26 cubic ft) and well finished cargo area by depressing the Cadillac logo on the hatch.

One billion colours for your infotainment

The infotainment portion of the massive wall-to-wall screen can project more than one billion colours.

Some may be put off by GM’s refusal to offer wireless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on any of its EVs. The OPTIQ’s infotainment system uses Google Built-In experience.

There are USB-C ports in both front and rear passenger compartments. a wireless charging pad and household-style outlets in the rear seat and hatch.

Audiophiles will relish the crisp, clean three-dimensional sound available through the premium 19-speaker AKG system compatible with Dolby Atmos.

The Cadillac OPTIQ is a stylish EV with an upscale interior, excellent range, gobs of power and a price that is more than competitive with anything similarly equipped.

FACTS & FIGURES – 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ EV

PRICE

Base: $57,399

As tested: $67,658 including freight

SAFETY

LED headlights, enhanced automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian and cyclist braking, rear cross traffic braking, forward collision alert, safety alert seat, HD surround vision

INFOTAINMENT

84-cm touchscreen. Google infotainment, 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system, in vehicle WiFi, wireless charging pad, automatic garage door opener, satellite radio

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

OnStar with Super Cruise (3-year subscription), 20-in alloy wheels, sunroof, heated parked wiper location, power heated folding mirrors, heated front seats eight-way power with memory and six-way passenger, adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel, keyless entry and start, heated tilt & telescope steering wheel, power auto dimming mirrors, dual zone automatic climate control, power driver seat with memory, adaptive cruise control

SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS

Dual motors, $4,500; radiant red tint coat, $1,535; black roof, $825

MECHANICAL

Dual motors, combined 440-horsepower and 498-lb. ft. of torque, 85 kWh lithium-ion battery, AWD

DIMENSIONS

Length, 4,821 mm; wheelbase, 2,947 mm; weight, 2,355 kg

COMPETITION

Audi Q4 E-Tron. Genesis GV70 Electric, Mercedes EQB-Class