There are signs that the red-hot interest in electric vehicles is cooling, but that hasn鈥檛 unplugged Cadillac鈥檚 progress. For now, it鈥檚 charging ahead.
OK, enough with puns.
The five-passenger Optiq arrived in the fall as the brand鈥檚 entry EV, slotted below the 2024 Lyriq. Climbing the lineup, buyers will find the Vistiq 鈥� a 2026 model, though 鈥� which has three rows of seats. Realistically, the 2025 Escalade IQ utility tops the range, but the ultra-luxury Celestiq sedan/hatchback is there if you鈥檙e budget is in the $400,000 range.
Oh yes, and those five electric offerings are in addition to Cadillac鈥檚 extensive fleet of gasoline-powered models that continues to be available.
The midsize Optiq鈥檚 crisp aerodynamic design has enticing curves and angles. The laser-etched grille, which Cadillac refers to as 鈥淏lack Crystal,鈥� adds to the premium look as do the 20- and available 21-inch wheels. The curved roof has a large, fixed glass panel with sunshade.
Approaching the Optiq with key fob in hand initiates the 鈥淪ignature Lighting Choreography鈥� that illuminates the grille, headlights, signal lights and taillights, in that order. When walking away from the Optiq, the sequence is reversed. You could roll your eyes at the insignificance of the feature, but apparently this is progress. The Kia EV9 does something similar, so it鈥檚 not uncommon.
The Optiq closely matches the dimensions of the XT5, however rear-seat passengers of the Optiq benefit from a seven-plus-centimetre advantage in distance between the front and rear wheels.
Total passenger and cargo volume is slightly less than the XT5鈥檚, likely because of the space consumed by the Optiq鈥檚 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack that鈥檚 part of the GM-designed Ultium platform.
The 33-inch curved display includes the driver鈥檚 configurable instrument panel plus the infotainment screen, complete with Google maps for the navigation system, plus Google Assistant that responds to verbal commands. There are separate controls for the ventilation systems and audio volume.
The seat fabrics are sourced from recycled materials and the wood-like trim is made from 50-per cent recycled newsprint.
The all-wheel-drive Optiq has front and rear electric motors with a net output of 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. At full charge, Cadillac estimates a range of 482 kilometres. Assisting battery charging is the 鈥淩egen on Demand鈥� system that converts kinetic energy into electricity during braking. It also brings the Optiq to a stop without touching the pedal.
When hooked to a DC fast charger, 125 kilometres of range can be added in about 10 minutes. On a 240-volt Level 2 charger, like you would have installed at home, the rate of charge is about 90 kilometres in one hour. If absolutely necessary, the Optiq can connect to a 110-volt outlet, but a full charge will take, well, days.
Drive modes include Tour, for normal driving, Sport, for more rapid acceleration and more direct steering, and Snow/Ice, which reduces wheel spin in slippery road conditions. My Mode allows drivers to select individual parameters.
The estimated price of the base Optiq Luxury trim is in the mid-$60,000 range including destination fees. Standard features include heated front seats, 19-speaker AKG-brand audio system and driver-assist technologies such as blind-zone steering assist and automatic parking, good for streets and lots.
Also standard is a three-year subscription to GM鈥檚 semi-autonomous Super Cruise technology that provides hands-free driving (including lane changing) over hundreds of thousands of miles throughout the United States and Canada.
Content for the Optiq Sport trim will likely include the 21-inch wheels plus heated and ventilated front and rear seats, head-up driver鈥檚 display that projects key information onto the windshield, 360-degree surround-view camera and unique (upgraded) exterior paint and interior trim.
Will the Optiq鈥檚 looks, content and accessories be enough to entice buyers who are skeptical about EVs? The excellent driving experience EVs provide should be enough, but key objections of charging range and infrastructure haven鈥檛 been miraculously resolved overnight for everyone.
But those who are still wary, Cadillac has the gasoline-powered XT4, XT5 and XT6.
