Cadillac has revealed the new 2025 Optiq, a luxury SUV it is positioning as an entry-level EV. The new vehicle will bookend the OEM’s EV portfolio, joining the recently released Lyriq EV, and is expected to roll out in more than 10 regions – including Europe where it will make its debut.
The Optiq will launch in a standard dual motor AWD form, benefitting from a shorter wheelbase designed to deliver a more agile architecture. This configuration facilitates the EV’s enhanced performance, including its estimated 300-mile (482-km) driving range in the U.S. Here, the EV’s inclusion of the Ultium Platform and Ultium Drive units, as well as low rolling resistance tires, play a key role in enabling this range.
In the U.S., Optiq includes an 85-kWh battery pack with a standard dual motor all-wheel drive propulsion system that offers up to the Cadillac-estimated 300 horsepower (223 kW) and 354 lb-ft (479 Nm) of instant torque. At full charge, Optiq offers a Cadillac-estimated 300 miles (482 km) of range, while DC fast charging in the U.S. can add up to 79 miles (127 km) of range in around 10 minutes. Further features contributing to this performance include Regen on Demand and One-Pedal Driving.
Regen On Demand offers a driver-controlled braking feature that allows them to slow down or stop the Optiq with a dedicated, pressure-sensitive paddle located on the steering wheel. One-Pedal Driving similarly helps the driver to slow down and stop the vehicle, using only the accelerator under most driving conditions. The system also converts kinetic energy from the Optiq’s forward momentum into electricity, which is stored in the battery pack for future use.
At the same time, the new Optiq gives drivers the opportunity to switch between several Drive Modes, including Tour (for everyday driving), Sport (for enhanced road driving and improved steering), Snow/Ice (to prevent wheel spin) and My Mode, which personalizes the driving experience on parameters such as braking responsiveness and steering feel.
Inside, the high-tech, connected, cabin offers a sustainable focus using a variety of recycled materials throughout. A 33-inch diagonal advanced LED display offers 9K resolution, hosting many of the EV’s features and technologies. Among these are an infotainment experience with Google built-in compatibility, featuring standard applications for Google Maps and Google Assistant. In the U.S., this offering extends to Super Cruise – GM’s driver assistance technology (which will be offered as standard for three years) enabled by high-definition GPS mapping, driver attention system, lane changing capabilities and a steering wheel light bar. The technology is expected to launch in Europe once it receives the required approvals.
From an ADAS perspective, a suite of sensors (advanced radar, camera and ultrasonic sensor technology) integrated throughout Optiq will provide enhanced views, sensing and monitor the EV’s surroundings in a variety of everyday driving scenarios. These sensors also enable the EV’s array of standard safety and driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Enhanced Automatic Parking, Forward Collision Alert and more.
At launch, the Optiq will be offered in two trims – Luxury and Sport – enabling the customer to choose and customize a vehicle that matches their preferences. Pricing in the U.S. will start at estimated $54,000 (€49,918 / £42,458), including destination charges and excluding tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Cadillac confirmed that production of Optiq will begin in late fall 2024.
