Cadillac Unveils Optiq, New Entry-Level EV

Cadillac revealed the new 2025 Optiq, which reimagines the company’s luxury standards and electric vehicle promises.

The Optiq will bookend the EV portfolio by joining the growing Cadillac EV lineup, including Lyriq, Escalade IQ, Celestiq, and, next year, Vistiq. The Optiq will offer two distinctive trims — Luxury and Sport — with pricing starting at an estimated $54,000.

“Optiq will be an important gateway to attract luxury EV intenders to Cadillac as we look to offer a fully electric portfolio by the end of the decade,” Global Cadillac Vice President John Roth said.

The vehicle will have a global footprint, selling in over 10 regions, including Europe, where it previously debuted.

Regen on Demand and One-Pedal Driving

Building on the momentum of the Lyriq, the Optiq will launch with several segment-leading features, such as a standard dual motor all-wheel drive form and a 6-in. shorter wheelbase (compared to the Cadillac Lyriq).

The Optiq’s aerodynamic features, such as a vented rear spoiler, aid in a Cadillac-estimated 300-mile driving range. The Ultium Platform and drive units, along with low-rolling-resistance tires, also play an essential role in the vehicle’s extended range. Other performance specifications indclude:

• The Optiq has an 85-kWh battery pack with a standard dual motor all-wheel drive propulsion system offering a Cadillac-estimated 300 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of instant torque.
• DC fast charging can add up to 79 miles of range in about 10 minutes.
• The Optiq offers Regen On Demand, a driver-controlled braking feature allowing the driver to slow down or stop the Optiq with a dedicated, pressure-sensitive paddle on the steering wheel.
• One-pedal driving allows 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 stored in the battery pack for future use.
• A Dual-Level Charge Cord allows the driver to plug into an appliance-style four-pronged outlet (professional installation required) or a standard three-pronged outlet.

The Optiq allows drivers to switch between several drive modes:

• Tour is used for everyday driving.
• Sport aids in road driving and improves steering
• Snow/Ice prevents wheel spin.
• My Mode personalizes the driving experience with adjustable braking responsiveness and steering.

Driver-Focused Tech and Interior

The Optiq packages a spacious interior and in-vehicle tech for an intuitive driving experience.

A new material application and placement approach creates a progressive Cadillac interior. The Optiq’s patterned accent fabric is woven from yarn made from 100% recycled materials, and its PaperWood veneer consists of equal parts tulipwood and recycled newspaper.

The Optiq interior includes:

• Large cargo capacity and second-row spaciousness.
• A 33-in. diagonal advanced LED display with 9k resolution.
• Standard Super Cruise driver assistance technology (3 years connected service). It is enabled by high-definition GPS mapping, a driver attention system, lane-changing capabilities, and a steering wheel light bar.
• Advanced radar, camera, and ultrasonic sensor technology integrated throughout the Optiq gives drivers enhanced views, sensing, and monitoring of their surroundings.
• The Optiq’s standard safety and driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control, blind zone steering assist, enhanced automatic parking, forward collision alert, and others.
• Google built-in compatibility infotainment experience featuring Google Maps and Google Assistant.
• Standard 19-speaker AKG Audio System and Dolby Atmos feature custom-tuned speakers and an amplifier.