Cadillac Optiq compact crossover reaches U.S. dealers

The Cadillac Optiq is the brand’s fourth EV following the Lyriq, Celestiq, and the Escalade IQ. The smallest and most affordable Cadillac EV in the U.S. is a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y, Genesis GV60, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Lexus RZ.

The Optiq recently started arriving at Cadillac dealerships in the U.S. I got a chance to experience the comfort, space, features, design, and infotainment system earlier at the Paris Motor Show 2024 (added later in the story), and here’s my analysis.

Design

The Optiq is quite swanky and stands out in the current sea of crossovers. Compared to the Cadillac XT5, its gasoline counterpart, it has a more planted stance, which helps it convey a confident and aggressive look. With a longer, lower, and wider body, sharper lines, and refined surfaces, it feels sportier yet classy.

Like the Lyriq, the Optiq features a low hood, steeply raked windshield and back glass, vertical headlights, a smooth covered panel in place of a traditional radiator grille, a slim greenhouse, a thick C-pillar, and short overhangs. Similarly, the left-side quarter panel houses the charging port.

A thick slab of chrome below the hood shut line extends across the width, tapering off under the headlamps. The closed panel placed under the chrome trim contributes to the street presence of the SUV. While it is smaller than the XT5’s radiator grille, and more compact compared to the Lyriq’s closed panel, it effectively improves the Optiq’s overall aesthetic. Conversely, the functional air intake placed in the lower part of the front-end is notably larger, lending the Optiq a dominant and powerful look.

On the sides, the Optiq features a sleek and streamlined appearance, with a sloping roofline and narrowing greenhouse towards the rear. The door panels have smooth surfacing and integrate flush handles, exuding a refined look. The top-end configuration sports 21-inch wheels. The rear design, similar to the Lyriq, takes on an unconventional approach. The vertical split tail lights, integrated into the D-pillar, may not be the most visually appealing aspect of the SUV.

Interior

The Cadillac Optiq, although smaller and more affordable than the Lyriq, has a sophisticated interior and offers an impressive array of high-end features. The new EV features a sleek, low-profile dashboard, discreetly placed air-con vents, a 33-inch curved and ultra-wide LED cockpit display with 9K resolution, a sleek climate control panel, and a floating center console.

There are plenty of physical controls, including small buttons and knobs as well as a handy rotary dial. Metal decor, PaperWood veneer consisting of tulipwood and recycled paper, and subtle illuminations should give the driver and passengers a rich and upscale vibe.

The Optiq’s infotainment system is compatible with Google built-in. Customers won’t need to pair their smartphones to use some of their frequently used apps on the go, as some of them, such as Google Maps (called just ‘Maps’) and Google Assistant, is preloaded, while others are available to download through Google Play Store. Another tech highlight in the EV is a 19-speaker AKG audio system featuring Dolby Atmos.

Our experience in the Cadillac Optiq

Stepping into the Cadillac Optic gives me the impression of a more upscale Chevy Blazer. It’s easy to get in, even at six feet tall. Once seated, I’m immediately impressed by the comfort. The front seats are among the best in this segment, offering excellent back and shoulder support. The under-thigh support could be improved to match the other aspects for taller individuals, but the headrests are incredibly comfortable.

The steering wheel, while not particularly fancy, is functional and gets the job done. A large panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with light, enhancing the airy feel created by the white and gray interior tones.

Moving to the displays, they’re snappy and responsive. The central screen provides all the information I need, seamlessly integrating into the dashboard. The mix of piano-style keys for climate control and a physical dial for volume blends physical and digital controls nicely.

In the rear, it’s easy to get in, and the seats are fairly comfortable. There’s ample knee and legroom, though the under-thigh support could be improved, and the floor could be lower for more comfort in future iterations. The panoramic roof continues to brighten the rear cabin, and there’s enough headroom. Rear air vents and a convenient armrest further add to the comfort of rear seat travelers.

Specifications

The Cadillac Optiq measures 190 in. in length, 84 in. in width, and 65 in. in height, has a 116 in. wheelbase and offers 6 in. of ground clearance. It has 26 cu. ft. of cargo space, which customers can expand to 57 cu. ft. by folding the rear seat backrests.

Aspect	Cadillac Lyriq	Cadillac Optiq	Cadillac XT5
Length	196.7 in.	189.8 in.	189.6 in.
Width	77.8 in.	75.3 in.	74.9 in.
Height	64.3 in.	64.7 in.	66.1 in.
Wheelbase	122 in.	116 in.	112 in.

The Optiq is available in the U.S. exclusively in all-wheel drive, with two motors producing 300 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. An 85 kWh battery pack supplies energy to these motors, and it supports charging at up to 19.2 kW (AC)/150 kW (DC) through a CCS Type 1 port. On a full charge, it gives the EV an EPA-estimated range of 302 miles.

Being smaller than the Lyriq, the Optiq is targeted at younger customers. Being based on a dedicated EV platform (a downsized version of the Lyriq’s BEV3), it has no transmission tunnel, which leaves that area free for extra storage space.

Aspect	Cadillac Optiq Specification
Length	189.8 in.
Width	75.3 in.
Height	64.7 in.
Wheelbase	116 in.
Turning Diameter	39.8 ft.
Drivetrain Layout	AWD
Power	300 hp
Torque	354 lb.-ft.
Towing Capacity	1,500 lbs.
Peak Charging Capacity	19.2 kW (AC)/150 kW (DC)
EPA-estimated Range	302 miles

Price

The Cadillac Optiq’s prices start at USD 54,390 (incl. USD 1,495 destination freight charge). The U.S. gets the Optiq from GM’s Ramos Arizpe Assembly in Mexico. General Motors also manufactures the model with its JV partner SAIC in Wuhan, China, for the local market.

Configuration	Cadillac Optiq Price
Luxury 1	USD 54,390
Sport 1	USD 54,990
Luxury 2	USD 56,590
Sport 2	USD 57,090

TopElectricSUV says

Not all Cadillac lovers can afford a Lyriq, nor do they need a vehicle that large. Customers looking for a zero-emissions luxury electric SUV that’s more affordable and smaller will find the Optiq suitable. With a sub-USD 55,000 base price, the mini Lyriq should pull many new young customers searching for their first luxury vehicle to the brand.

Cadillac Optiq FAQs