Cadillac revealed the Optiq ‘Arctiq’ edition here at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. The vehicle is a accessorized concept made for the auto show, and doesn’t preview a future production variant.
The American brand, which embarked on its European re-entry earlier this year, describes it as an Optiq designed for luxury winter travel. It sports a striking white pearl exterior, reflecting the charm of the Arctic landscape, with soft blue accents.
The brand did not provide additional details, but I got a chance to get up close with the car, and spotted two main changes. The electric crossover is hoisted on special Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT tires (265/65 R18 specification), and it gets a ski racks with suction cups that go on to the glass roof. It had 3 sets of skis attached to the roof.
The Cadillac booth executive confirmed that there were no changes made to the interior of the Optiq Arctiq. That said, I quite like its sleek, low-profile dashboard with discreet air-conditioning vents and a striking 33-inch curved LED cockpit display boasting 9K resolution. Additionally, the climate control panel is integrated beautifully in the Optiq, complemented by a floating center console.
What I also like about the Optiq’s interior is that it comes equipped with many physical controls, including small buttons, knobs, and a practical rotary dial. Premium materials, such as metal accents and PaperWood veneer, crafted from tulipwood and recycled paper, is used in the cabin, enhanced by subtle ambient lighting.
In terms of performance, the Optiq is exclusively available in all-wheel drive, driven by two motors that generate 300 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. It features an 85 kWh battery pack that supports fast charging capabilities of up to 19.2 kW (AC) and 150 kW (DC) through a CCS Type 1 port. Cadillac estimates that a full charge will provide a company-estimated range of 300 miles.
The company has confirmed the Optiq as the brand’s next launch in Europe. The car is set to reach mass production in the final weeks of the year.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
