On sale in the U.S. since January, the Cadillac Optiq became available to order in Europe just back on October 15. At Auto Zurich 2025, we got an opportunity to see the Coastal Blue Euro-spec model in the Premium Sport trim in person.
Here’s what we think about the electric luxury SUV from our experience with the version headed to European customers:
Design
The Cadillac Optiq is a compact-to-midsize electric SUV with a low, coupe-like roofline and broad shoulders that emphasize its athletic stance. A black crystal grille with Cadillac’s vertical lighting signature and a precision-pattern rear quarter glass panel give the car a distinctive styling. Aero-shaped details, including a vented rear spoiler and diffuser, contribute to efficiency without diluting presence.
A fixed panoramic glass roof runs almost the full length of the vehicle, creating a smooth transition from glass to sheet metal while brightening the cabin. Standard 21-inch alloy wheels further enhance its proportions, finished in Pearl Nickel on the Premium Luxury trim and Dark Android on the Premium Sport.
Interior
The interior of the Cadillac Optiq combines sustainable materials with premium features. PaperWood veneer, crafted from tulip wood and recycled newspaper, gives each unit a distinctive look, while Tide fabric, made from 100% recycled polyester, is applied to different parts of the cabin.
Cadillac has equipped the dashboard with a 33-inch curved LED display in 9K resolution, currently the largest in the segment. It supports Google built-in, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A 19-speaker AKG audio system with Dolby Atmos comes standard, designed to create a three-dimensional listening experience.
The Optiq offers 15.6 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 47.3 cu. ft. by folding the rear seat. There’s also an additional 2.2 cu. ft. space below the load floor.
Specifications
The Cadillac Optiq measures 189.8 in. in length, 75.3 in. in width, and 64.7 in. in height, and these dimensions make it a good fit for European roads. The electric SUV has a 116.0-inch wheelbase.
Cadillac offers the Euro-spec Optiq exclusively in an AWD variant that has two motors developing 300 hp and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, along with a 75 kWh battery pack. This configuration allows the electric SUV to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.3 seconds and achieve a top speed of 114 mph.
According to Europe’s WLTP, the Optiq can travel 264 miles on a full charge, which is far from impressive by today’s standards. The all-new BMW iX3, for instance, is expected to deliver a WLTP range of 500 miles, which is almost double that of the Cadillac. That said, the American model is 15% cheaper.
DC fast charging can add 89 miles of range in 15 minutes, which, again, is not all that competitive. The pricier rival from BMW can add 231 miles in 10 minutes.
Also See: We Check Out The Cadillac Optiq Arctiq Edition In Paris
Price & Release Date
Cadillac offers the Optiq in Switzerland for a uniform price of CHF 66,680 (~USD 84,000) in both trims and expects to commence deliveries in February 2026. In the U.S., prices of the Optiq begin at USD 50,900 (MSRP).
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.
