In case you haven’t observed, Cadillac now sells automobiles in Australia.
Basic Motors’ luxurious model has made a low-key entrance Down Beneath, the place it’s opened only one ‘expertise centre’ (one other one is coming this yr) and launched only one mannequin, whereas intentionally avoiding speaking about gross sales targets.
For all of the discuss of ‘unique volumes’, nevertheless, it’s the Cadillac Optiq right here that represents the model’s greatest probability at taking a slice of the luxurious electrical automobile (EV) market in Australia.
Due for launch right here in 2026, when it would slot in underneath the Lyriq already on sale, the Optiq will function an entry level to the Cadillac lineup that may also develop subsequent yr to incorporate the big, three-row Vistiq and sporty Lyriq-V.
All of those are electrical SUVs, and regardless of its entry-level positioning the Optiq isn’t precisely small – measuring 4820mm lengthy, 2126mm vast (together with the mirrors) and driving a 2954mm wheelbase, it’s 28mm longer than a Tesla Mannequin Y and rides on a 64mm longer wheelbase.
We had the chance to drive the Optiq, Vistiq, and a raft of different Basic Motors EVs at a latest drive day in Michigan. However I additionally nicked the keys to an Optiq and set off for Chicago for a weekend getaway.
This was a mannequin yr 2025 (MY25) Optiq, thoughts you, and Cadillac not too long ago introduced some vital modifications for MY26 that are anticipated to be largely mirrored within the Australian-market mannequin. Extra on that later.
How a lot does the Cadillac Optiq price?
It’s laborious to foretell how profitable the Optiq will likely be as Cadillac has but to announce how a lot it would price in Australia, nor what the native lineup will seem like.
It is going to virtually actually are available in underneath the Lyriq, which is priced from $122,000, however how shut it’ll come to different mid-size electrical SUVs just like the Audi Q6 e-tron and Polestar 4 stays to be seen.
Within the US, the MY25 Optiq vary opens at US$54,390 (~A$84,000) for the Luxurious 1 and tops out at US$57,090 (~A$88,000) for the Sport 2 examined right here. For 2026, the lineup has been reshuffled and opens at US$52,395 (~A$81,000) for the rear-wheel drive Luxurious, rising to US$58,595 (~A$90,500) for the Premium Luxurious AWD.
The brand new Optiq-V, which hasn’t been confirmed for Australia, prices US$68,795 (~A$106,000).
The Lyriq lineup, in distinction, is priced from between US$63,590 and US$72,490 (~A$98,000 to $112,000), although there are additionally extra inexpensive rear-wheel drive variants not provided in Australia. These begin at US$60,090 (~A$93,000).
Even when it wears a pointy sticker, the Optiq goes to be hamstrung by Cadillac’s restricted seller community. We’re predicting a gradual rollout like that of Genesis, and Cadillac is consciously avoiding sharing its gross sales targets.
What’s the Cadillac Optiq like on the within?
From a design viewpoint, Cadillac has nailed this inside. Not solely has the model managed to keep up an upscale look for its most inexpensive EV, however it’s additionally averted making it look similar to a carbon copy of its bigger, dearer EVs. As a substitute, it has given it a younger really feel.
Certain, there are some shared design parts, such because the 33-inch curved show, and the row of tactile bodily local weather controls beneath which have a satisfyingly clicky operation.
You’ll discover different components of the inside which might be shared with dearer Cadillacs, similar to the ability seat controls on the door – a quite Mercedes-Benz like contact – in addition to the tactile metallic knobs for the air vents and the attractive metallic speaker grilles for the wonderful AKG sound system.
However the Optiq goes its personal manner in some respects, together with with the very enticing recycled cloth upholstery masking the tops of the doorways, onto the A-pillar, after which operating throughout the (fairly low) sprint.
Whereas that is gray, it’s a pale gray tweed-like materials that manages to look upscale – this isn’t just like the gray material you’d discover on, say, a Toyota Corolla’s doorways. It even feels good, too.
Different distinctive touches for the Optiq embody patterned trim that runs above the local weather controls, and on the doorways.
This may be completed in both white or vivid blue; the white works, the blue is a bit questionable. It appears like Cadillac designers had extra enjoyable with the Optiq inside than its different automobiles, maybe as a result of it’s geared toward youthful consumers.
You might also dislike the evidently recycled materials that’s used within the door pockets and on the centre console tray, to assist forestall issues from rolling round.
These door pockets can accommodate giant water bottles, whereas the tray is giant sufficient for a purse.
The place the Lyriq has a gap however uselessly small compartment within the minimalist centre stack, the Optiq has an open compartment that’s surprisingly deep and is softly lit at night time. This helps make up for a tiny centre console bin, although there’s no option to conceal this cubby.
It’s additionally not the place the wi-fi telephone charger sits, as that is in a bit of upright pocket forward of the centre console bin. There are a few USB-C shops subsequent to the cubby, nevertheless.
The centre console is split-level, comprising a big tray simply above flooring stage, and the next stage with enticing woven metallic trim and extra of this cloth upholstery.
On this, you’ll discover one other little pocket on the very finish, a pair of cupholders with textured metallic surrounds, a rotary dial for the infotainment system, a pair of haptic shortcut buttons, and a metallic quantity wheel.
If we had been being fussy, we’d level out the soft-touch floor of the sprint high forward of the passenger isn’t precisely flush with the more durable trim on the base of the display – doubtless a design problem and never an instance of poor construct high quality, as we didn’t expertise any creaks within the cabin.
Additionally, having to press a button on the touchscreen to open the glovebox – even when it’s an anchored shortcut button – strikes us as ridiculous.
Thoughts you, the know-how within the cabin is tough to fault. The touchscreen has a row of anchored shortcut buttons and is a part of a 33-inch curved show that additionally consists of the digital instrument cluster and a separate, small touchscreen by the driving force’s door.
This smaller display can be utilized to manage the headlights, view journey info and alter the instrument cluster format.
It’s all actually slick know-how, with enticing graphics and good configurability – for instance, you possibly can transfer all of the icons round on the touchscreen. That’s useful, because the Optiq is lacking bodily shortcut buttons for options just like the digital camera or drive mode choice.
GM is pushing consumers, no less than within the US, to make use of the embedded Google Maps in automobiles just like the Optiq which use Google built-in.
Fortunately, we’re getting each wi-fi smartphone mirroring and the performance that comes with Google built-in. This consists of sensible routing.
Once you put in a vacation spot, Google Maps will calculate when and the place to make charging stops, and can let you know what the battery cost stage will likely be whenever you arrive at your vacation spot. Moreover, the battery will pre-condition itself as you close to a charging cease.
At first I used to be upset that Google Maps doesn’t lengthen throughout the entire show like in, say, a Genesis automobile, however then I realised you might have two totally different views. Maybe it’s a bit obsessive-compulsive of me, however it does trouble me considerably that every map show is a special form…
And whereas Google Maps is usually vastly higher than embedded navigation in lots of automobiles, it’s not good – it managed to get bamboozled by Chicago’s twisted internet of motorways on a few events.
Because it options Google built-in, the infotainment system subsequently consists of Google Assistant and an array of Google apps, with extra downloadable through the Google Play Retailer.
Nonetheless, there’s no entry to messaging apps, and it’s a bit disappointing to see an organization get us so used to having smartphone mirroring after which take it away. Happily, this received’t have an effect on Australian consumers – aside from the absence of Tremendous Cruise (extra on that later), we’re arguably getting a greater suite of know-how than People.
On the backside of the touchscreen, at all times seen, are shortcuts for the one-pedal drive mode; glove field; the map, media, house and charging menus; in addition to info just like the time, temperature and sign for the 5G hotspot.
The infotainment system labored nicely, aside from one occasion the place the display went clean as I neared a much-needed charging cease at the hours of darkness in regional Michigan. It did kind itself shortly, nevertheless, with out my having to restart the automobile.
Not like within the Australian-market Lyriq, there’s a head-up show. Behind the steering wheel you’ll discover a mixture wiper/indicator stalk, the Mercedes-Benz-style gear shifter, and the Regen on Demand paddle.
The steering wheel is tactile and wrapped in leather-based, with solidly constructed metallic switches plus touch-capacitive ones with haptic suggestions. The black bar on the high tells you the standing of Tremendous Cruise, which is useful, however it does really feel a bit of creaky and plasticky.
There have been no construct high quality points with the Optiqs we drove, but when we’re nit-picking, the stalks on the column may very well be better-damped.
There’s gloss black on the steering wheel, and on the door-mounted seat controls, and small splashes elsewhere within the cabin. It seems to be nice, however it’ll entice smudges and mud greater than another inside floor identified to humankind…
Whereas the Cadillac’s inside doesn’t seem like a Mercedes-Benz’s, as talked about there are a handful of design parts that take inspiration. Not included amongst these is the ambient lighting – it’s colour-adjustable like in a Benz, however it’s a helluva lot extra delicate. It seems from behind the white or blue distinction trim, with a chequered look.
There’s additionally delicate again lighting for the door pockets, storage shelf, and the open and deep centre stack storage cubby.
Step into the rear and there’s enough headroom, although at 180cm my hair brushed the headliner once I sat upright. There’s an expansive mounted glass roof, which includes a energy sunshade that happily does do job of blocking out the solar.
The Optiq’s rakish roofline does imply visibility out the again is compromised, with a slender and steeply raked rear window. Nevertheless, there’s a digital rear-view mirror.
Cadillac has additionally included rear-quarter home windows. You won’t see them from the skin, as they’re hid behind that ‘Mondrian’ sample and solely seen in sure lights, however you possibly can see out of them simply.
There’s a snug rear bench with loads of leg- and knee-room and an virtually utterly flat flooring. The centre console does eat into the centre-seat occupant’s legroom a bit of bit, however it features a pair of USB-C shops, an open cubby, air vents, and an influence outlet.
Whereas the soft-touch trim of the entrance doorways carries by means of to the again, the entrance seatbacks are laborious – not that you simply’d comprehend it at first, given their distinguished stitching parts. They do characteristic comfortable map pockets, nevertheless.
Open the ability tailgate and also you’ll discover there’s sufficient room for a big suitcase and a big duffel bag, however don’t strive stacking suitcases right here – the raked tailgate compromises vertical load house. A cargo cowl conceals the realm.
| Dimensions | Cadillac Optiq |
|---|---|
| Size | 4820mm |
| Width | 2126mm (incl. mirrors) |
| Peak | 1644mm |
| Wheelbase | 2954mm |
| Cargo capability | 744L (rear seats up) 1603L (rear seats folded) |
What’s underneath the bonnet?
We drove an MY25 Optiq, however for MY26 there have been some vital mechanical modifications to Cadillac’s entry-level electrical SUV.
| Specs | MY25 Cadillac Optiq |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Twin electrical motors |
| Battery | 85kWh nickel manganese cobalt |
| Energy | 224kW |
| Torque | 480Nm |
| Drive kind | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 2355kg (minimal kerb weight) |
| Power consumption (as examined) | 19.4kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary | 486km (US EPA) |
| Max AC cost fee | 11.5kW |
| Max DC cost fee | 150kW |
For starters, the Mexican-built Optiq is now accessible with a single-motor powertrain – with rear-wheel drive, not front-wheel drive like within the Chinese language-built Optiq – producing 232kW of energy and 450Nm of torque.
That’s not far off the outputs of the dual-motor all-wheel drive MY25 Optiq we examined, which produces 224kW and 480Nm.
However dual-motor variations have acquired an enormous energy bump for MY26, to 328kW and 675Nm. There’s additionally a fair hotter Optiq-V packing 387kW and 880Nm plus different enhancements just like the addition of Steady Damping Management adaptive dampers.
Whether or not we’re speaking MY25 or MY26, the Optiq has an 85kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) battery. Vary is 486km on the stricter US EPA cycle for the MY25 AWD, 482km for the MY26 RWD, and 451km for the MY26 AWD.
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The utmost DC fast-charging fee is unchanged at 150kW.
Within the MY25 Optiq we drove, we noticed power consumption of 18.3kWh/100km whereas driving round Detroit, and in freeway driving this rose to as a lot as 21.4kWh/100km.
Over a complete of 1100km of driving, a lot of which was on the freeway, we noticed power consumption of 19.4kWh/100km.
The Optiq’s power consumption, charging fee and vary subsequently are removed from class-leading for a mid-size electrical SUV. The Mannequin Y Lengthy Vary AWD, for instance, has 526km of vary on the US EPA cycle (600km on the WLTP cycle), and has a most DC charging fee of 250kW.
How does the Cadillac Optiq drive?
It wasn’t only a steering wheel on the left-hand facet and an absence of smartphone mirroring that made our Optiq check automotive totally different to the automobiles we’ll get right here.
As talked about, the dual-motor all-wheel drive Optiq has acquired a big bump in energy for MY26, which is more likely to carry over to the Australian-market model.
Australia will get a worldwide suspension tune, too, although GM says it received’t be too totally different from the American tune.
That’s factor, as that is one plush, comfy EV. It could not have adaptive dampers however it scarcely wants them.
Cadillac says its ‘Passive Plus’ system, which incorporates an additional valve within the damper, will get it near the journey consolation of adaptive methods with out the price of all of the electronics.
It’s not simply advertising hype. The Optiq manages to absorb crappy surfaces with out influence harshness, whereas managing crests and dips with out dropping physique management. It felt easy at practice crossings, too.
In brief, journey consolation proved wonderful throughout pockmarked roads – notably the poorly surfaced, badly broken ones in Illinois.
The steering is properly weighted – gentle sufficient that steering round city and parking stays totally manageable, with out feeling so gentle that you simply don’t trust within the automobile.
However there’s no hiding that lengthy wheelbase in actually tight parking garages, the place the Optiq is usually a little bit of a handful. One downtown Chicago parking storage become a aggravating ordeal with 180-degree activates its ramps.
Sadly, we didn’t get to drive the Optiq on too many windy roads – we had been within the American Midwest, in any case, the place the terrain is usually flat and the roads are principally grids. Once you get excited for a freeway on-ramp, you understand there’s not a number of nice driving roads round…
On these on-ramps, the Optiq may very well be steered confidently and introduced well-managed physique roll. Maybe unsurprisingly, it feels extra nimble than the bigger Lyriq, which we’ve got pushed on twisty roads and located to usually deal with nicely.
Push the accelerator and also you’ll discover throttle response is sweet and progressive. Cadillac engineers had been aware of what’s known as lash, and because of this the Optiq will get in control gracefully with out rocking you again in your seat… or feeling sluggish, both.
You possibly can pop it in Sport mode, which supplies it a bit of bit extra squirt whereas including some noticeable weight to the steering with out making it burdensomely heavy.
Nevertheless, we anticipate if you would like thrills out of your EV, the Optiq-V – not but confirmed for Australia – will ship extra of them.
The steering could also be good on this automotive, however for lots of my driving I wasn’t steering in any respect. As a substitute, I used to be letting the automotive do it.
That’s as a result of the Optiq comes commonplace within the US with Tremendous Cruise, which permits for hands-free driving throughout over 1,000,000 kilometres of roads in North America.
Sadly, it’s not coming right here on account of the price of engineering this method for our roads. And that’s a bloody disgrace, as Tremendous Cruise made freeway driving a breeze, slowing down and dashing up the place acceptable, and preserving the automotive centred in its lane whereas managing heavy rain, building zones, and different problems.
You continue to have to maintain your eyes forward, however the system by no means made an alarming transfer, and in the event you’re approaching an unmapped stretch of highway otherwise you’re not paying consideration, the automotive will warn you through a big gentle on the steering wheel.
There’s even an computerized lane-change characteristic, and the Optiq is definitely a bit impatient like a human in relation to being caught behind automobiles on the freeway. The seat vibrates your left or proper butt cheek when it’s about to carry out a lane change, in order to not alarm your passengers.
And in the event you do really feel like taking again over from Tremendous Cruise, you possibly can put your arms again on the wheel and it doesn’t really feel such as you’re wrestling with the system. The transitions are seamless.
Our tester was an MY25 automobile, so it didn’t have the most recent Tremendous Cruise development that sees the automobile robotically change lanes to maintain you on the route you’ve set in Google Maps.
Nevertheless, even in MY26 automobiles with Tremendous Cruise, the mapping nonetheless doesn’t embody typical city streets, and the system can’t detect visitors lights or cease the automobile at them. Not like Tesla, GM says it isn’t wanting so as to add this performance to its semi-autonomous driving tech.
Whereas we received’t get Tremendous Cruise in Australia, we hope GM’s new Palms-on Lane Centring Help operate – launching in sure MY26 automobiles within the US – is made accessible right here. With out this, the Optiq will likely be left with simply lane-keep help, as within the Australian-market Lyriq, which is inadequate for a luxurious automotive in 2025.
The Optiq’s pace signal recognition system didn’t throw up any false alerts. Let’s see if the Australian-market system is as well-calibrated.
The embedded Google Maps, when you punch in a vacation spot, will let you know your estimated battery share on the finish of your journey and counsel charging stops alongside the best way if crucial. Battery pre-conditioning can be linked to Google Maps, with the Optiq getting its battery prepared for charging as you get nearer to your vacation spot.
All of this labored nicely for essentially the most half, aside from one leg of the journey when the estimated cost stage at my vacation spot bounced round a bit earlier than settling.
A serene cabin additionally made the Optiq a wonderful freeway cruiser. Tyre roar is nicely suppressed, and there’s just a bit little bit of wind rustle across the mirrors however nothing objectionable. There’s a selection of two synthetic propulsion sounds and neither is obnoxious.
My Mode permits you to configure your most well-liked steering, brake and acceleration really feel, and propulsion sound settings.
There’s a one-pedal drive mode which works nicely, plus Cadillac’s Regen on Demand characteristic that permits you to brake the automobile by squeezing a paddle.
If there’s a option to make the park brake robotically interact whenever you put it in park, I couldn’t discover it. A minimum of the park brake button is conveniently situated subsequent to the door.
We’d like a bodily button for choosing drive modes or activating the digital camera, although.
The digital camera system boasts good if not class-leading (ie: BMW-grade) decision. The cameras also can get a bit washed out at night time and in rain, whereas the vast however not overly tall touchscreen means the digital camera projection isn’t that enormous.
What do you get?
Cadillac has reshuffled the Optiq vary for 2026, and it hasn’t locked in what the native lineup will seem like.
2026 Cadillac Optiq tools highlights (within the US):
- Fastened panoramic glass roof
- Energy tailgate
- Proximity entry and begin
- Distant begin
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Automated high-beam
- Rear privateness glass
- Digital rear-view mirror with washer
- Heated exterior mirrors
- Reminiscence
- Driver’s facet auto-dimming
- Puddle lights
- Tremendous Cruise
- Semi-autonomous parking help
- 33-inch curved show
- Google built-in
- 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system
- Heated entrance seats
- 8-way energy driver’s seat
- 4-way energy lumbar
- Lumbar therapeutic massage
- Driver’s reminiscence
- 6-way energy passenger seat
- ‘Inteluxe’ leatherette upholstery
- Tilt and telescoping steering column
- Wrapped steering wheel
- Heated steering wheel
- Alloy pedals
- Twin-zone local weather management
- 126-colour ambient lighting
Stepping up by means of the vary brings further tools similar to:
- LED cornering lights
- Head-up show
- Ventilated entrance seats
- Heated outboard rear seats
Is the Cadillac Optiq secure?
The Cadillac Optiq is being launched in Europe however hasn’t been examined by Euro NCAP but, and there’s no ANCAP ranking accessible but both.
Cadillac’s new entry-level EV additionally hasn’t been examined but by the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) within the US.
Commonplace security tools within the US consists of:
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Intersection help
- Pedestrian and bicycle owner detection
- Reverse AEB
- Blind-spot help
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Lane-keep help
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Protected exit warning
- Encompass-view digital camera
- Visitors signal recognition
- 8 airbags
- Entrance, front-side and curtain airbags
- Driver and entrance passenger knee airbags
How a lot does the Cadillac Optiq price to run?
Cadillac Australia hasn’t but launched native servicing or guarantee info for the Optiq. Nevertheless, the Lyriq is at the moment backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre automobile guarantee and an eight-year, 160,000km battery guarantee.
The Lyriq additionally comes with 5 years of free roadside help and free scheduled servicing, with visits to a service location required each 12 months or 12,000km.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Cadillac Optiq
Cadillac’s Optiq, Lyriq and Vistiq are all recognisably a part of the Cadillac household, and but every provides a singular feel and appear.
Collectively, they make for a compelling electrical SUV trio. None of them will compete in notably high-volume segments, thoughts you, however then Cadillac makes no bones about its plans to promote automobiles in “unique volumes” in Australia.
The Optiq is more likely to be the preferred and, regardless of being Caddy’s entry-level EV, it’s a formidable all-round providing. However EVs from manufacturers like Cadillac discover themselves prone to being squeezed in Australia.
There’s market-leader Tesla, which provides sharp pricing and established EV bona-fides; luxurious manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which provide a wider seller community and arguably extra luxurious cachet; after which a rising variety of Chinese language fashions that supply spectacular efficiency and vary figures, plus baggage of tech.
The Optiq doesn’t provide the very best vary, cost fee or effectivity amongst its mid-size electrical SUV friends, however what it does provide is its personal distinctive fashion. It’s easy to drive, and cozy and well-appointed inside.
With the correct value, it shapes as a compelling various to electrical SUVs from different luxurious manufacturers.
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