Cadillac introduces Optiq in the US, European launch confirmed

Cadillac has unveiled its new electric model, the Optiq. The electric SUV will be available for sale in ten regions worldwide, including Europe, the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, China and the Middle East. (UPDATE BELOW)

The Cadillac Optiq is a fully electric mid-size SUV slotted below the Cadillac Lyriq. Based on GM’s BEV3 dedicated EV platform like the mainstream Chevrolet Equinox EV, it comes in single-motor FWD and dual-motor AWD configurations. However, the US and Europe will only get the latter, which offers better performance and more grip. Cadillac will reveal more specifications for Europe later this year, but it won’t be a surprise if the powertrain and battery pack turn out to be the same as in the US.

The US Cadillac Optiq employs a permanent magnet synchronous motor in the front and an induction motor in the rear, which together produce 224 kW (305 PS) and 480 Nm of torque. An 85 kWh (net) lithium-ion NCMA battery pack supplies energy to these motors. There’s no word on this battery pack’s peak DC charging input, but the maximum AC charging capacity is 19.2 kW. Since General Motors is switching to the NACS charging standard in North America for the 2025 model year for DC charging and the Europe version will probably use CCS2, differences are possible here too. We won’t know for sure until October.

As seen in the Cadillac Lyriq’s case, the Euro-spec model may support AC charging at up to 22 kW instead of 19.2 kW. Cadillac expects the US-spec Optiq to deliver a range of 483 km, but the WLTP range tends to be typically much higher than EPA estimates. The Euro-spec model may get a rating of around 600 km.

The Cadillac Optiq for the US market measures 4,820 mm in length, 2,126 mm in width (with mirrors), and 1,644 mm in height. It has a 2,954 mm wheelbase and accommodates five people. There’s no frunk in this model, but there’s 744 litres of luggage space in its cabin, expandable to 1,603 litres by folding the rear seat. The dimensions and capacities of the Euro-spec model may slightly vary.

A black crystal faux grille with a laser-etched pattern, dramatically designed front lights and vertical rear lights, both with choreographed lighting sequence, Mondrian-patterned C-pillar window, and 21-inch alloy wheels make the Cadillac Optiq an instant head-turner. The electric mid-size SUV has a sumptuous interior with features like PaperWood veneer, metallic inserts, 126-colour dual-zone ambient lighting, fancy colour schemes, and an ultra-wide 33-inch 9K cockpit display.

Cadillac will announce prices for the Optiq for European markets later this year. In the US, the electric SUV will start at 54,000 dollars.

Update 31 October 2024

General Motors has opened its online configurator for the all-electric Cadillac Optiq. Deliveries are to start in the USA over the next weeks. The starting price currently stands at $54,390 ($46,890 including Fed EV credit) for the ‘Luxury 1’ variant of the SUV.

The range tops out with the Sport 2 version, which starts from $57,090 and includes several cosmetic aspects on the exterior, as well as additional comfort on the inside. Mechanically, the variants do not differ and all feature the same 302-mile range.

media.cadillac.com, cadillac.com (configurator), x.com (both update)