Cadillac’s compact battery-electric crossover, the Optiq, steps into high-performance territory with the debut of the relatively limited edition 2026 Optiq‑V, going on sale this fall in the U.S.
Powered by a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system, consisting of a permanent-magnet motor and rear induction motor it shares with the Lyriq-V, the souped up Optiq produces 519 hp and 650 ft.-lb. (881 Nm) of torque, quite a boost from the 300 hp and 354 lb.-ft. (479 Nm) of torque rating of the standard Optiq.
Cadillac says 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) time is 3.5 seconds when Launch Control is engaged, a system designed to optimize acceleration from a standstill by managing wheel-slip and engine rpms.
The battery is an 85-kWh lithium-ion pack, which gets drivers a 275-mile (443-km) EPA range. It is also the first General Motors vehicle with a native Tesla Supercharger inlet, avoiding having to use an adapter. DC fast charging adds about 70 miles (113 km) in 10 mins.
The Optiq-V is engineered for track performance, as well as aggressive driving in remote areas where drivers like to leave rubber on the twisties. The suspension is sorted with GM’s adaptive continuous damping control tuned for sharp-corner handling and high speeds. Stopping the Optiq-V comes by way of six‑piston Brembo front calipers with 21‑in. alloy wheels and Continental SportContact 6 tires. The strong braking is needed as the Optiq-V tips the scales at 5,445 lbs. (2,470 kg).
Design & Interior
The special and small-batch aspect of the Optiq-V is reflected in branded appointments inside and out to add to the standard Optiq features: carbon‑fiber splitter, diffuser, rear spoiler, V‑mesh grille and Brembo calipers. Further identifying details of the performance grade are the Cadillac V-Series badges on rear doors and the liftgate, while the brand notes a V-Series badge also is etched in the driver’s side grillette.
As is available in the standard Optiq, there’s a AKG 19‑speaker Dolby Atmos audio system and Santorini Blue interior accents, Mondrian rear‑quarter glass, as well as GM’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving technology included for three years. A “V‑Mode” steering‑wheel button adds customized drive profiles, including fake engine growl and stealth (silent) mode.
Plentiful USB-C ports, a wireless phone charger and a 115V AC outlet also help drivers and passengers stay connected.
Big Profits
While the Optiq‑V is Cadillac’s second all‑electric V‑Series (after Lyriq‑V), its predecessors and overall impact offer promising signs for big profits. The Optiq-V joins Lyriq‑V, which delivers 615 hp and 650 lb‑ft. (881 Nm) and 0–60 (0-97 km/h) in 3.3 seconds from a 102-kWh battery pack producing a 285-mile (458 km) range. GM calls the Lyric-V the “quickest Cadillac ever.”
“With Cadillac’s signature isolated precision ride and handling characteristic, tighter steering, enhanced suspension and summer-only tires, our team delivered a unique package that makes Optiq-V a fun, nimble drive that’s quicker when cornering,” says John Cockburn, the vehicle’s chief engineer.
Cadillac says pricing for the Optiq-V is competitive with other emerging performance BEVs. At $68,795 (destination included) it is priced close to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N ($66,100-$67,475) and under Genesis GV60 Performance ($71,250).
GM doesn’t break out V-trim sales, but brand executives say they historically account for 10% of individual model sales. Cadillac in 2024 sold about 28,400 Lyriqs, per Wards Intelligence data. Total U.S. BEV deliveries last year tallied 1.24 million units, up roughly 7% from 2023 and accounting for 8% of total U.S. light vehicles sold.
Lyriq‑V has begun to attract consumer enthusiasm for BEV performance and Cadillac believes the steady 10% take rate for V-series vehicles will extend to the smaller, lower-priced Optiq CUV.
Industry analysts and forecasters think performance BEVs have a bright future in what is still a growing overall BEV market. Citi Research forecasts BEV volume growth of 12% in 2025, accelerating the closer we get to 2030. With mainstream EV growth slowing, Citi Research says, brands are adding high-performance trims to foster allure with customers who like speed, as well as profit margins.
