OPTIQ EV- Cadillac Introduces an Entry Level Compact SUV

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Cadillac today revealed the new 2025 OPTIQ, an entry-level Cadillac luxury EV. OPTIQ is the least-expensive EV in lineup. This is Cadillac’s fourth EV, positioned below the barely-selling LYRIQ mid-size crossover, with a base price of ~$59,000. This fall OPTIQ joins the expensive ~$300,000+ CELESTIC sedan and the Escalade SUV (~ $130,000). Next year, the VISTIQ appears in showrooms. OPTIQ pricing starts at an estimated $54,000 for the Luxury trim, Sport will be more  expensive [footnote 10],* including destination charges, excluding tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Obvious competitors include Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mercedes-EQ EQB, and Lexus RZ.

“Cadillac has always defined American luxury, and OPTIQ is an example of how our bold, innovative spirit is propelling us into the EV future,” said John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac. “Over the past five years, Cadillac has welcomed approximately 1 million new customers to the family globally, while our percentage of younger buyers has increased 5% in the U.S. OPTIQ will be an important gateway to attract luxury EV intenders to Cadillac as we look to offer a fully electric portfolio by the end of the decade.” [ 4, 5]

Quick Look 2025 Cadillac OPTIQ

• OPTIQ is a global offering selling in more than 10 regions, including Europe, where it debuted this week.
• Cadillac-estimated 300 miles of range. [1]
• Standard dual motor all-wheel drive.
• Standard Super Cruise with 3-year connected service. [2]
• Segment-best in cargo capacity and second-row spaciousness. [3]
• (Marketing babble alert> An innovative, expressive interior and bold exterior design.

OPTIQ will launch in standard dual motor all-wheel drive form, with no word yet on a technically possible, less expensive, front-drive version. The 6-inch shorter wheelbase (compared to Cadillac LYRIQ) should make it a better handling vehicle.

“With near-instantaneous torque, OPTIQ delivers a unique and spirited driving experience. The Ultium Platform allows us to fit enough muscle into a smaller package to provide a thrilling performance, delivering a sensation of isolated precision,” said John Cockburn, chief engineer.

OPTIQ’s  aerodynamic performance enables its Cadillac-estimated 300-mile driving range [1]. The Ultium Platform and drive units, along with the use of low rolling resistance tires, also play a  role in the range. A vented rear-spoiler, diffusers and other items improve aerodynamics at the rear of the vehicle.

OPTIQ EV Items

• OPTIQ includes an 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack 9Lithium-ion NCMA cathode, blended graphite anode) with a standard dual motor all-wheel drive system that has a Cadillac-estimated 300 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of instant torque that electric motors are admired for.
• At full charge, OPTIQ offers a Cadillac-estimated 300 miles of range and DC fast charging can add up to 79 miles of range in ~10 minutes. [6]
• OPTIQ has Regen On Demand [7], driver-controlled braking that allows the driver to slow down or stop the OPTIQ with a dedicated, pressure-sensitive paddle located on the steering wheel.
• One-Pedal Driving [7 ] allows the driver to slow down and stop the vehicle using only the accelerator under most driving conditions. The system also converts kinetic energy from the OPTIQ’s forward momentum into electricity, which is stored in the battery pack.
• A Dual-Level Charge Cord allows the driver to plug into an appliance-style four-pronged outlet (professional installation required) or a standard three-pronged outlet.
• OPTIQ allows drivers to switch between several Drive Modes, including Tour used for everyday driving, Sport for enhanced road driving and improved steering, Snow/Ice to prevent wheel spin [should be fun or is that treacherous?with those low-rolling resistance tires – editor] and My Mode with adjustable braking responsiveness and steering feel.

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OPTIQ Interior at a Glance

• Claimed segment best in cargo capacity and second-row spaciousness.
• A 33-inch diagonal advanced LED display with 9k resolution projecting more than 1 billion colors.
• Super Cruise driver assistance technology [2] will be standard (3 years connected service) with high-definition GPS mapping, driver attention system, lane changing capabilities and steering wheel light bar.
• Advanced radar, camera and ultrasonic sensor technology integrated throughout OPTIQ will help provide customers with enhanced views, sensing and monitoring of their surroundings in a variety of everyday driving scenarios.
• Standard safety and driver assistance technologies [8] include adaptive cruise control, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Enhanced Automatic Parking, Forward Collision Alert.
• Google built-in compatibility [9] infotainment with Google Maps and Google Assistant.
• Standard 19-speaker AKG Audio System and Dolby Atmos®. The AKG Audio System has custom-tuned speakers and amplifier.

AutoInformed on

• Cadillac VISTIQ Three Row SUV to Join EV Lineup
• Cadillac CELESTIQ Debuts With Hands-Free Driving Possible in Most Conditions Early in 2024. Caveats Apply
• Cadillac Teases 2025 OPTIQ EV – Crossover Compact
• Cadillac Escalading the 2025 SUV EV Wars

*Inevitable OPTIQ Footnotes

1. GM-Estimated range based on development testing and/or analytical projection consistent with SAE J1634 revision 2017-MCT and subject to change prior to production. Actual range may vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, loading and how you use and maintain your vehicle.
2. Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Do not use a hand-held device. Requires active Super Cruise plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit cadillac.com/supercruise for compatible roads and full details.
3. Behind 2nd row seats. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
4. GM Internal Source: Cadillac has welcomed approximately 1 million customers, globally
5. PIN Data: Cadillac’s percentage of younger buyers has increased 5% in the U.S.
6. Actual charge times will vary based on battery starting state of charge, battery condition, output of charger, vehicle settings and battery temperature. See the Owner’s Manual for your vehicle and charger for additional details & limitations.
7. Feature may be limited when the battery temperatures are extremely cold or hot or when battery is near full charge. See Owner’s Manual for details.
8. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for important feature limitations and information.
9. Google built-in services are subject to limitations and availability may vary by vehicle, infotainment system and location. Select service plan required. Certain Google actions and functionality may require account linking. User terms and privacy statements apply. Google, Google Play, and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.
10. Estimated MSRP excludes tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Dealer sets final price. Final MSRP to be announced at a later date.