Cadillac has introduced a new compact electric SUV called the Optiq, which will serve as the entry-level model in the brand’s EV lineup. The Optiq is positioned below the Lyriq and appears to draw inspiration from its more expensive counterpart. However, interested buyers will have to exercise patience, as Cadillac has announced that more information about the Optiq, including its full specifications, will not be revealed until 2024.
Following Cadillac’s naming convention for its EVs, the Optiq will feature a name ending with “IQ.” This naming convention is also seen in other Cadillac models like the Escalade IQ and Celestiq.
Although Cadillac hasn’t explicitly confirmed it, it is likely that the Optiq will utilize GM’s Ultium battery platform. According to speculation from Road and Driver, the Optiq’s size suggests that it may share similar specifications with the Chevy Equinox EV. The Equinox features a 210-horsepower electric motor for the front wheels, with an optional 290-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup. The range for the Equinox is estimated to be around 300 miles for higher-end configurations.
Details about the Optiq’s Chinese version have already been revealed through the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) pre-market vehicle approval process. The Chinese model is said to be approximately 189.8 inches long, 75.3 inches wide, and 64.6 inches tall. This makes it narrower by about 2.5 inches and shorter by seven inches compared to the Lyriq. The Chinese Optiq weighs 4,850 lbs and has a top speed of 112 mph. It offers two front-wheel-drive configurations, with power outputs of 201 horsepower and 241 horsepower.
Cadillac’s official press release for the Optiq is brief and straightforward. It confirms the Optiq as the fourth vehicle in Cadillac’s expanding global electric vehicle portfolio. The Optiq will serve as the entry-level EV in North America, positioned below the Lyriq. Cadillac promises spirited driving dynamics that will appeal to luxury customers worldwide. More details, including features and pricing, will be announced next year.
