Name: 2025 Cadillac Optiq
Brand: Cadillac

2025
Cadillac Optiq

EPA Range: 300 miles

Cadillac Optiq First Drive

Summary

Introduction

2025 Cadillac Optiq Electric SUV Has 300 Miles of Range and Premium Ambience

New midsized model boasts giant screen, glass roof, and Super Cruise

Overview

Cadillac is expanding its electric SUV portfolio for 2025 with the new, two-row midsized Optiq. With dimensions that are similar to those of the conventionally powered Cadillac XT5, the Optiq will be positioned below the Lyriq and Celestiq, and eventually the three-row Vistiq and full-sized Escalade iQ.

It is based on the modular electric platform, called Ultium, that General Motors is using for its many new and upcoming EVs. (And even sharing with Honda for the Prologue and Acura for the ZDX.) Demonstrating the platform’s versatility, the Optiq rides on a wheelbase that is 6 inches shorter than the longer, slightly more expensive Lyriq’s.

The Optiq’s configurations are streamlined. There is a single powertrain: a dual-motor setup with about 300 hp, all-wheel drive, and an 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack. For now, Cadillac is estimating the driving range at 300 miles. Based on how GM has introduced other EVs, this is likely a rather conservative figure.

There are two trims, Sport and Luxury, each with two levels, further simplifying the available versions. The base setup is well equipped, with an elegant interior and many luxury essentials. The features pile up quickly, spanning from high-tech to opulent.

Some details remain a bit hazy at this point. Cadillac pledges to release more details as the fall 2024 production target approaches. Here is what we know so far.

It competes with the Audi Q4 E-Tron, Genesis GV60, Lexus RZ, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, and Tesla Model Y.

There is a single powertrain of 300-hp, dual electric motors; 85-kWh battery; 1-speed direct drive; and all-wheel drive. Price range is estimated to be $54,000-$65,000.

Impressions

Outside

The exterior bears a strong family resemblance with the current XT5 and Lyriq models, with a slender grille flanked by dramatic front lighting. The rear pillars are blackened, creating a floating roof. Black accent pieces lend a sporty flair.

Ultimately, it may be the flush-mounted door handles that are the primary tip-off to this being an electric vehicle. Aerodynamics play an important role in the vehicle’s driving range, with Cadillac employing several bits of wizardry such as a vented rear spoiler, diffusers, wind-tunnel sculpted design elements, and low-rolling-resistance tires to help the Optiq achieve its range figures.

Less obvious in pictures are the glass roof and the rear-quarter glass showcasing an etched graphic pattern.

The SUV comes with 20-inch wheels; 21-inch wheels are optional. Either way, the wheels are wrapped in all-season tires.

The length matches the XT5 at 190 inches, and the height is similar. The Optiq tips the scales at 5,192 pounds, making it about 900 pounds heavier than the last XT5 we tested.

Inside

Following recent Cadillac tradition, as seen in many current models, the interior has an elegant simplicity, offset with simple textures and contrasting colors. And it features a 33-inch-wide display that encompasses instrument panel and infotainment system functions. Despite the brag-worthy screen, there are still physical buttons for many common climate functions—a move we appreciate.

The five-seat Optiq uses built-in Google functionality, with Google Assistant and Google Maps. It’s not yet known whether the Optiq will get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. GM is excluding them from some EV models, but our Lyriq test car still has both systems.

The stereo is a 19-speaker AKG system with Dolby Atmos.

Cadillac boldly claims that the Optiq has best-in-class back seat room and cargo capacity. We will check those boasts when we buy one to test.

What Drives It

The Optiq comes standard with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive, producing a Cadillac-estimated 300 hp and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. It is fitted with an 85-kWh, lithium-ion battery pack that the automaker estimates is good for 300 miles of range. Its standard 11.5-kW Level 2 charging can replenish up to 33 miles to the battery in an hour; an optional 19.2-kW onboard charger can provide up to 55 miles in an hour provided it’s installed on an 80-ampere circuit breaker.

The 150-kW DC fast charging acceptance rate enables up to 79 miles being added in about 10 minutes on public chargers. Of course, that rate will vary depending on a number of factors.

The Optiq can be commanded using one-pedal driving, a convenient mode in many EVs that allows the driver to modulate both acceleration and braking with just the accelerator pedal.

There are several drive modes available, including Tour (for everyday driving), Sport (for performance-oriented driving), and Snow/Ice (to reduce wheel spin in foul weather). These modes adjust acceleration, braking, and steering.

Maximum trailering capacity is a low 1,500 pounds—a limit more often associated with small SUVs.

Active Safety and Driver Assistance

Fitting with its high-tech image, the Optiq has a comprehensive suite of active safety and driver assistance features.

The standard features include blind spot warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross traffic warning, with signals conveyed to the driver via a vibrating seat. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, front cross traffic warning with braking, lane keeping assistance, reverse automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind zone steering assist, and active parking assistance are among its many features. Combined, these tap radar, camera, and ultrasonic sensors to provide the 360-degree aids.

Further, Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance is standard and supported for three years. This is a partly automated active driving assistance system that can handle acceleration, braking, and steering on premapped divided highways.