The 2026 Cadillac Optiq is ready to take on the Tesla Model Y with more power and improved driving performance, befitting a luxury EV.
Cadillac’s compact EV is getting a makeover with rear-wheel drive, beefier all-wheel drive, and a performance V variant that could finally give Tesla’s Model Y some real competition. Here’s what’s changing for 2026, how the new drivetrains stack up, and whether Cadillac can actually sell electric crossovers to people who don’t already own a Lyriq.
The 2026 Cadillac Optiq refresh
The Optiq is a compact luxury Ev that offers a bit of affordability in the Cadillac EV lineup. You might now have heard too much about this luxury electric crossover, because it doesn’t quite stand up in a luxury EV comparison to the Tesla Model Y; until now. For the 2026 model year, this electric crossover receives upgrades that include a new Optiq V-Series and the AWD specs that make it a more formidable Cadillac electric SUV. The Optiq has a competitive driving range, making it much more compatible with what customers are looking for from the compact luxury EV market.
Upgrades to the Optiq
The 2206 Cadillac Optiq lineup adds a new RWD model, which uses a single motor and allows the electric SUV to be offered at a more affordable price point. As you would expect, this EV uses the Cadillac Ultium platform to make it competitive and provide plenty of driving range.
In addition to the new base model, the AWD Optiq with its dual-motor AWD setup has more power than before, providing 440 horsepower to drivers who want to rocket off the line in this Tesla Model Y competitor. Taking things further, a new V-Series electric trim has been added to give the Optiq 519 horsepower and a true performance variant. Both of the upper models of this new Cadillac EV are easily performance electric SUV models that could offer amazing fun and exciting driving from behind the wheel.
How much is a 2026 Cadillac Optiq?
Optiq pricing begins at $52,395 and ranges up to $68,795, depending on the trim and options chosen. This might sound like a lot to spend on a compact crossover, but when you consider this luxury SUV and its impressive power output, the price seems much more reasonable. When you look at the Optiq vs Lyriq, you get more power for the money in the smaller Optiq and still enjoy the impressive Cadillac electrification that comes with the GM Ultium platform.
More about that impressive power
Any Cadillac review of the new 2026 Cadillac Optiq has to begin with the added power offered at the new Optiq-V level. This performance-oriented model has two motors for the 519-horsepower mentioned above. This power is delivered instantly, thanks to the electric motors, and the handling is pretty impressive for an SUV. The impressive cornering while under hard driving is balanced out with impressive cruising control to make the Optiq-V a good choice when you want a daily driver that can get up and go.
The new Optiq-V comes with upgraded Brembo brakes, a retuned suspension, a tighter steering ratio, and a launch control system. This high-powered EV is expected to reach 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest performance-oriented electric SUVs on the market.
When you need a driving range in the 2026 Cadillac Optiq
The base model of the Optiq is expected to provide more than 300 miles of driving range and 315 horsepower from the single motor attached to the rear wheels. The dual-motor AWD model returns 280 miles of driving range, and the Optiq-V should achieve up to 275 miles of driving on a single charge. The 85-kWh battery pack, which is standard on all models, can be charged quickly, adding up to 79 miles of driving range for every ten minutes of charging at a properly powered public charging station.
Sustainable tech inside the Optiq
The cabin area of the 2026 Cadillac Optiq features attractive interior design that is crafted from recycled materials. You’ll also find plenty of modern tech to satisfy your inner geek and keep you happy on the road. The dashboard features a large, curved screen, but textured metal accents and textile trim elements are used to provide style and design to the dashboard area.
The screen measures 33 inches and has a central touchscreen for infotainment, which can be controlled using a redundant rotary controller on the center console. There’s also an impressive 19-speaker AKG stereo with Dolby Atmos to give you the listening pleasure you want.
Does the 2026 Cadillac Optiq sound like the luxury EV you want to drive? What are you waiting for?
Leave a Reply