2025 Cadillac Optiq Review
With its all-new, EV-specific platform, distinctive styling, and luxurious interior, the Cadillac Lyriq electric SUV is proving to be a success for Cadillac, attracting buyers to the brand who have never bought a Cadillac before – and buyers that are younger and more affluent than typical owners. Now, Cadillac is about to unleash the Lyriq’s little brother – the Optiq is a new, compact electric SUV that will represent Cadillac in markets around the world. It expands Cadillac’s EV footprint into 10 regions worldwide, including Europe.
From its full-length glass roof to its black crystal grille, and the patterns laser-etched into its quarter-panel glass, the Optiq is distinctively Cadillac. Walk up to the vehicle and “signature lighting choreography” progressively lights up the vehicle’s LEDs, hinting at the electric driving experience to come.
Cadillac Optiq Range, and Charging
Like the Lyriq, the Optiq is built on General Motors’ all-new, EV-specific Ultium platform, which features cutting-edge EV motors, high charging speeds, and efficient packaging. It sits on a wheelbase six inchers shorter than the Lyriq, giving it more maneuverability in urban settings and on tight European roads.
Cadillac claims an estimated driving range of 300 miles from the all-wheel drive Optiq and its 85-kWh battery pack (EPA estimates are not yet available). Charging speed should be on part with the Lyriq; while a maximum charging speed isn’t indicated, Cadillac claims a compatible DC fast charger can add about 80 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
Adjustable regenerative braking, which Cadillac calls “regen on demand,” allows the driver to instantaneously vary the amount of regenerative braking with a pressure-sensitive paddle on the back of the steering wheel: the harder the paddle is pulled, the more regenerative braking you get. You can also choose a one-pedal driving mode, allowing you to slow down and stop the vehicle simply by releasing the accelerator pedal.
2025 Cadillac Optiq Performance
The Optiq will launch in all-wheel drive form, with dual motors providing a total output of 300 hp and 354 lb-ft of instantaneous electric torque. We would expect a two-wheel drive model to follow later, with slightly more range but slower acceleration times.
Several clever features help the Optiq deliver its impressive range and performance. GM’s Ultium electric drive units are compact but very powerful, while a vented rear spoiler, aerodynamic diffusers, and other sculptural elements help tidy up airflow for maximum efficiency – without compromising the Lyriq’s sharp SUV styling.
There’s also a dual-level charge cord, which allows Optiq owners the ability to plug into a Level 1 (110-volt) outlet or a Level 2 (240-volt) outlet using the same cord. Multiple drive modes include Tour, used for everyday driving; Sport for enhanced response and performance; Snow/Ice for poor weather conditions and preventing wheelspin; and My Mode, which lets drivers customize their preferences for braking and steering feel.
EV SUV Interior
The interior of the new 2025 Optiq is designed to be high-tech as well as high-luxury, and it’s stuffed full of connected features that young luxury buyers expect. Drivers and passengers are greeted with illuminated décor and a giant, curved 33-inch LCD display with 9k resolution that is capable of displaying over a billion colors. Wood trim inlays are actually veneers made from tulip wood and recycled newspaper, and accent fabrics are woven from yarn made from 100 percent recycled materials.
Innovative tech extends beyond the massive screen, however. In addition to segment-leading rear-seat space, the Optiq also boasts:
- Google built-in technology includes native Google Maps and Google Assistant, which can easily be operated by voice, and always draw the latest information from the cloud.
- An AKG audio system with Dolby Atmos technology, giving more depth, clarity, and detail to every audio track. The AKG system has custom-tuned speakers and amplifiers as well as 19 speakers.
The Optiq’s driver assistance technology is also class-leading:
- The suite starts with adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring with steering assistance, enhanced automatic parking, forward collision alert, and more.
- Cadillac’s advanced Super Cruise driver assistance tech is standard. It uses high-definition GPS mapping, a driver attention system, and multiple cameras and sensors. Super Cruise allows hands-free driving in certain situations, and can even change lanes automatically. A steering-wheel mounted light bar signals its status and alerts the driver when necessary.
- Advanced radar and ultrasonic sensors work together with multiple cameras to give drivers enhanced views of the world around them, whether driving on the freeway or parking in a tight spot.
2025 Optiq Pricing and Availability
The all-new 2025 Cadillac Optiq goes into production this fall. Two trim levels will be available – Luxury and Sport – with distinctive personalities and design elements. Cadillac says that the starting MSRP for the Optiq will be $54,000. While that’s a lot more than a comparable Tesla Model Y, which is a close match for space and performance (and beats it on range), the Optiq’s distinctive style and interior make it a uniquely luxurious experience – and one that’s meaningfully less expensive than the larger Lyriq.
