The Cadillac Optiq is the brandís smallest electric vehicle, serving as an entry point to the world of Cadillac EVs, that include larger SUVs such as the Lyriq, Vistiq and Escalade
IQ. And it’s affordable, with the Optiq price starting at $54,390.
Similar in size as the Cadillac XT5, the Optiq is about 6 inches shorter and 2 inches
narrower than the larger Lyriq, Cadillac’s most popular EV. It is nicely proportioned with
a short hood, aggressively raked windshield and a rear window that is slightly laid back.
It’s a good-looking vehicle, one in which I can see should easily bring customers to the
Cadillac brand.
The Optiq uses an 85-kWh battery, which in turn gives it a particularly strong EPA-
estimated 302-mile range. Every Optiq is all-wheel drive and is equipped with two
electric motors – the large, main motor on the front axle that does most of the work,
supplemented by a smaller motor at the rear. The combined power is rated at 354
horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque.
Cadillac offers the Optiq in four trim levels – 2 Luxury trim levels and 2 Sport trim levels. Luxury 1 is the base trim yet includes features like a Panoramic fixed glass roof with a power shade, Super Cruise and a 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system. Luxury 2 builds
on that by including a heads-up display, vented and massaging front seats and 21-inch
wheels. For those wanting a sportier experience, the Sport 1 trim adds a distinctive grill
and a sport tuned suspension. The Sport 2 trim basically adds the Luxury 2 features to the
Sport 1 trim level.
You may be surprised to learn that there is no leather to be found inside the Optiq.
Instead, the interior of the Optiq uses textured fabrics on the door panels, seats and center console – all resulting in a fresh, clean and quite impressive environment. The control knobs are done in shiny metal and the attention to detail can easily be spotted throughout the cabin. Taking center stage is Cadillac’s curved 33-inch display that houses all the information for the driver and passenger. The crisp-looking screen has bright colors and fast response times. And while it does offer Google Maps and Google Assistant
connectivity, the Optiq (like all other Cadillac EVs) does not have Apple CarPlay or
Android Auto.
Back seat passengers will find the Optiq has decent room with enough headroom and
legroom for your average adult. Behind the back seat, there is 26 cubic feet of storage.
With 354 ponies under your right foot, the Optiq has plenty of power, making it easy to
quickly pass someone on the freeway. And the Optiq steers and handles extremely well.
With every Optiq coming with Super Cruise, cruising the highway is made easy with the
ability to take your hands off the wheel completely and let it do the driving for you.
As with all EVs, the range is a key factor, and Cadillac seems to have that covered with
about 300 miles on a full charge for the Optiq. It still will not be the best choice for cross-country trips, but it should be perfectly fine for commuting, errand running, and typical family-hauling duties. With the Optiq, Cadillac is showing that it is taking the EV market seriously – and the competition better be ready.
— Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:
2025 Cadillac Optiq Luxury 2
Base Price: $55,095.00
Price as Tested: $63,510.00
Layout: 2 electric motors / all-wheel drive
Horsepower: 354 hp
Torque: 480 ft-lbs[Visit me at www.carsbycar.blogspot.com or email me at auto_cran@hotmail.com]
