2026 Cadillac VISTIQ Review: 1,000km in the ‘Baby Escalade' Before it Lands in Australia
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The three-row (6-seat), all-electric, Cadillac VISTIQ is coming to Australia next year, and I've had the unique chance to drive 1,000 miles in it before it lands on our shores.
When it does, the VISTIQ will join a segment of luxury electric three-row SUVs currently occupied by the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90. Soon, they will also be joined by the Hyundai IONIQ 9 and very likely something from China that we've never heard of before. Then, the Cadillac VISTIQ will arrive in 2026.
The VISTIQ will join the currently available Cadillac LYRIQ (from AUD$117,000 plus on-roads), which I drove last year, and the smaller Cadillac OPTIQ, which I had a chance to drive in Detroit, but can't tell you about just yet. With an overall length of 5,222 mm, it sits above the LYRIQ (4,996 mm) and OPTIQ (4,821 mm) in size and is often referred to as the 'Baby Escalade.' It's about the same overall size as a Nissan Patrol (5,165 mm) and has about the same power as a Mercedes-AMG G63 with a dual motor 459 kW powertrain. Let's take a closer look.
2026 Cadillac VISTIQ | Image: Supplied
How Much is the Cadillac VISTIQ?
No local pricing has been announced for the Cadillac VISTIQ.
What we do know is that we'll receive a fully-loaded vehicle with Adaptive Air Ride Suspension as standard and a 6-seat configuration only (2nd row Captain's Chairs). This model will closely resemble the VISTIQ Luxury (from USD$93,590) and VISTIQ Platinum (from USD$98,190) in the USA market, which means that we should expect the VISTIQ to land in Australia at around the AUD$150,000 plus on-road costs.
What Does it Compete With?
Here's a list of the main competitors for the Cadillac VISTIQ in Australia:
Kia EV9 – from AUD$97,000 to $121,000 plus on-road costs
– from AUD$97,000 to $121,000 plus on-road costs Volvo EX90 – from AUD$124,990 to $134,990 plus on-road costs
– from AUD$124,990 to $134,990 plus on-road costs Hyundai IONIQ 9 – from AUD$119,750 plus on-road costs
The advantage for GM is that there aren't many three-row electric SUVs on the market in Australia.
The disadvantage for GM is that when you look at sales data—which Cadillac doesn't report to the media in Australia—there's probably a reason why. Sales for the Kia EV9 have nearly halved this year (-47.3%), having sold just 19 cars last month and 165 through June. Meanwhile, the Volvo EX90 has fared better as a more traditionally styled vehicle from a premium marque that offers more range, and it's managed 113 sales since hitting the market a few months ago.
When you consider the Cadillac VISTIQ will very likely start from around AUD$150,000, it's going to have an uphill battle pulling diehards away from established brands like Volvo and Kia. Still, it's going to throw everything it can at the Australian new car buyer on its quest to do so.
2026 Cadillac VISTIQ | Image: Supplied
What's the Interior of the Cadillac VISTIQ Like?
It's very similar to the Cadillac LYRIQ, but that's not a bad thing at all.
What we have to remember first is that this is not a conversion, but a factory-built right-hand drive vehicle. You wouldn't be able to tell the two vehicles apart from a build quality perspective if you sat them next to each other, at least, that's what we know from doing exactly that with the Cadillac LYRIQ.
The headline feature of the VISTIQ is that it's a true three-row, 6-seat SUV that has genuine space in the third row for adults less than 6 feet tall. By the numbers, they stack up very similar to the Kia EV9, with 778mm of legroom in the third row, 1,021mm in the second row, and 1,096mm in the front row. However, the third row passengers in the 6-seat LYRIQ will likely feel more comfortable on longer trips thanks to the gap created by the second row captain's chairs, but also the inclusion of padded armrests, smartphone storage, cupholders, and USB chargers.
We don't have specifics confirmed for our market in terms of interior trim materials, but we expect the same Lumen open-pore wood found in the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims overseas or the Black Ash Cluster wood decors on Platinum trim. This should be joined by five-zone climate controls (with screen controls for the second row) and all the USB-C ports that you could ask for.
2026 Cadillac VISTIQ | Image: Supplied
2026 Cadillac VISTIQ | Image: Supplied
2026 Cadillac VISTIQ | Image: Supplied
2026 Cadillac VISTIQ | Image: Supplied
2026 Cadillac VISTIQ | Image: Supplied
2026 Cadillac VISTIQ | Image: Supplied
I spent the majority of my time in the driver's seat of the VISTIQ while touring around California, and even in Sport trim, it was the typical, cushy and comfortable experience that you expect from a Cadillac.
That said, it's not to be mistaken for a walloping hippo. The seats are supportive, feature heating (second-row captain's chairs included), cooling, massage, and memory, and are infinitely adjustable to find that perfect driving position. As is the steering wheel, and while I've never been the biggest fan of the chunky spokes on the Cadillac wheel, it does sit comfortably in your hands on longer road trips and features all of the physical controls that I could ask for.
Usually, if I can get in a car, drive, and not become frustrated with how hard it is to find a common vehicle control, it's a good barometer. While the screen does house many of the second-layer controls, the primary controls are found on knobs, switches, and dials, including the volume, track skip, mute, and cruise control functions. HVAC controls are positioned on a screen mounted to the centre console, similar to Audis. Importantly, these buttons are large enough to use while driving, and it's not something that you adjust too often.
Finally, there's a smaller screen on the left side of the instrument panel (right side in Australia) that houses your
2026 Cadillac VISTIQ | Image: Supplied
How does the interior of the VISTIQ compare to other cars in this segment? Well, I've just spent a week in the Volvo EX90, and having driven both, I can confidently say that I prefer the interior design of the Cadillac. Both have large touchscreen displays, but the Cadillac's horizontally mounted 33-inch curved display is better integrated into the dashboard compared to the 14.5-inch portrait-style display in the Volvo. It's plonked in the middle of the cabin, and while functional, it looks like an afterthought.
It will be interesting to see how the interior of the VISTIQ translates into the local market, but if it's anything like the left-hand drive vehicle I drove around California, then I think the brand is onto a winner.
The only real negative to point at for buyers here is that it doesn't have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Instead, it comes with Android Automotive, which uses integrated Google Maps for navigation, with other apps available as a download through the infotainment. Honestly, I hardly see this as a negative, as it functions better than any mapping tool outside of Waze, and even given the chance to use both in cars like the Volvo EX90, I end up using the integrated system over the phone mirroring option.
2026 Cadillac VISTIQ | Image: Supplied
Power, Battery Charging, and Range of the Cadillac VISTIQ
The Cadillac VISTIQ is available as a 459kW (615HP) dual-motor AWD electric vehicle.
It's powered by a large 102kWh Ultium battery offering up to 300 miles of range and the ability to accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds with Velocity Max. That makes it more powerful and quicker than its competitors, but not quite as impressive on the range front when compared to the Volvo EX90, which offers up to 605 km of range.
Specifications Cadillac VISTIQ Drivetrain Dual motor AWD Battery capacity 102 kWh (usable) Battery type Nickel manganese cobalt aluminium (NCMA) Power 459 kW (615 HP) Torque 880 Nm 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time (claimed) 3.7 seconds with Velocity Max Weight (kerb) 2,869.5 kg Energy consumption (claimed) 21.8 kWh/100 km (WLTP) Energy consumption (as tested) 22.2-28.2 kWh/100 km Claimed range 460 km (WLTP) test cycle in Europe Max AC charge rate 11.5 kW, 19.2 kW (optional) Max DC charge rate 190 kW
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2026 Cadillac VISTIQ | Image: Supplied
How Does the Cadillac VISTIQ Drive?
Every Cadillac VISTIQ coming to Australia will have Air Ride Adaptive suspension fitted as standard alongside a multi-link front and five-link rear suspension system with semi-active Chassis Damping Control dampers.
I had the chance to drive both the standard suspension and the Air Ride Adaptive suspension in and around suburban Detroit, and both provided a comfortable, balanced ride when cruising around in the normal Tour mode. Of course, it rides better on the smaller 21-inch wheels than the optional 23-inch wheels, but they aren't terrible by any means. The price of tyres could make the 23s prohibitively expensive to run in Australia, however.
Front and rear suspension Multi-Link front and 5-Link rear with semi-active CDC dampers (Chassis Damping Control) Steering type Electric Power Steering (EPS) Turning Diameter with active rear steer and 23-inch wheels 11.7 metres Turning diameter with active rear steer and 22-inch wheels 12.5 metres Turning diameter with active rear steer and 21-inch wheels 11.64 metres Brake type Front: 4-piston
Rear: 1-piston
Front (Platinum): 6 piston Brembo Brakes
Rear (Platinum): Paint matched single piston Brake rotor size:
(in. / mm) 343mm (front)
345mm (rear)
Platinum:
410mm (front)
345mm (rear) Wheel size: Front: 4-piston
Rear: 1-piston
Front (Platinum): 6-piston Brembo Brakes
Rear (Platinum): Paint matched single piston Tires: Tires, 285/45R21 all-season, self-sealing
Tires, 295/40R22 all-season, self-sealing
Tires, 305/35R23 all-season-self-sealing
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On my road trip, I found there was no hiding the 2,869kg weight through the tightening corners and sharper bends of Big Bear National Park, but you can take advantage of the included Sport drive mode to stiffen up the suspension to counteract the exaggerated body roll and keep your passengers comfortable. Still, it's far from nimble. That's not the point of a 5.2 metre long, three-row electric SUV, though.
While heavy, the size is manageable with available rear-wheel steering that can turn the rear wheels up to 3.5 degrees in the opposite direction to shorten the turning circle and increase maneuverability.
There's a bright red V button on the steering wheel that stares at you while driving and unlocks the full 459kW (615HP) dual motor powertrain that makes overtaking a breeze. Like the LYRIQ, the acceleration isn't as brutal as the power figure might imply, but that's intentional on Cadillac's part. They've minimised 'lash controlling', which can cause discomfort to passengers while driving, particularly the children who might be sitting in the back.
EV features like regenerative braking are calibrated perfectly, and you can even bring the vehicle to a stop using the paddle behind the steering wheel. Overall, I was quite impressed.
2026 Cadillac VISTIQ | Image: Supplied
How Safe is the Cadillac VISTIQ?
Here's a list of safety equipment found in the U.S. market:
Driver-assistance Super Cruise® hands-free driving on highways (not coming to Australia) Blind Zone Steering Assist Adaptive Cruise Control Driver Attention Assist* Traffic Sign Recognition
Alerts Forward Collision Alert Rear Pedestrian Alert Side Bicyclist Alert Safety Alert Seat (directional vibration warnings) Rear Seat Reminder* LED Reflective Windshield Collision Alert
Vision assistance HD Surround Vision (360° camera) Rear Camera Mirror with washer IntelliBeam® automatic high-beam assist Hitch Guidance with Hitch View
Emergency braking Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking Rear Cross-Traffic Braking Front Pedestrian & Bicyclist Braking Reverse Automatic Braking
Parking assistance Vision Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist
Despite a long list of standard safety equipment (U.S. market), the Cadillac VISTIQ hasn't been tested by ANCAP, Euro NCAP, or similar in the USA.
2026 Cadillac VISTIQ | Image: Supplied
What Does the Cadillac VISTIQ Cost to Run?
The VISTIQ will likely carry the 5-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and 8-year, 160,000km battery warranty from the LYRIQ. However, this hasn't been confirmed for the Australian market just yet.
There's also a very strong chance it will arrive with the 5-year free roadside assistance and free scheduled servicing. Services are required every 12 months or 12,000km with the LYRIQ, which are standard for most vehicles in this segment.
2026 Cadillac VISTIQ | Image: Supplied
Our Verdict on the Cadillac VISTIQ
Like the LYRIQ, the Cadillac VISTIQ delivers on paper and in the real world.
It boasts the range, performance, technology, and equipment to compete with the top vehicles in its class, and if you're in the market for a three-row all-electric SUV, then this has to be on your shortlist.
Sales of the established competitors from Kia and Hyundai are slowing in the local market, but Volvo has proven that brand loyalty and confidence go a long way. Cadillac, on the other hand, will have a tougher time doing so, but they're putting their best foot forward with the VISTIQ.
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Man of Many
9 hours ago
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7NEWS
4 days ago
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2026 Cadillac Vistiq review
Almost every luxury brand has an electric SUV nowadays, but these typically have two rows of seating. The Cadillac Vistiq, in contrast, has seating for up to seven, which sees it rival the Volvo EX90, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and… well, not much else. It's closely related to the Lyriq, General Motors luxury brand's debut product in Australia. Cadillac explains it uses the same 'upscale architecture' as that smaller, two-row SUV, with the two SUVs using a 'different branch' of GM's BEV3 dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform. To that end, the Vistiq and Lyriq share the same wheelbase, battery, and front and rear electric motors. But the Vistiq stretches 217mm longer at 5222mm, or 185mm longer than an EX90. Given the flagship, body-on-frame Escalade iQ and Escalade iQL aren't coming to Australia, the Vistiq – which Cadillac executives are all too happy to hear referred to as a 'baby Escalade' – will be the brand's flagship SUV in Australia. It's due here in 2026, part of a dramatically expanded Cadillac lineup that will also include a hotter V-Series version of the Lyriq, as well as the new entry-level Optiq crossover SUV. All are electric, as Cadillac has committed to being an EV-only brand in Australia. Even in its home market, Cadillac is focusing more on EVs than many other luxury brands. It's phasing out its petrol-powered XT4 and XT6 crossovers there, with the XT5 likely to follow, leaving buyers with the similarly sized Optiq, Lyriq and Vistiq – plus the petrol-powered Escalade and electric Escalade iQ atop the range. The good thing is Cadillac's new electric crossover SUVs are much more impressive than its moribund petrol-powered ones. Not since the first-generation (2004-09) SRX has Cadillac offered a crossover SUV that can truly put the fight to rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. How much does the Cadillac Vistiq cost? While Cadillac hasn't announced pricing for the Vistiq in Australia, it has confirmed it will offer only up-spec variants featuring adaptive air suspension and a six-seat configuration with second-row captain's chairs. In the US, the Vistiq is offered in Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury and Platinum trim levels, with prices ranging from $US79,090 to $US98,190 (~A$120,000-149,000). All feature a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain. The most affordable all-wheel drive Lyriq is priced from US$63,590 (~A$97,000) in its home market. Here, it's priced from $122,000. To see how the Cadillac Vistiq stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What is the Cadillac Vistiq like on the inside? Cadillac has done a terrific job giving each of its electric SUVs a unique feel inside, even if they may share key components. The Vistiq, like the Optiq and Lyriq, has a 33-inch curved display. This comprises a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment touchscreen. It also includes an additional touch panel between the steering wheel and the driver's door that can be used to control the headlights, view trip information and change the instrument cluster layout. But the Vistiq is alone among this trio in featuring an additional touchscreen used for the climate control, similar to screens you'll find in Audi and Range Rover products. While the Optiq and Lyriq's row of physical climate control switches didn't really need replacing, this screen does at least feature haptic feedback. The centre console has a unique design too. Behind the climate touchscreen are a pair of wireless charging pads, while aft of it you'll find a pair of cupholders and a rotary dial to control the infotainment system. There's a two-spoke steering wheel, which looks attractive but does occasionally feel weird in operation – 'Which way is up?' As with the Optiq and Lyriq, there are some eye-catching interior colourways available. We drove a Premium Luxury, for example, which featured blue on the dashboard, seats and doors, with suede pillar and headliner trim, and beautiful wood inlays. Modern Cadillac interiors often employ many different types of materials. By that, we don't mean multiple types of black plastic trim with different graining, but rather mixtures of wood, leather, metal and plastic. Some may find this style busy, but to my eyes the Vistiq's interior feels appropriately posh with an elegant design and interesting material choices. I like touches like the (admittedly Mercedes-Benz-like) seat controls on the doors, as well as the knurled metal volume wheel and infotainment dial and cupholder surrounds. The latter sit near touch-capacitive shortcut buttons which you may accidentally 'press' with your sleeve. There are a few material and design choices I don't care for. The bottoms of the doors are finished in hard plastic, though this is something we've also noticed in $200,000-plus Audis and $500,000-plus Porsches. The hard plastic glove compartment lid feels a bit cheap, too, while the patterned trim on the top of the dashboard behind the curved screen results in major glare on the windscreen. Everything feels generally well screwed together, mind you. If we're nitpicking, the centre console bin lid is just a tad wobbly. After unusually launching the Lyriq without a head-up display, a common feature among luxury brands and plenty of non-luxury ones too, the Vistiq features a dual-pane augmented reality head-up display. Information like speed is displayed on one tier, with turn-by-turn directions on the other. However, the Vistiq does without Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, both of which feature on the Lyriq. General Motors has been moving away from this smartphone mirroring technology in its EVs, arguing its Android Automotive-based infotainment system gives you a raft of embedded Google apps and the opportunity to download more The embedded Google Maps will helpfully tell you what your charge level will be at your destination, and suggest charging stops along your route. But after years of getting us used to smartphone mirroring apps, to drop them is a frustrating choice by GM. Second-row occupants also get a touchscreen for adjusting climate settings, while other amenities include air vents, map pockets, a pair of USB-C outlets, and a 110V power outlet. There's plenty of room, and the floor is flat aft of the first-row seats. There's the choice of a three-seat bench or individual captain's chairs, the latter of which will be standard fitment in Australia. With the captain's chairs, you can easily scramble to the third row via the middle. Alternatively, there's a button on each seat that sees it tilt and slide forward. At 180cm tall, my knees were just touching the second-row seatbacks when I sat in the third row. However, someone my height in the second row was able to move their seat forward ever so slightly and still enjoy plenty of space, while also freeing up more for me. I had plenty of headroom, with the fixed glass panel – which is available with a shade – actually providing me with more space for my noggin. Toe room wasn't a problem either. This makes the third row more spacious than, say, that of a Kia EV9. Amenities back here include air vents, cupholders and padded armrests on each side, as well as a pair of USB-C outlets. Cadillac quotes 431 litres of boot space behind the third row, expanding to 1218L with the third row dropped and 2272L with the second and third rows dropped. To see how the Cadillac Vistiq stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What's under the bonnet? There's just one powertrain available in the Vistiq. Cadillac publishes two different range figures for the Vistiq in the US, both based on the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) test cycle. It has 491km of range, dropping to 483km when equipped with the optional 19.2kW onboard charger. It separately advertises a 460km figure under the WLTP test cycle in Europe. The European-market Vistiq is advertised as having a 91kWh NCMA battery, while the US-market Vistiq has a 102kWh capacity. Powertrain specifications are otherwise the same. To see how the Cadillac Vistiq stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool How does the Cadillac Vistiq drive? The Vistiq features multi-link front and five-link rear suspension with semi-active Chassis Damping Control dampers as standard. Unlike the smaller Optiq and Lyriq, the Vistiq can be had with air suspension – something which typically promises a plusher feel. You don't need to step up to an air-suspended Vistiq, however, to enjoy a comfortable ride. A caveat here: we'll get the export chassis tune in Australia and not the American one we tested. Cadillac says export markets like Europe and Australia expect a sportier though not harsh or aggressive feel. '[There's] not much of a difference. A lot of it's on-centre steering feel… and on-centre damper control,' lead development engineer Drew Mitchell told CarExpert. 'The way we calibrate damper current and firmness… We try to give you a little bit more on-centre stiffness, help a little bit with some of that motion control, so it's going to feel in the American variant a little softer.' We had a relatively limited test route along mostly suburban roads, though I was able to take a detour or two to drive the Vistiq across some unsealed roads. First, we drove a Premium Luxury riding on huge 23-inch alloy wheels and fitted with air suspension. It didn't quite smother train tracks, but it gobbled up some rather jagged Michigan roads. It also settled quickly over rises, though we didn't find too many undulating roads along our route. Driving Vistiqs back to back, we found those with air suspension had a touch more float but didn't feel barge-like by any means. Still, Cadillac says the standard suspension offers a sportier feel, though it's still very comfortable. The Vistiq has a similarly classy feel to the Lyriq over the road, and this extends beyond a plush ride. The propulsion sound is subdued, and throttle response is smooth and progressive; Cadillac says it worked hard on what's called 'lash controlling', with the aim of limiting the jerky feeling you get with some high-performance EVs. As a result, the Vistiq won't rock you back in your seat, so if you want thrills like that you'll likely have to wait for a Vistiq-V… if Cadillac decides to build one. You can press a red V button on the steering wheel to engage Velocity Max mode and give you quicker acceleration. This isn't tied to a drive mode setting, and pushing it changes only the pedal response, giving you maximum power and torque albeit while depleting the battery quicker. There are Tour, Sport and Snow/Ice drive modes selectable via an anchored bar at the bottom of the touchscreen, with a custom My Mode allowing you to adjust settings for the steering, brakes, suspension, acceleration, and motor sound. We mostly drove in Tour mode, and the Vistiq has light, manageable steering at low speeds. It's not completely vacant, mind you, but flicking the Vistiq over to Sport mode doesn't do much to change the steering weighting and feel. Making the Vistiq more nimble is available rear-wheel steering. This sees the rear wheels turn in the the opposite direction of the front wheels, up to 3.5 degrees, at low speeds to improve maneuverability; at higher speeds, they turn with the front wheels to improve control. Cadillac is planning to offer a 'Stealth' sound, getting rid of the artificial propulsion sound. But the regular sound is hardly obtrusive, and the Vistiq is blessed with a serene cabin. Very little wind noise makes its way in. As with the Lyriq, Cadillac has included a 'regen on demand' paddle behind the steering wheel that effectively allows you to brake the vehicle without putting your foot on the brake pedal. You can also activate a typical one-pedal driving mode. We saw energy consumption of between 22.2kWh/100km and 28.2kWh/100km, though again we must note this was a limited test route. The Vistiq comes standard in the US with Super Cruise, allowing for hands-free driving across over a million kilometres of roads in North America – typically divided highways. This feature is unlikely to come here. While GM vehicles equipped with Super Cruise haven't offered a lane-centring function for use on roads on which the system doesn't function, the automaker is introducing what it calls hands-on centring assist on certain vehicles for 2026. It's unclear if we'll get this feature in Australia; we should hope so, given how unusual it is that the Lyriq lacks such a feature in our market. To see how the Cadillac Vistiq stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What do you get? Cadillac hasn't confirmed precisely what the local Vistiq lineup will look like, but it has confirmed it'll only offer high-end trims. In the US it's offered in four different trim levels, and we'd expect only the top two to be offered here. 2025 Cadillac Vistiq Luxury equipment highlights: 21-inch alloy wheels Continuous Damping Control Vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality 19.2kW onboard charger LED headlights with LED cornering lights Illuminated front grille and badge Illuminated door handles Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with driver's auto-dimming Rain-sensing wipers Panoramic sunroof Power tailgate Privacy glass Remote start 7-seat configuration 33-inch curved display Digital rear-view mirror Power-adjustable front seats Heated second-row seats Heated steering wheel Power tilt and telescoping steering column Five-zone climate control Active Noise Cancellation AKG 23-speaker sound system with Dolby Atmos Wireless phone charging Illuminated front door sill plates Ambient lighting Alloy pedals The Sport features darker exterior elements. The Premium Luxury adds: 22-inch alloy wheels Adaptive air suspension Active Rear Steering 6-seat configuration with second-row captain's chairs Front passenger seat memory Augmented reality head-up display Night Vision Sueded microfibre headliner The Platinum adds: Black roof Brembo front brakes Body-colour wheel arch mouldings To see how the Cadillac Vistiq stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Is the Cadillac Vistiq safe? The Cadillac Vistiq has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, or American safety authorities such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety equipment across the range includes: Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Blind-spot assist Driver attention monitoring Rear cross-traffic assist Safe exit warning Surround-view camera Traffic sign recognition Super Cruise 8 airbags To see how the Cadillac Vistiq stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool How much does the Cadillac Vistiq cost to run? Cadillac Australia hasn't released local servicing and warranty information for the Vistiq. However, the Lyriq is currently backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km battery warranty. The Lyriq also comes with five years of free roadside assistance and free scheduled servicing, with visits to a service location required every 12 months or 12,000km. To see how the Cadillac Vistiq stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool CarExpert's Take on the Cadillac Vistiq While most luxury brands have been focusing on large, two-row electric SUVs, Cadillac has developed a three-row SUV that offers spacious and comfortable accommodation across all three rows. It might share much with the Lyriq, but Cadillac has also given the Vistiq a significantly different visual identity inside and out. Cadillac's new EVs all have a classy look and feel inside out, and the Vistiq builds on the Lyriq base with new features like rear-wheel steering, air suspension, Night Vision, and a head-up display… though the removal of smartphone mirroring grates. There are some question marks here. We don't yet know how much it'll cost in Australia – it likely won't be cheap, especially if Cadillac is bringing only up-spec models, but just how much pricier will it be than, say, a Volvo EX90? It also remains to be seen how much of a difference in feel the global suspension tune will bring. Cadillac's dealer network is also tiny in Australia at the moment – one Experience Centre in Sydney, another one opening soon in Brisbane, but nothing yet locked in for Melbourne. However, based on our short time with the vehicle, we found an impressive mix of performance, practicality, style and comfort that should make the Vistiq worth considering if you need a three-row electric SUV. Interested in buying a Cadillac Vistiq? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here Pros Smooth and comfortable to drive Spacious interior Stylish inside and out Cons
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Perth Now
2026 Cadillac Vistiq review
Almost every luxury brand has an electric SUV nowadays, but these typically have two rows of seating. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert The Cadillac Vistiq, in contrast, has seating for up to seven, which sees it rival the Volvo EX90, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and… well, not much else. It's closely related to the Lyriq, General Motors luxury brand's debut product in Australia. Cadillac explains it uses the same 'upscale architecture' as that smaller, two-row SUV, with the two SUVs using a 'different branch' of GM's BEV3 dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform. To that end, the Vistiq and Lyriq share the same wheelbase, battery, and front and rear electric motors. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert But the Vistiq stretches 217mm longer at 5222mm, or 185mm longer than an EX90. Given the flagship, body-on-frame Escalade iQ and Escalade iQL aren't coming to Australia, the Vistiq – which Cadillac executives are all too happy to hear referred to as a 'baby Escalade' – will be the brand's flagship SUV in Australia. It's due here in 2026, part of a dramatically expanded Cadillac lineup that will also include a hotter V-Series version of the Lyriq, as well as the new entry-level Optiq crossover SUV. All are electric, as Cadillac has committed to being an EV-only brand in Australia. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert Even in its home market, Cadillac is focusing more on EVs than many other luxury brands. It's phasing out its petrol-powered XT4 and XT6 crossovers there, with the XT5 likely to follow, leaving buyers with the similarly sized Optiq, Lyriq and Vistiq – plus the petrol-powered Escalade and electric Escalade iQ atop the range. The good thing is Cadillac's new electric crossover SUVs are much more impressive than its moribund petrol-powered ones. Not since the first-generation (2004-09) SRX has Cadillac offered a crossover SUV that can truly put the fight to rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. While Cadillac hasn't announced pricing for the Vistiq in Australia, it has confirmed it will offer only up-spec variants featuring adaptive air suspension and a six-seat configuration with second-row captain's chairs. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert In the US, the Vistiq is offered in Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury and Platinum trim levels, with prices ranging from $US79,090 to $US98,190 (~A$120,000-149,000). All feature a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain. The most affordable all-wheel drive Lyriq is priced from US$63,590 (~A$97,000) in its home market. Here, it's priced from $122,000. To see how the Cadillac Vistiq stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Cadillac has done a terrific job giving each of its electric SUVs a unique feel inside, even if they may share key components. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert The Vistiq, like the Optiq and Lyriq, has a 33-inch curved display. This comprises a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment touchscreen. It also includes an additional touch panel between the steering wheel and the driver's door that can be used to control the headlights, view trip information and change the instrument cluster layout. But the Vistiq is alone among this trio in featuring an additional touchscreen used for the climate control, similar to screens you'll find in Audi and Range Rover products. While the Optiq and Lyriq's row of physical climate control switches didn't really need replacing, this screen does at least feature haptic feedback. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert The centre console has a unique design too. Behind the climate touchscreen are a pair of wireless charging pads, while aft of it you'll find a pair of cupholders and a rotary dial to control the infotainment system. There's a two-spoke steering wheel, which looks attractive but does occasionally feel weird in operation – 'Which way is up?' As with the Optiq and Lyriq, there are some eye-catching interior colourways available. We drove a Premium Luxury, for example, which featured blue on the dashboard, seats and doors, with suede pillar and headliner trim, and beautiful wood inlays. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert Modern Cadillac interiors often employ many different types of materials. By that, we don't mean multiple types of black plastic trim with different graining, but rather mixtures of wood, leather, metal and plastic. Some may find this style busy, but to my eyes the Vistiq's interior feels appropriately posh with an elegant design and interesting material choices. I like touches like the (admittedly Mercedes-Benz-like) seat controls on the doors, as well as the knurled metal volume wheel and infotainment dial and cupholder surrounds. The latter sit near touch-capacitive shortcut buttons which you may accidentally 'press' with your sleeve. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert There are a few material and design choices I don't care for. The bottoms of the doors are finished in hard plastic, though this is something we've also noticed in $200,000-plus Audis and $500,000-plus Porsches. The hard plastic glove compartment lid feels a bit cheap, too, while the patterned trim on the top of the dashboard behind the curved screen results in major glare on the windscreen. Everything feels generally well screwed together, mind you. If we're nitpicking, the centre console bin lid is just a tad wobbly. After unusually launching the Lyriq without a head-up display, a common feature among luxury brands and plenty of non-luxury ones too, the Vistiq features a dual-pane augmented reality head-up display. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert Information like speed is displayed on one tier, with turn-by-turn directions on the other. However, the Vistiq does without Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, both of which feature on the Lyriq. General Motors has been moving away from this smartphone mirroring technology in its EVs, arguing its Android Automotive-based infotainment system gives you a raft of embedded Google apps and the opportunity to download more The embedded Google Maps will helpfully tell you what your charge level will be at your destination, and suggest charging stops along your route. But after years of getting us used to smartphone mirroring apps, to drop them is a frustrating choice by GM. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert Second-row occupants also get a touchscreen for adjusting climate settings, while other amenities include air vents, map pockets, a pair of USB-C outlets, and a 110V power outlet. There's plenty of room, and the floor is flat aft of the first-row seats. There's the choice of a three-seat bench or individual captain's chairs, the latter of which will be standard fitment in Australia. With the captain's chairs, you can easily scramble to the third row via the middle. Alternatively, there's a button on each seat that sees it tilt and slide forward. At 180cm tall, my knees were just touching the second-row seatbacks when I sat in the third row. However, someone my height in the second row was able to move their seat forward ever so slightly and still enjoy plenty of space, while also freeing up more for me. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert I had plenty of headroom, with the fixed glass panel – which is available with a shade – actually providing me with more space for my noggin. Toe room wasn't a problem either. This makes the third row more spacious than, say, that of a Kia EV9. Amenities back here include air vents, cupholders and padded armrests on each side, as well as a pair of USB-C outlets. Cadillac quotes 431 litres of boot space behind the third row, expanding to 1218L with the third row dropped and 2272L with the second and third rows dropped. To see how the Cadillac Vistiq stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool There's just one powertrain available in the Vistiq. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert Cadillac publishes two different range figures for the Vistiq in the US, both based on the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) test cycle. It has 491km of range, dropping to 483km when equipped with the optional 19.2kW onboard charger. It separately advertises a 460km figure under the WLTP test cycle in Europe. The European-market Vistiq is advertised as having a 91kWh NCMA battery, while the US-market Vistiq has a 102kWh capacity. Powertrain specifications are otherwise the same. To see how the Cadillac Vistiq stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Vistiq features multi-link front and five-link rear suspension with semi-active Chassis Damping Control dampers as standard. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert Unlike the smaller Optiq and Lyriq, the Vistiq can be had with air suspension – something which typically promises a plusher feel. You don't need to step up to an air-suspended Vistiq, however, to enjoy a comfortable ride. A caveat here: we'll get the export chassis tune in Australia and not the American one we tested. Cadillac says export markets like Europe and Australia expect a sportier though not harsh or aggressive feel. '[There's] not much of a difference. A lot of it's on-centre steering feel… and on-centre damper control,' lead development engineer Drew Mitchell told CarExpert. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert 'The way we calibrate damper current and firmness… We try to give you a little bit more on-centre stiffness, help a little bit with some of that motion control, so it's going to feel in the American variant a little softer.' We had a relatively limited test route along mostly suburban roads, though I was able to take a detour or two to drive the Vistiq across some unsealed roads. First, we drove a Premium Luxury riding on huge 23-inch alloy wheels and fitted with air suspension. It didn't quite smother train tracks, but it gobbled up some rather jagged Michigan roads. It also settled quickly over rises, though we didn't find too many undulating roads along our route. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert Driving Vistiqs back to back, we found those with air suspension had a touch more float but didn't feel barge-like by any means. Still, Cadillac says the standard suspension offers a sportier feel, though it's still very comfortable. The Vistiq has a similarly classy feel to the Lyriq over the road, and this extends beyond a plush ride. The propulsion sound is subdued, and throttle response is smooth and progressive; Cadillac says it worked hard on what's called 'lash controlling', with the aim of limiting the jerky feeling you get with some high-performance EVs. As a result, the Vistiq won't rock you back in your seat, so if you want thrills like that you'll likely have to wait for a Vistiq-V… if Cadillac decides to build one. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert You can press a red V button on the steering wheel to engage Velocity Max mode and give you quicker acceleration. This isn't tied to a drive mode setting, and pushing it changes only the pedal response, giving you maximum power and torque albeit while depleting the battery quicker. There are Tour, Sport and Snow/Ice drive modes selectable via an anchored bar at the bottom of the touchscreen, with a custom My Mode allowing you to adjust settings for the steering, brakes, suspension, acceleration, and motor sound. We mostly drove in Tour mode, and the Vistiq has light, manageable steering at low speeds. It's not completely vacant, mind you, but flicking the Vistiq over to Sport mode doesn't do much to change the steering weighting and feel. Making the Vistiq more nimble is available rear-wheel steering. This sees the rear wheels turn in the the opposite direction of the front wheels, up to 3.5 degrees, at low speeds to improve maneuverability; at higher speeds, they turn with the front wheels to improve control. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert Cadillac is planning to offer a 'Stealth' sound, getting rid of the artificial propulsion sound. But the regular sound is hardly obtrusive, and the Vistiq is blessed with a serene cabin. Very little wind noise makes its way in. As with the Lyriq, Cadillac has included a 'regen on demand' paddle behind the steering wheel that effectively allows you to brake the vehicle without putting your foot on the brake pedal. You can also activate a typical one-pedal driving mode. We saw energy consumption of between 22.2kWh/100km and 28.2kWh/100km, though again we must note this was a limited test route. The Vistiq comes standard in the US with Super Cruise, allowing for hands-free driving across over a million kilometres of roads in North America – typically divided highways. This feature is unlikely to come here. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert While GM vehicles equipped with Super Cruise haven't offered a lane-centring function for use on roads on which the system doesn't function, the automaker is introducing what it calls hands-on centring assist on certain vehicles for 2026. It's unclear if we'll get this feature in Australia; we should hope so, given how unusual it is that the Lyriq lacks such a feature in our market. To see how the Cadillac Vistiq stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Cadillac hasn't confirmed precisely what the local Vistiq lineup will look like, but it has confirmed it'll only offer high-end trims. In the US it's offered in four different trim levels, and we'd expect only the top two to be offered here. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert 2025 Cadillac Vistiq Luxury equipment highlights: 21-inch alloy wheels Continuous Damping Control Vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality 19.2kW onboard charger LED headlights with LED cornering lights Illuminated front grille and badge Illuminated door handles Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with driver's auto-dimming Rain-sensing wipers Panoramic sunroof Power tailgate Privacy glass Remote start 7-seat configuration 33-inch curved display Digital rear-view mirror Power-adjustable front seats Heated second-row seats Heated steering wheel Power tilt and telescoping steering column Five-zone climate control Active Noise Cancellation AKG 23-speaker sound system with Dolby Atmos Wireless phone charging Illuminated front door sill plates Ambient lighting Alloy pedals The Sport features darker exterior elements. The Premium Luxury adds: 22-inch alloy wheels Adaptive air suspension Active Rear Steering 6-seat configuration with second-row captain's chairs Front passenger seat memory Augmented reality head-up display Night Vision Sueded microfibre headliner The Platinum adds: Black roof Brembo front brakes Body-colour wheel arch mouldings To see how the Cadillac Vistiq stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Cadillac Vistiq has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, or American safety authorities such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment across the range includes: Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Blind-spot assist Driver attention monitoring Rear cross-traffic assist Safe exit warning Surround-view camera Traffic sign recognition Super Cruise 8 airbags To see how the Cadillac Vistiq stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Cadillac Australia hasn't released local servicing and warranty information for the Vistiq. However, the Lyriq is currently backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km battery warranty. The Lyriq also comes with five years of free roadside assistance and free scheduled servicing, with visits to a service location required every 12 months or 12,000km. To see how the Cadillac Vistiq stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool While most luxury brands have been focusing on large, two-row electric SUVs, Cadillac has developed a three-row SUV that offers spacious and comfortable accommodation across all three rows. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert It might share much with the Lyriq, but Cadillac has also given the Vistiq a significantly different visual identity inside and out. Cadillac's new EVs all have a classy look and feel inside out, and the Vistiq builds on the Lyriq base with new features like rear-wheel steering, air suspension, Night Vision, and a head-up display… though the removal of smartphone mirroring grates. There are some question marks here. We don't yet know how much it'll cost in Australia – it likely won't be cheap, especially if Cadillac is bringing only up-spec models, but just how much pricier will it be than, say, a Volvo EX90? It also remains to be seen how much of a difference in feel the global suspension tune will bring. Cadillac's dealer network is also tiny in Australia at the moment – one Experience Centre in Sydney, another one opening soon in Brisbane, but nothing yet locked in for Melbourne. However, based on our short time with the vehicle, we found an impressive mix of performance, practicality, style and comfort that should make the Vistiq worth considering if you need a three-row electric SUV. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Credit: CarExpert Interested in buying a Cadillac Vistiq? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Cadillac Vistiq Smooth and comfortable to drive Spacious interior Stylish inside and out We still don't know how much it'll cost Cadillac's dealer network remains small in Australia No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
