The Cadillac Optiq-V is GM's first EV with built-in Tesla Supercharger support

The Verge

2 days ago

The Cadillac Optiq may be the newest addition to the automaker's electric lineup, but it's already getting its own V-series performance variant.
Nearly five months after the 2025 Optiq first arrived at dealerships, Cadillac is revealing the Optiq-V, with 519 horsepower, 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque, and a 0–60 mph acceleration of 3.5 seconds in Velocity Max mode. (That includes a metric called 'Initial Vehicle Movement,' which is when the vehicle starts moving rather than when the green light goes off.)
And while that's not as quick as the Lyriq-V, which was announced earlier this year, the Optiq-V will absolutely keep pace with the iconic CT5-V Blackwing. But perhaps more importantly, the EV will be the first General Motors electric vehicle with a native, factory-installed NACS charging port, which means it will have access to tens of thousands of Tesla Superchargers in the US and overseas — no adapter required.
That's a big deal for GM, which has struggled (as have other automakers) with the bumpy rollout of NACS adapters to its EV customers. As the first native NACS vehicle, the Optiq-V signals the start of a more seamless, less dongle-dependent charging future for GM's EVs.
In addition to a standard dual-motor setup, the Optiq-V features an 85 kWh battery pack that provides an estimated 275 miles of range. Cadillac didn't offer any additional details on charging speeds.
Design-wise, the Optiq-V doesn't look too dissimilar from its V-less sibling, but an optional carbon fiber package adds a bunch of sporty touches like a front splitter, rear diffuser, and rear mid-spoiler. The front also gets a makeover, with a signature V-pattern mesh in the lower grill, a high-gloss black front splitter, and body colored lower trim.
As the first native NACS vehicle, the Optiq-V signals the start of a more seamless, less dongle-dependent charging future for GM's EVs
The Optiq-V is perched on 21-inch satin graphite alloy wheels with Brembo brake calipers, paired with low-profile tires and a laser-etched V-series badge. The steering will be tighter, with more enhanced suspension, than Cadillac owners might otherwise be accustomed to.
And yes, the Optiq-V will feature a 'unique sound experience' that simulates the engine growl from a combustion engine vehicle. The sound can be adjusted in the settings, including by toggling on the 'stealth mode' that reverts things back to the more natural, silent profile. Cadillac is the latest automaker to resort to faux exhaust noises piped through external speakers to comfort car buyers who may be feeling a bit anxious about leaving the warm bosom of the internal combustion engine.
Another unique feature is a button on the steering wheel for V-Mode, which enables drivers to 'save performance-focused settings, including Competitive Mode and a unique sound experience.' And unlike the Lyriq-V, the Optiq-V won't support phone mirroring through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The electric V-Series has been in the works for a while now. Cadillac first introduced the concept of an electrified V with the introduction of three V-Series.R hybrid racecars at the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship races in 2023. And earlier this year, it released the Lyriq-V, a performance spin on its original electric crossover.
When it goes on sale later this year, the Optiq-V will start at $68,795, which includes destination charges but not taxes, title, license, and dealer fees. Cadillac says the new EV will be available in the US, Canada, Mexico, the Middle East, and Israel.