Latest news with #Optiq-V
Miami Herald
02-08-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Automakers Bet on Performance EVs to Revive Slowing Demand
The new Lyriq-V is the fastest Cadillac ever. It's also the first all-electric member of Caddy's high-performance V-Series – though it won't be the last, with the Optiq-V soon to follow. The General Motors luxury brand is just the latest in a growing list of automakers rolling out high-performance battery-electric vehicles which, in many cases, are the fastest products those automakers have ever brought to market, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. "It really puts a halo around our Ioniq EV brand," said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy for Hyundai Motor North America. And, at a time when demand for EVs is slowing, that could continue to bring new buyers into showrooms, Boyle added. Related: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N First Drive Review: Mega fun everywhere, not just 0-60 While many folks still think of EVs as slow and stodgy, they've fallen behind the times. The reality is that electric motors can make gobs of wheel-spinning torque. More importantly, that torque comes on all but instantaneously, while even the most powerful internal combustion engines need to rev up before delivering maximum performance, explained Sam Fiorani, lead analyst with AutoForecast Solutions. And, when looking at the specs, it's not always an apples-to-apples comparison, Fiorani added. "There are more losses" when you're talking about gas-driven powertrains so an EV can often outperform a gas model with seemingly better specs. The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V is a case in point. With 615 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque, the new EV package can launch from 0-60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds, a tenth of a second faster than the Cadillac CT5 Blackwing – which is nearly 1,800 pounds lighter and punches out 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ftof torque. A lot has changed since the first mass market battery-electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf, came to market in 2011. "EVs are no longer fancy golf carts," said Sam Abuelsamid, lead data cruncher for Telemetry Research. "It's been quite conclusively demonstrated EVs can be incredibly quick." Even base models often outperform the top-line gas packages in comparable product lines, the Ioniq 5 being a case in point. And when it comes to upper-end models, EVs are becoming increasingly difficult to beat. The Lucid Air Sapphire and Tesla Model S Plaid are good examples. Able to hit 60 in less than two seconds, they deliver the sort of off-the-line acceleration one might loosely compare to what it's like taking off from a modern aircraft carrier. Related: 2026 Lucid Air Gives Tesla More Reasons To Worry "From a technical perspective, it's easy to make a really fast EV – a lot easier than a really fast gas car," said Ed Kim, president of AutoPacific, Inc., an auto industry think tank. That's one reason why exotic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche have begun embracing battery-electric propulsion. The German marque recently launched its second EV, the Macan Electric SUV, with battery-powered replacements coming for both Boxster and Cayman – and more to follow. For its part, General Motors is adding high-performance versions of virtually all of its EVs, the new Chevrolet Blazer SS being one example. Like many of its competitors, GM is responding to the slowdown in EV growth by rethinking the commitment "to an all-electric future" CEO Mary Barra made around the beginning of the decade. But it is far from walking away entirely. If anything, it now plans to offer more "electrified" variants to its line-up, taking advantage of both the better energy efficiency and performance of electric motors. The Chevrolet Corvette is a good example. An all-electric version currently is on hold. But Chevy just debuted the most powerful version of "America's sports car" ever, the Corvette ZR1X. Making 1,250 from its hybrid drivetrain, the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZRX1 will launch from 0-60 in "under 2 seconds," the bowtie brand told reporters during a background briefing in June. Related: Chevy Corvette ZR1X Leaves Nowhere for Hypercars to Hide And electrifying the Corvette doesn't just deliver straight line acceleration. For those pushing performance to the limit, whether on track or the street, "You can take advantage of the torque" said chief chassis engineer Cody Bulkley, "to dig you out of a corner." Critically, both Bulkley and Chief Engineer Josh Holder told Autoblog, it is becoming ever more difficult, if at all possible, to beat the performance of an all-electric or an electrified powertrain with a pure internal combustion package. Though Dodge is getting ready to launch a gas version of the all-new Charger, company officials say it won't come close to matching the performance of the all-electric Charger Daytona package. We'll be seeing plenty more EV performance packages coming to market over the next few years, even as automakers slow the overall roll-out pace for battery models. Hyundai, for one, is getting ready to launch production of the new Ioniq 6 N. The goal isn't to deliver a high-volume product, nor even to recoup the investment in the performance version of the sedan, according to Manfred Harrer, head of Hyundai's Performance Development Tech Unit. "Normally, you're always running the business case first, and the investment, and the material cost, and the volume behind it," he told "But here, it was clear if we have the ideas to improve the car, make it faster, increase the performance, make it easier to drive, do it." Hyundai planner Boyle put that another way: at a time when market sentiment, particularly in the U.S. has grown less friendly to EVs, it helps to downplay traditional selling points like energy efficiency and climate change, focusing instead on the things that auto buyers always seem drawn to. And performance has always been a great way to sell cars. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V sets a high standard for electric luxury SUVs with 615-hp
The first electric car in Cadillac's high-performance V-series, the 2026 Lyriq-V makes a strong case that electricity is the ideal power for high-performance and luxury vehicles. Forget for a moment, the convenience of having a genie from the electric company fill your battery nightly as you sleep ― it's really an app, but I'm a romantic. Forget that your Gucci purse will never again suffer smudges from hands soiled by oil or gasoline. Forget the bugaboo of EV battery range. At full throttle, a Bugatti famously burns through a tank of gas in less than 15 minutes. You think EV owners have range anxiety? That's range anxiety. The Lyriq-V can cover 285 on a charge. Electricity wins because EVs seamlessly blend thrilling performance and smooth, quiet power delivery. The Lyriq-V morphs from elegant and understated to a track-ready beast at the push of a button. In dealerships now, it's also the fastest V-series ever, reaching 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. A second electric Cadillac V-series, the smaller Optiq-V, arrives in dealerships this fall. More: Look out GM, Ford and Honda: Toyota just got serious about EVs with 2026 bZ small SUV More: 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 SUV brings style and tech to electric family haulers 2026 Cadillac Lyriq trim levels and prices Luxury: $59,200 Sport: $59,700 Premium Luxury: $63,200 Premium Sport: $63,700 Signature Luxury: $67,800 Signature Sport: $68,300 Lyriq-V: $78,595 Lyriq-V Premium: $83,795 Source: Edmunds. Prices exclude $1,395 destination charge What makes the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V special? The Lyriq-V is one of a handful of EVs that are setting a new standard for high-performance midsize luxury SUVs. It gets standard all-wheel drive from two motors producing 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque when the driver summons 'Velocity Max' mode by holding a button on the steering wheel. In addition to freeing the motors and battery from all restraint, Velocity Max delivers launch control for ultimate straight-line performance. Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! The Insurance Savings You Expect Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You Great Rates and Award-Winning Service The same button allows the driver to summon V-mode for canyon carving and track days. V-mode adjusts the continuously variable dampers, traction control, steering, throttle response and more. You can create a personal drive mode or choose among programmed ones using a big bright touch screen that's part of a 33-inch array of gauges, displays and controls. In addition to adjustable dampers, the Lyriq-V boasts a lowered suspension with components stiffened 10% to 600% from the base Lyriq, which was already a sporty and responsive SUV. Other features include 22-inch summer tires, a 19.2 kW charging module for quick 240-volt charging at home, performance sounds, Brembo front brakes and continuously variable electric power steering. Lyriq-V competitors include the Audi SQ8, BMW iX M70, Mercedes AMG EQE SUV, and Porsche Macan electric. 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V key features 22-inch summer tires or all-season 285-mile range 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds Super Cruise hands free driving All-wheel drive 615 hp and 650 pound-feet of torque 23-speaker AKG audio with Dolby Atmos Augmented reality head-up display V-series badges Unique V-mesh grille, chin spoiler and rocker panels Black-painted roof Interior comfort and features The Lyriq-V's five-passenger interior is roomy and comfortable. The front seat offers supportive and comfortable Nappa leather sport seats. There's open-pore wood trim with backlit accents, brushed aluminum trim, a wide range of ambient lights and three-zone climate control. The 23-speaker AKG audio system delivers the immersive experience of Dolby Atmos. A multicolor head-up display incorporates augmented reality for navigation by indicating turns with glowing arrows projected onto the landscape in front of the driver. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a convenient wireless charging pad. The cargo compartment is accommodating, with a practical underfloor compartment. There's no front trunk; the electric motor and suspension fill the space. Driving impressions The Lyriq is a speedy and responsive vehicle even without V trappings. The upgraded suspension, steering and power take it to another level. Despite weighing nearly 3 tons, the SUV feels lithe and precise. It's planted and level on twisting country roads and amenable to crowded parking lots. On the highway, the V is quiet, comfortable and speedy, delivering real-world range that is in line with its official range. The Lyriq's long nose and roof create a sporty profile that's emphasized by big wheel openings with subtle fender flares and a steeply raked rear window. Its 6.1 inches of ground clearance is 0.9 inch less than the standard Lyriq, accentuating the V's sporty character while preserving easy entry and egress. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system continues to add hands-free roads. Improvements for '26 include subtle lane centering in hands-on mode, increasing safety and reducing the driver's cognitive load even when hands-free driving isn't available. What could be better? The Lyriq has a couple of minor ergonomic shortcomings. Stylish, but narrow and oddly located, air vents in the instrument panel are harder to direct to the driver than typical vents. Cooling could have been better during a run of hot humid days. Passenger-side air flow was satisfactory. Headliner-mounted vents contribute to outstanding audio quality, but their locations prevent the ceiling mounted grab handles many SUVs offer. I frequently prop my elbow on the door and hold them on long drives. Why buy a 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V? The Lyriq-V delivers exceptional power, handling, style and technology in a comfortable and accommodating package. With a base price just under $80,000, the Lyriq-V undercuts German rivals by tens of thousands of dollars. Despite that, the Lyriq-V's looks, comfort and features are as good as anything on the road. It's not just the fastest, but one of the best entries in V-series history. 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V at a glance All-wheel drive midsize electric luxury-performance SUV Seats five Base price: $78,595 All prices exclude destination charges. On sale now Model tested: Lyriq-V Premium Price as tested: $86,615 Power: Two electric motors, one on each axle Output: 615 hp; 650 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Single-speed direct drive 0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds Battery: 102 kWh lithium-ion NCMA EPA estimated range on a charge: 285 miles Charging time: 240 volts ― 19 to 44 miles of range per hour, depending on charger; DC fast charging 75 miles in 10 minutes or 'from a low state of charge to 80% in about 41 minutes.' 314 miles FWD; 288 miles AWD; 236 miles FWD 57.7 kWh battery Maximum charging rate: 190 kW DC; 19.2 kW 240v Wheelbase: 121.8 inches Length: 197 inches Width: 86.9 inches with mirrors Height: 64.1 inches Passenger volume: 105.1 cubic feet Cargo volume: 28 cubic feet behind rear seat, 60.8 behind front seat Curb weight: 5,980 pounds Assembled in Spring Hill, Tennessee Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V's 615-hp sets a high standard for electric SUVs Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Cadillac EVs Are Luring Buyers Away From Audi And Mercedes
Cadillac reached higher luxury peaks than most other automakers back in the 1960s and 1970s, both in terms of actual car design and sales. These days, German automakers easily outsell Cadillac, but the American brand is reclaiming some of its prominence in the luxury segment, and it's all because of its EVs. Not only was Cadillac number 1 in second-quarter EV sales for luxury brands, but what stands out is the brand's conquest sales. Conquest rates for Cadillac's EVs are incredibly high, at 79% for the Lyriq and 76% for the newer Optiq. In other words, more than three-quarters of customers are new to the Cadillac brand. Asked which brands these customers are coming from, Cadillac Vice President John Roth dropped some very prestigious names. "Tesla, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus," said Roth, according to Inside EVs. "Yeah, all the big luxury tier one buyers are coming our way and we're super happy about that. We're giving them a great vehicle and a great experience with great range, great technology, great customer experience, and a great dealer network to service them." Interestingly, Cadillac EV buyers are around 47 or 48 years old, significantly below the average age for luxury car buyers in general. It's noteworthy that Cadillac is selling more luxury brands than the likes of Audi, since the latter has been in the EV game for longer, and has an extensive EV lineup with models like the S e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron, Q6 e-tron, and Q8 e-tron. Cadillac's EV range starts with the compact Optiq, which starts at $52,895. Last month, the brand revealed the first Optiq-V, a high-performance version of the crossover with 519 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of only 3.5 seconds. The mid-size Lyriq has been around for longer and begins at $58,595. This looks and feels like a plush, high-tech luxury car in every aspect, and is also topped by a high-performance V derivative. Related: 5 Reasons Why the New Optiq-V Might Be Cadillac's Best EV Yet The three-row Vistiq hasn't been on sale for long enough to determine how successful it'll be, but we know how popular three-row mid-size SUVs are in America, so it's expected to do well. The Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, and Celestiq are all much more expensive models expected to sell in lower volumes, but all add an aspirational element to the brand's EV lineup. This range of EVs - from compact crossovers to the $300,000 ultra-luxury Celestiq - covers a multitude of segments, yet all of them have the competitive range, performance, and luxury appeal they need to win over buyers. Profitability in EV production remains a challenge, and that won't get any easier once the tax credit falls away at the end of September; the Lyriq is already more expensive than it was. For now, though, Cadillac has clearly found a winning recipe with its EV lineup. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Cadillac unveils next-gen electric model that could shake up market: 'May be on the cusp of becoming the dominant EV maker'
Cadillac is making its way in the EV market. The company has revealed the newest addition to its electric vehicle line, the 2026 Optiq-V. Cadillac's first EV, the Lyriq, debuted in 2022. The Optiq-V features a 300-mile range, driver assistance, dual motor all-wheel drive, and a North American Charging Standard port. With Dolby Atmos surround sound and a 33-inch LED dashboard display, it has a stylish and advanced interior. Starting at $54,000, per Electrek, the Optiq-V is just under the average price of a new EV, which is $57,734, according to Kelley Blue Book. As the price of EVs closes in on that of their gas-powered counterparts, they become an even sweeter deal. Electric vehicle owners "generally spend about 40-65% less annually on fuel costs than gas-powered vehicle drivers do," per the Natural Resources Defense Council. Installing solar panels can save you even more money by reducing charging costs. With a home solar setup, charging your EV can be completely free. If you're interested in switching to solar power, EnergySage is a great place to start. With free tools and resources, including installation quotes and savings estimates, EnergySage makes it easy to get the best deal on a solar system. If it isn't in your budget, however, don't fret — you can still save big with a solar leasing program, such as Palmetto's LightReach. Driving an EV can save you a ton of money, and it's great for the planet, too. Electric vehicles produce no tailpipe pollution, unlike gas-powered cars, which emit "about 400 grams of carbon dioxide per mile," according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Even when accounting for production-related pollution, including lithium mining, electric vehicles are still far more sustainable than gas cars. Commenters were excited about the Optiq-V's next-gen features. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "I think GM may be on the cusp of becoming the dominant EV maker in the USA if they can make their software rock solid and feature filled," one wrote. "I like what Cadillac is doing with their EVs," another said. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Advertiser
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Cadillac's more affordable, Australia-bound EV getting major power bump
Deliveries of the Cadillac Optiq only started in the US earlier this year and it isn't launching in Australia until 2026, but already the mid-size electric SUV is in line for a major update. GM Authority reports the Optiq will get a new entry-level single-motor rear-wheel drive variant for 2026, bringing more power – if less torque – than the sole powertrain available in the US at the moment, a dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration. The dual-motor option is reportedly getting a major power bump too, despite the recent reveal of a new high-performance Optiq-V flagship. Cadillac is launching the mid-size Optiq and the large three-row Vistiq in Australia in 2026 to bookend the Lyriq, first customer deliveries of which commenced earlier this year. The Lyriq lineup will gain a hot V-Series variant in 2026, though the Optiq-V hasn't been confirmed for our market. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The new base rear-wheel drive variant will reportedly produce 232kW of power and 450Nm of torque – up 8kW but down 30Nm compared with the current dual-motor all-wheel drive variant. It'll reportedly continue to use the same 85kWh nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery, with estimated range of 483km on the US EPA cycle. The dual-motor all-wheel drive Optiq will reportedly receive a bump in power and torque to 328kW and 675Nm, up 104kW and 195Nm on the current model. That still leaves breathing room for the upcoming Optiq-V flagship, which will pump out 387kW/880Nm, making it good for a claimed 0-60mph (0-96km/h) sprint time of 3.5 seconds using launch control. The General Motors BEV3 dedicated EV platform underpinning the Optiq – as well as the Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq, and the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV – supports front-, rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. Unusually, the Blazer EV has offered all three simultaneously. The Optiq is getting a rear-wheel drive entry variant for Mexican-produced models, despite the Chinese-built Optiq lineup opening with a single-motor front-wheel drive variant. Other than the substantial powertrain lineup changes, GM Authority doesn't note any other changes to the Optiq for 2026, apart from a new paint colour. GM has previously announced certain vehicles equipped with its Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system will gain a hands-on lane centring assist feature for 2026. However, it's unclear if the Optiq is among these, and whether this feature will be available in Australia considering GM doesn't offer Super Cruise here. Notably, the Australian-market Lyriq offers only lane-keep assist despite lane centring aids being commonplace here. Production of the 2026 Optiq is reportedly set to begin on August 25, 2025 at GM's Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico. Cadillac has yet to announce pricing and specifications for the Optiq in Australia. It's set to slot in under the Lyriq price-wise, though by how much remains unclear. The BMW iX-rivalling Lyriq opens at $122,000 before on-road costs in Australia. The Optiq measures 4820mm long, 2126mm wide and 1644mm tall, making it 176mm shorter, 81mm narrower and 21mm taller than the Lyriq, but still longer and wider than the Audi Q6 e-tron mid-size electric SUV. Content originally sourced from: Deliveries of the Cadillac Optiq only started in the US earlier this year and it isn't launching in Australia until 2026, but already the mid-size electric SUV is in line for a major update. GM Authority reports the Optiq will get a new entry-level single-motor rear-wheel drive variant for 2026, bringing more power – if less torque – than the sole powertrain available in the US at the moment, a dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration. The dual-motor option is reportedly getting a major power bump too, despite the recent reveal of a new high-performance Optiq-V flagship. Cadillac is launching the mid-size Optiq and the large three-row Vistiq in Australia in 2026 to bookend the Lyriq, first customer deliveries of which commenced earlier this year. The Lyriq lineup will gain a hot V-Series variant in 2026, though the Optiq-V hasn't been confirmed for our market. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The new base rear-wheel drive variant will reportedly produce 232kW of power and 450Nm of torque – up 8kW but down 30Nm compared with the current dual-motor all-wheel drive variant. It'll reportedly continue to use the same 85kWh nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery, with estimated range of 483km on the US EPA cycle. The dual-motor all-wheel drive Optiq will reportedly receive a bump in power and torque to 328kW and 675Nm, up 104kW and 195Nm on the current model. That still leaves breathing room for the upcoming Optiq-V flagship, which will pump out 387kW/880Nm, making it good for a claimed 0-60mph (0-96km/h) sprint time of 3.5 seconds using launch control. The General Motors BEV3 dedicated EV platform underpinning the Optiq – as well as the Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq, and the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV – supports front-, rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. Unusually, the Blazer EV has offered all three simultaneously. The Optiq is getting a rear-wheel drive entry variant for Mexican-produced models, despite the Chinese-built Optiq lineup opening with a single-motor front-wheel drive variant. Other than the substantial powertrain lineup changes, GM Authority doesn't note any other changes to the Optiq for 2026, apart from a new paint colour. GM has previously announced certain vehicles equipped with its Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system will gain a hands-on lane centring assist feature for 2026. However, it's unclear if the Optiq is among these, and whether this feature will be available in Australia considering GM doesn't offer Super Cruise here. Notably, the Australian-market Lyriq offers only lane-keep assist despite lane centring aids being commonplace here. Production of the 2026 Optiq is reportedly set to begin on August 25, 2025 at GM's Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico. Cadillac has yet to announce pricing and specifications for the Optiq in Australia. It's set to slot in under the Lyriq price-wise, though by how much remains unclear. The BMW iX-rivalling Lyriq opens at $122,000 before on-road costs in Australia. The Optiq measures 4820mm long, 2126mm wide and 1644mm tall, making it 176mm shorter, 81mm narrower and 21mm taller than the Lyriq, but still longer and wider than the Audi Q6 e-tron mid-size electric SUV. Content originally sourced from: Deliveries of the Cadillac Optiq only started in the US earlier this year and it isn't launching in Australia until 2026, but already the mid-size electric SUV is in line for a major update. GM Authority reports the Optiq will get a new entry-level single-motor rear-wheel drive variant for 2026, bringing more power – if less torque – than the sole powertrain available in the US at the moment, a dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration. The dual-motor option is reportedly getting a major power bump too, despite the recent reveal of a new high-performance Optiq-V flagship. Cadillac is launching the mid-size Optiq and the large three-row Vistiq in Australia in 2026 to bookend the Lyriq, first customer deliveries of which commenced earlier this year. The Lyriq lineup will gain a hot V-Series variant in 2026, though the Optiq-V hasn't been confirmed for our market. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The new base rear-wheel drive variant will reportedly produce 232kW of power and 450Nm of torque – up 8kW but down 30Nm compared with the current dual-motor all-wheel drive variant. It'll reportedly continue to use the same 85kWh nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery, with estimated range of 483km on the US EPA cycle. The dual-motor all-wheel drive Optiq will reportedly receive a bump in power and torque to 328kW and 675Nm, up 104kW and 195Nm on the current model. That still leaves breathing room for the upcoming Optiq-V flagship, which will pump out 387kW/880Nm, making it good for a claimed 0-60mph (0-96km/h) sprint time of 3.5 seconds using launch control. The General Motors BEV3 dedicated EV platform underpinning the Optiq – as well as the Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq, and the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV – supports front-, rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. Unusually, the Blazer EV has offered all three simultaneously. The Optiq is getting a rear-wheel drive entry variant for Mexican-produced models, despite the Chinese-built Optiq lineup opening with a single-motor front-wheel drive variant. Other than the substantial powertrain lineup changes, GM Authority doesn't note any other changes to the Optiq for 2026, apart from a new paint colour. GM has previously announced certain vehicles equipped with its Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system will gain a hands-on lane centring assist feature for 2026. However, it's unclear if the Optiq is among these, and whether this feature will be available in Australia considering GM doesn't offer Super Cruise here. Notably, the Australian-market Lyriq offers only lane-keep assist despite lane centring aids being commonplace here. Production of the 2026 Optiq is reportedly set to begin on August 25, 2025 at GM's Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico. Cadillac has yet to announce pricing and specifications for the Optiq in Australia. It's set to slot in under the Lyriq price-wise, though by how much remains unclear. The BMW iX-rivalling Lyriq opens at $122,000 before on-road costs in Australia. The Optiq measures 4820mm long, 2126mm wide and 1644mm tall, making it 176mm shorter, 81mm narrower and 21mm taller than the Lyriq, but still longer and wider than the Audi Q6 e-tron mid-size electric SUV. Content originally sourced from: Deliveries of the Cadillac Optiq only started in the US earlier this year and it isn't launching in Australia until 2026, but already the mid-size electric SUV is in line for a major update. GM Authority reports the Optiq will get a new entry-level single-motor rear-wheel drive variant for 2026, bringing more power – if less torque – than the sole powertrain available in the US at the moment, a dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration. The dual-motor option is reportedly getting a major power bump too, despite the recent reveal of a new high-performance Optiq-V flagship. Cadillac is launching the mid-size Optiq and the large three-row Vistiq in Australia in 2026 to bookend the Lyriq, first customer deliveries of which commenced earlier this year. The Lyriq lineup will gain a hot V-Series variant in 2026, though the Optiq-V hasn't been confirmed for our market. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The new base rear-wheel drive variant will reportedly produce 232kW of power and 450Nm of torque – up 8kW but down 30Nm compared with the current dual-motor all-wheel drive variant. It'll reportedly continue to use the same 85kWh nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery, with estimated range of 483km on the US EPA cycle. The dual-motor all-wheel drive Optiq will reportedly receive a bump in power and torque to 328kW and 675Nm, up 104kW and 195Nm on the current model. That still leaves breathing room for the upcoming Optiq-V flagship, which will pump out 387kW/880Nm, making it good for a claimed 0-60mph (0-96km/h) sprint time of 3.5 seconds using launch control. The General Motors BEV3 dedicated EV platform underpinning the Optiq – as well as the Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq, and the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV – supports front-, rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. Unusually, the Blazer EV has offered all three simultaneously. The Optiq is getting a rear-wheel drive entry variant for Mexican-produced models, despite the Chinese-built Optiq lineup opening with a single-motor front-wheel drive variant. Other than the substantial powertrain lineup changes, GM Authority doesn't note any other changes to the Optiq for 2026, apart from a new paint colour. GM has previously announced certain vehicles equipped with its Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system will gain a hands-on lane centring assist feature for 2026. However, it's unclear if the Optiq is among these, and whether this feature will be available in Australia considering GM doesn't offer Super Cruise here. Notably, the Australian-market Lyriq offers only lane-keep assist despite lane centring aids being commonplace here. Production of the 2026 Optiq is reportedly set to begin on August 25, 2025 at GM's Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico. Cadillac has yet to announce pricing and specifications for the Optiq in Australia. It's set to slot in under the Lyriq price-wise, though by how much remains unclear. The BMW iX-rivalling Lyriq opens at $122,000 before on-road costs in Australia. The Optiq measures 4820mm long, 2126mm wide and 1644mm tall, making it 176mm shorter, 81mm narrower and 21mm taller than the Lyriq, but still longer and wider than the Audi Q6 e-tron mid-size electric SUV. Content originally sourced from:
