The 2025 Cadillac Optiq is set to be General Motors’ entry-level luxury electric vehicle, starting production later this fall. Despite its entry-level status, it offers impressive specifications.
After its unveiling in November 2023, Cadillac has revealed more details about this electric crossover SUV. The Optiq will come standard with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, providing an impressive 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It features an 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack that gives it an estimated range of over 300 miles. Like other GM electric vehicles, the Optiq supports one-pedal driving and has regenerative braking that can be adjusted using a steering wheel paddle.
When the battery runs low, the Optiq can gain 79 miles of range in just 10 minutes using DC fast charging. If using a dedicated Level 2 AC home charging station, it can charge at either 11.5 kilowatts, adding 33 miles of range per hour, or at 19.2 kilowatts, adding 55 miles of range per hour.
The Optiq also boasts a 33-inch dashboard display for its infotainment system, featuring built-in Google functionalities. It will include the Super Cruise hands-free driver-assist system and a 19-speaker AKG audio system with Dolby Atmos as standard. The interior incorporates sustainable materials like yarn made from 100% recycled material and a wood veneer crafted from tulip wood and recycled newspaper, which is a step up from the faux wood that Cadillac used in the past.
In terms of size, the five-seat Optiq measures 190 inches in length, 84 inches in width, and 65 inches in height, making it comparable to the Tesla Model Y, but three inches longer. The Optiq’s wheelbase is 116 inches, which is 2.2 inches longer than the Model Y’s. However, the Model Y offers more legroom and headroom in both rows and more cargo space. The Optiq offers 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 57 cubic feet with them folded down, whereas the Model Y offers 30.2 cubic feet and 72.1 cubic feet, respectively, plus a frunk.
Cadillac is focusing more on style and build quality rather than just practicality. The Optiq features a scaled-down version of the Cadillac Lyriq’s attractive design, including a large grille with lighting elements and an etched pattern in the glass of the rear-quarter window.
The Optiq will be available in Luxury and Sport trims, starting at $54,000. This price point places it close to the Lyriq, which, for the 2024 model year, starts at $58,590 and offers 314 miles of range with rear-wheel drive. Despite being an entry-level model, the Optiq will still be more affordable than Cadillac’s upcoming luxury EVs, like the lavish Celestiq sedan and the Escalade IQ. Following these, the Vistiq, a three-row crossover, is set to be released as a 2026 model.