Cadillac is hoping that cooling EV demand will not hamper its plans to become an all-electric brand. The Lyriq and the Escalade IQ are providing glimpses into its broader electrification strategy but Cadillac knows that more models are needed in order for it to truly complete its EV transformation.
One of these is the 2025 Cadillac Optiq SUV. The Optiq will allow Cadillac to compete in a segment where small luxury crossovers have rapidly become key players in the broader sales plans of automakers. But does the Optiq have the tools to help shift Cadillac’s plans into high gear?
Size Matters In Key Segment
The Optiq is smaller than the Lyriq with the brand saying that it’s on par with a Chevrolet Equinox EV in that particular department. This reduced blueprint will allow the Optiq to target consumers wanting a utility but don’t need the size that often comes with it. The exterior styling is a blend of what we have seen in other Cadillac models with the front end featuring vertical lighting elements that are similar to the Lyriq’s. The rear styling is similar to the Escalade’s with the large taillights complimenting the geometric shape of the rear glass.
The Optiq is already on sale in China and it appears that not much was lost in translation when it made its way to our shores which should please buyers looking to take full advantage of its handsome looks and modern shape when cruising through town. The small size will also make the Optiq a better fit in urban environments where tight parking and narrow roadways often befuddle larger luxury models.
Crisp Optiq Interior Comes Packed With Luxury and Technology
The interior of the Optiq shares some of its core inspiration with the Lyriq’s, but it also goes off in its own direction in several regards too. For example, some of the surfaces in the cabin are upholstered with 100% recycled yarn while the wood accents are a 50/50 mix of recycled newspapers and tulip wood. A 33-inch diagonal display screen is also standard and we expect the system to have the same core software and menu layout that we have seen in the Lyriq.
The seats also appear to have a balanced mixture of bolstering and comfort but we have to wait a bit to have some time behind the wheel ourselves to see if the Optiq’s interior can truly deliver on all of Cadillac’s promises especially in usability and technology. Those items will be important since customers in the luxury vehicle segment often rely on a good first impression to stay loyal to a model and if the Optiq fails, it will cost the brand in the long run.
Performance and Range Go Hand in Hand
Cadillac confirmed that the Optiq will be focusing on performance and range with the CUV getting an Ultium setup that allows it to make 300 hp and 300 miles of range. All-wheel drive and Super Cruise are also standard and when you look at the raw numbers, both of them are higher than the Equinox EV which gets 288 hp and 285 hp when viewed alongside the Cadillac.
The Optiq also gets the same charging tech as the Equinox with the model capable of getting up to 150 kW of charge when hooked up to a DC fast charging station. This balance is key and Cadillac is clearly hoping that it will be enough to help the CUV stand out in a crowded segment. We suspect that Super Cruise will help provide an advantage in terms of unique benefits and look for that to especially be true for younger buyers willing to use the technology in their daily commute.
The 2025 Cadillac Optiq is slated to begin production this fall with the first models arriving in dealerships this fall. The full pricnig ladder has not been released yet, but Cadillac says that a base model will have an estimated base MSRP of $54,000.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.