2026 Cadillac Optiq-V Boasts 519 HP, NACS Port
The smallest SUV in the brand's lineup will now out-sprint a Porsche 911.
Cadillac is expanding its V lineup yet again. Coming hot on the heels of the 615-horsepower Lyriq-V, the Optiq-V promises big all-electric performance in an even smaller package.
The headline figures are serious: 519 horsepower and a Lyriq-V-matching 650 pound-feet of torque. Both vehicles are built on the same Ultium platform, remember: the smaller sibling simply uses 10 battery modules instead of big bro's 12, for an 85.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack. In its Velocity Max drive mode, the dual-motor, all-wheel drive Optiq-V will scoot to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds. That's despite a chunky curb weight of 5,445 pounds (2,470 kilograms).
2026 Cadillac Optiq-V: All the Details
Assuming you're not doing those dashes everywhere, expect a single-charge range of around 275 miles (443 kilometers), according to Cadillac. When the Optiq-V driver does need to stop, they can do so at a Tesla Supercharger, as the vehicle will be first from the brand with a native North America Charging System (NACS) port. Caddy says DC fast charging can add up to 70 miles (113 km) of range in 10 minutes.
What else gets the humble Optiq ready for V duty? Upgrades to both the adaptive suspension and torque vectoring system, a rejig of the traction control with a unique "Competitive Mode", and huge 275-width summer tires wrapping 21-inch wheels. Peak behind those spokes and up front you'll find six-piston Brembo brake calipers clamping down on enlarged rotors.
Inside there's real carbon fiber trim, plenty of Santorini Blue accents, and the 33-inch display found in the standard Optiq. Buyers will also benefit from the standard 19-speaker AKG sound system and Super Cruise, the latter of which has three years of OnStar Connected Services included.
The Optiq-V falls into a unique part of the market. No other premium brand is really doing a direct competitor; most are either bigger (Acura ZDX Type S) or from mainstream brands (Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Ford Mustang Mach-E GT or Rally). Assuming Tesla adds a Plaid model to the recently updated Model Y, that's arguably the closest competitor to the Optiq-V.
Pricing for the 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V starts from $68,795 including destination in America; at the time of publishing, there is no Canadian equivalent.
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Kyle began his automotive obsession before he even started school, courtesy of a remote control Porsche and various LEGO sets. He later studied advertising and graphic design at Humber College, which led him to writing about cars (both real and digital). He is now a proud member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), where he was the Journalist of the Year runner-up for 2021.
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