First Look: 2025 Cadillac Optiq

Today Cadillac took the wraps off the first-ever 2025 Optiq, the fourth EV from GM’s luxury brand.

Once it arrives later this year, the compact Optiq will slot in below the mid-size Lyriq EV, marking an entry point into Cadillac’s EV portfolio.

Like other GM EVs, the Optiq is powered by the company’s Ultium electric platform, which in this case includes an 85-kWh battery pack and standard dual electric motors. Cadillac estimates power output at 300 horsepower and 354 lb-ft. of torque. On a full charge, range is projected to be 300 miles (482 kilometers).

The Optiq rides on a wheelbase that is six inches (152.4 mm) shorter than the Lyriq, which Cadillac says will deliver sportier performance, with a more agile driving character. Maximum towing capacity is rated at 1,500 pounds (680 kg.).

As for charging, the Optiq can deliver roughly 79 miles (112 kilometers) of range in roughly 10 minutes when connected to a DC fast charger (150 kW and up). The Optiq also features standard Regen on Demand via steering wheel paddle, and One-Pedal Driving.

On the design front, the Cadillac family resemblance is clear. The Optiq looks like a smaller Lyriq but with unique design cues of its own. Among these are its fixed-glass roof, black crystal grille with Cadillac’s vertical light signature and laser-etched pattern, and rear-quarter panel acoustic laminate glass.

The rear panel, a Cadillac first, features a precision pattern used throughout the car, aligning with the Mondrian crest that syncs with the brand’s styling. Like the Lyriq, the Optiq also has lighting animation that activates to greet the driver as they approach or exit the car.

On the inside, the Optiq shows off the same general design pattern as the Lyriq and facelifted XT4. Key among these is a curved 33-inch LED display with 9K resolution that GAM says can project over one billion colors. The Optiq also features an illuminated circular console-mounted multimedia controller, along with a variety of textured trim materials. Among these are stainless steel speaker grilles, and fabrics with different perforation patterns and color options.

Designers used an accent fabric woven from a yarn made of 100 percent recycled materials. The Optiq also emplpys PaperWood, a veneer with a 50/50 composition of tulipwood and recycled newsprint.

Other notables include Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driver assist with automatic lane-changing capability, and a standard 19-speaker AKG Audio System with Dolby Atmos. The standard safety and driver assistance package includes adaptive cruise control, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Enhanced Automatic Parking, Forward Collision Alert, and more. Like a growing number of GM vehicles, the Optiq uses Google built-in, which delivers Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. A subscription is required to fully unlock the Optiq's feature set.

The Optiq, like other GM electrics such as the Chevrolet Blazer EV, does not support phone mirroring (or tethering) from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cadillac reps say that because mirroring isn’t integrated into the vehicle’s software it cannot harness the Optiq’s full functionality. Battery preconditioning for charging is one such feature they mentioned during the briefing.

In terms of utility, the Optiq has 54 cu-ft. (1,538 liters) of passenger volume up front, and 47 cu-ft. (1,336 liters) of space in the second row. There are 26 cu-ft. (744 liters) of cargo space with the rear seatbacks upright, and 57 cu-ft. (1,603 liters) when they are folded down. Cadillac says second row space and cargo volume are segment leading.

The Optiq will be offered in two trims, Luxury and Sport, with a starting price in the U.S. of $54,000. Complete pricing and consumption figures will be announced closer to market launch later this year.

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