The Cadillac Optiq could also be the newest addition to the automaker’s electric lineup, but it surely’s already getting its own V-series performance variant.
Almost 5 months after the 2025 Optiq first arrived at dealerships, Cadillac is revealing the Optiq-V, with 519 horsepower, 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque, and a 0–60 mph acceleration of three.5 seconds in Velocity Max mode. (That features a metric referred to as “Preliminary Automobile Motion,” which is when the car begins shifting quite than when the inexperienced gentle goes off.)
And whereas that’s not as fast as the Lyriq-V, which was introduced earlier this 12 months, the Optiq-V will completely preserve tempo with the iconic CT5-V Blackwing. However maybe extra importantly, the EV will likely be the first General Motors electric vehicle with a native, factory-installed NACS charging port, which implies it should have entry to tens of 1000’s of Tesla Superchargers within the US and abroad — no adapter required.
That’s an enormous deal for GM, which has struggled (as produce other automakers) with the bumpy rollout of NACS adapters to its EV customers. As the primary native NACS car, the Optiq-V indicators the beginning of a extra seamless, much less dongle-dependent charging future for GM’s EVs.
Along with a regular dual-motor setup, the Optiq-V options an 85 kWh battery pack that gives an estimated 275 miles of vary. Cadillac didn’t supply any further particulars on charging speeds.
Design-wise, the Optiq-V doesn’t look too dissimilar from its V-less sibling, however an non-compulsory carbon fiber bundle provides a bunch of sporty touches like a entrance splitter, rear diffuser, and rear mid-spoiler. The entrance additionally will get a makeover, with a signature V-pattern mesh within the decrease grill, a high-gloss black entrance splitter, and physique coloured decrease trim.
As the primary native NACS car, the Optiq-V indicators the beginning of a extra seamless, much less dongle-dependent charging future for GM’s EVs
The Optiq-V is perched on 21-inch satin graphite alloy wheels with Brembo brake calipers, paired with low-profile tires and a laser-etched V-series badge. The steering will likely be tighter, with extra enhanced suspension, than Cadillac house owners may in any other case be accustomed to.
And sure, the Optiq-V will function a “distinctive sound expertise” that simulates the engine growl from a combustion engine car. The sound may be adjusted within the settings, together with by toggling on the “stealth mode” that reverts issues again to the extra pure, silent profile. Cadillac is the latest automaker to resort to fake exhaust noises piped by means of exterior audio system to consolation automobile consumers who could also be feeling a bit anxious about leaving the nice and cozy bosom of the inner combustion engine.
One other distinctive function is a button on the steering wheel for V-Mode, which permits drivers to “save performance-focused settings, together with Aggressive Mode and a singular sound expertise.” And in contrast to the Lyriq-V, the Optiq-V won’t support phone mirroring by means of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The electrical V-Collection has been within the works for a while now. Cadillac first launched the idea of an electrified V with the introduction of three V-Collection.R hybrid racecars on the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship races in 2023. And earlier this 12 months, it launched the Lyriq-V, a efficiency spin on its unique electrical crossover.
When it goes on sale later this 12 months, the Optiq-V will begin at $68,795, which incorporates vacation spot expenses however not taxes, title, license, and seller charges. Cadillac says the brand new EV will likely be obtainable within the US, Canada, Mexico, the Center East, and Israel.