OPTIQ-V: Cadillac’s 2026 Electric V-Series Powerhouse
If you ever wished your luxury SUV could pin you back in the seat while still gliding through the suburbs with poise, the Cadillac OPTIQ-V might just be your electric answer. Unveiled for 2026, this all-electric, high-performance V-Series variant kicks off at $68,800 (€63,600/£54,900), offering a dramatic 519 hp under the hood and a zero-emissions badge on the tailgate. Built in the USA and aimed at rivals like Tesla’s Model Y Performance and the Audi SQ4 e-tron, the OPTIQ-V is here to say that Cadillac can do luxury and muscle in equal measure—with a clean conscience.
- Built in the USA, the OPTIQ-V brings Cadillac’s V-Series to the EV world
- Starting price of $68,800 (€63,600/£54,900)
- Dual-motor AWD delivers 519 hp and a lightning-fast 0–100 km/h in 3.5 seconds
- Designed to rival Tesla Model Y Performance and Audi SQ4 e-tron
OPTIQ-V specs: Battery and Performance Features
Battery: Quick Charging, Smart Range
The OPTIQ-V runs on an 85 kWh battery pack built with 10 modules, offering an estimated 422 km (262 mi) of EPA range. This slightly trails its non-V sibling due to a focus on power delivery over economy. Fast charging? It’ll grab 127 km (79 mi) in 10 minutes using a 150 kW DC charger. And thanks to its native NACS plug, it’s Supercharger-ready—no adapters required. Homebodies can juice it at up to 19.5 kW on Level 2 setups.
- Battery Capacity: 85 kWh
- Range: 422 km (262 mi)
- DC Fast Charging: 150 kW (79 mi / 127 km in 10 min)
- Home Charging: 19.5 kW Level 2 AC
- Charging Connector: Standard NACS (Tesla-compatible)
Performance: Aggressive Yet Polished
Here’s where the OPTIQ-V drops jaws. Dual electric motors deliver a combined 519 horsepower and a heady 650 lb-ft (881 Nm) of torque to all four wheels. It rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.5 seconds—faster than most muscle cars. Adaptive ZF dampers, torque vectoring, and a dedicated V-Mode allow the driver to fine-tune their ride to suit canyon carving, highway cruising, or stealthy suburbia. It rides on 20-inch wheels with summer tires, with Brembo brakes up front for proper stopping power.
- Max Power: 519 hp (387 kW)
- Torque: 650 lb-ft (881 Nm)
- Acceleration: 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3.5 seconds
- Top Speed: 180 km/h (112 mph)
- Drive Type: All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
It shares DNA with the Lyriq-V but is more compact and nimble, delivering an experience that’s uniquely suited to those who like their luxury served fast.
Exterior and Interior Features
Exterior: Edgy and Aerodynamic
The SUV doesn’t just move fast—it looks the part. With a sharper front fascia featuring a diamond-cut V-Series grille, vertical LEDs, a lower ride height, and animated lighting, it radiates purpose. Carbon accents and available colored brake calipers punch up its sporty appeal. Every angle screams Cadillac, but with a newfound urgency.
Interior: High-Tech, High-Lux
Step inside and it’s a mix of sustainability and spectacle. The 33-inch 9K LED screen wraps across the dash, displaying everything from Google Maps to range estimates. Materials include PaperWood veneers and 126-color ambient lighting. The AKG 19-speaker system with Dolby Atmos fills the cabin with studio-quality sound, while Super Cruise handles hands-free highway stretches with remarkable confidence.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Blistering acceleration with 519 hp AWD setup
- Supercharger network compatibility via standard NACS
- ZF adaptive suspension and torque vectoring for balanced handling
- 33-inch 9K screen with Google Built-In apps and assistant
- Competitive pricing at $68,800 (€63,600/£54,900) with federal tax credit eligibility
Cons
- Range drops slightly due to performance tuning
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support
- Charging speed lags behind 250+ kW rivals
- Rear headroom could be tighter for taller passengers
- No front trunk (frunk), unlike some competitors
Conclusion: The Cadillac's Boldest EV Yet
The OPTIQ-V proves that Cadillac isn’t afraid to challenge Tesla and Audi in their own arena. With explosive acceleration, a lush cabin, and cutting-edge charging access, it ticks all the boxes for EV enthusiasts who crave performance without giving up refinement. It offers a proper V-badge thrill ride for the electric age.
Exterior and Interior photos of Cadillac OPTIQ-V
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Comparison:
The Cadillac OPTIQ-V enters a fierce electric SUV arena dominated by heavyweights like the Tesla Model Y Performance, Audi SQ4 e-tron, Genesis GV70 Electric, and Polestar 3. Each of these brings something potent to the table—whether it's speed, style, range, or price. Here's how the OPTIQ-V stacks up against its peers in key categories that matter most to EV buyers: range, acceleration, power, charging time, and cost.
Range Comparison
The Cadillac OPTIQ-V claims 422 km (262 mi) of range from its 85 kWh battery. That's solid, though the Tesla Model Y Performance edges ahead with up to 487 km (303 mi), while the Polestar 3 delivers around 480 km (298 mi). Audi SQ4 e-tron sits slightly behind with 407 km (253 mi), and the Genesis GV70 Electric manages about 418 km (260 mi). So, while the OPTIQ-V isn't the longest-legged in this crew, it's holding its own in practical terms.
Acceleration Comparison
Zero to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3.5 seconds? That’s sports-car territory for a 5-door SUV. The OPTIQ-V matches the Model Y Performance (also 3.5 sec), narrowly beats the Polestar 3 at 4.7 sec, and leaves both the GV70 Electric (4.5 sec) and Audi SQ4 e-tron (5.2 sec) trailing behind. This V-badged Cadillac is quick enough to raise eyebrows and heart rates.
Power Output Comparison
The OPTIQ-V cranks out 519 horsepower, which places it just behind the Polestar 3 (up to 517 hp in Performance Pack trim). The Model Y Performance sits at around 456 hp, while the Genesis GV70 Electric delivers 429 hp with a boost mode. The Audi SQ4 e-tron, more reserved in this regard, outputs 402 hp. In terms of raw muscle, the Cadillac OPTIQ-V sits comfortably near the top of this pack.
Charging Speed Comparison
The Cadillac’s 150 kW DC fast charging adds 127 km (79 mi) in about 10 minutes. While decent, it lags behind the Genesis GV70 Electric, which supports 250 kW and adds over 150 km (93 mi) in 10 minutes. The Model Y Performance handles 250 kW as well, while the Polestar 3 manages 250 kW max charging. The Audi SQ4 e-tron is comparable to the OPTIQ-V with 135–150 kW support. Cadillac's first use of the NACS port (aka Tesla’s plug) is a smart move, future-proofing charging access.
Price Comparison
At $68,800 (approx. £54,270 / €63,760), the OPTIQ-V offers real value when measured against the competition. The Model Y Performance starts at $67,990 (approx. £53,700 / €63,000), making it a close rival. The Audi SQ4 e-tron is pricier at around $72,000 (approx. £56,900 / €66,700), and the Polestar 3 kicks off near $83,900 (approx. £66,300 / €77,500). The Genesis GV70 Electric lands around $66,450 (approx. £52,500 / €61,400). Cadillac’s V-model undercuts some rivals while delivering seriously premium performance.
FAQ:
What is the range of the OPTIQ-V on a single charge?
The Cadillac OPTIQ-V offers a range of 422 kilometers (262 miles) on a full charge thanks to its 85 kWh battery pack.
How fast does this SUV accelerate?
It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in just 3.5 seconds, powered by a dual-motor AWD system delivering 519 hp.
What is the top speed?
The OPTIQ-V reaches a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph), delivering strong highway performance.
What is the usable battery capacity?
The vehicle uses an 85 kWh battery with 10 modules, optimized for both power output and energy efficiency.
How long does the battery take to charge?
With a 150 kW DC fast charger, you can add about 79 miles (127 km) of range in just 10 minutes. Level 2 home charging supports up to 19.5 kW.
What is the power output?
The dual motors generate 519 horsepower and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque, making it one of the most powerful EVs in its segment.
How much cargo space is available?
You get 26 cubic feet (737 liters) behind the second row, expandable to 57 cubic feet (1,614 liters) with the seats folded.
Does it support Super Cruise?
Yes, Super Cruise—GM’s hands-free driving system—is standard and works on pre-mapped highways.
What’s the price of the Cadillac OPTIQ-V?
The Cadillac OPTIQ-V starts at $68,800, which is approximately £54,270 or €63,760, and it may qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit.
