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Payne: 5 noteworthy things about the Cadillac Optiq EV
Posted by Talbot Payne on May 30, 2024
Detroit — Cadillac is bringing the bling for its all-electric future with the extravagant, custom-built, $350k Celestiq sedan and the $100k Escalade Q mega-SUV.
And its entry-level Cadillac Optiq ain’t too shabby either.
Studded with many of the gem-like features found in the midsize Lyriq — Caddy’s first EV entry launched for the 2023 model year — the compact-class Optiq turns up the volume on electric vehicle design compared to segment pioneer Tesla with its minimalist, iPhone-like Model 3/Y.
Here are five notable things about the 2024 Optiq, coming to dealerships later this year.
1) Tech standard. Once stingy on standard features, General Motors Co. has made a dramatic shift as it pushed a high-tech, futuristic identity. Chevrolets like the $29k Bolt EV and $40k Traverse SUV are now loaded with standard tech — even self-driving Super Cruise in the case of the Bolt. The Optiq is no different.
The 2025 Cadillac Optiq comes standard with Super Cruise drive assist. Cadillac, GM
The Optiq comes standard with Super Cruise, all-wheel drive, 33-inch screen, blind-spot assist, adaptive-cruise control, emergency braking, self-parking, 22-inch wheels, steering assist, automatic parking, forward collision alert, 19-speaker AKG stereo system, and a jacuzzi under the rear hatch (kidding about that last one).
2) Big price. All those standard features come with a hefty price tag. The Optiq starts at $54k, just 4 grand shy of big brother Lyriq and a whopping 10 grand north of the Model Y.
The 2025 Cadillac Optiq comes standard with Super Cruise, blind-spot assist, camera mirror and other tech for about $54k.Henry Payne, The Detroit News
“There is some question whether Tesla is a luxury brand,” said Caddy CEO John Roth at the Optiq’s media unveiling. “Cadillac is a luxury brand and the Optiq represents that.”
He backs up that statement with standard all-wheel drive, which neither the Model Y nor even the Lyriq make standard. Most conspicuously, Optiq offers Super Cruise standard — the highly-regarded, semi-autonomous, hands-free system that rivals Tesla’s $8,000 Autopilot option. Indeed, load the Model Y with the same features as the Optiq and it clocks in at a pricier $61k. The challenge for Cadillac will be convincing customers that they want freaky, sci-fi tech like Super Cruise that drives itself.
3) Design. In addition to the futuristic tech is bling-tastic design that recalls Caddy’s postwar years when land yachts boasted jet era-inspired tailfins and enough chrome to be seen from space. At the center of Optiq is a 33-inch screen — the same Jumbotron found on the Cadillac Lyriq. More Lyriq-like features include a floating center console punctuated by a jewel-like rotary shifter.
The 2025 Cadillac Optiq features a curved, 33-inch screen like the Lyriq and XT4. Henry Payne, The Detroit News
Unique to Optiq is dramatic cloth interior trim that includes a royal purple option paired with white leather seats. The materials are complemented by dramatic lighting. Like a rolling, neon Fox Theatre marquee, Optiq features vertical taillights and a front LED light show that welcomes owners as they approach with key in pocket. Unlike the Lyriq and its brooding, all-black fascia, Optiq’s body-colored fascia has a more classic Caddy design.
4) Wiper free. EVs are keen on aerodynamic tricks to increase battery range and Optiq showcases a wiper-free rear window. The window is designed to clean itself using airflow from the aerodynamically-designed high spoiler.
The 2025 Cadillac Optiq’s rear window goes wiperless – using airflow to clean off dirt and rain. Henry Payne, The Detroit News
And if the rear window gets dirty? Drivers can use their standard camera mirror to view what is behind them.
5) EV vs. ICE. While the Optiq is Cadillac’s first entry-level EV, it is not the brand’s only entry-level vehicle. Caddy also sells the internal combustion-powered CT4 sedan and XT4 SUV that, Roth has confirmed, will be sold alongside the EV lineup.
While governments will increasingly penalize manufacturers for selling ICE vehicles in order to force extinction over the next decade, manufacturers must convince buyers of their superiority. How does the Optiq measure up to its XT4 doppelganger?
The gas-powered XT4 will remain Cadillac’s entry-level SUV for customers who aren’t ready to go electric. Cadillac, Cadillac
An Optiq Sport model starts about $5k north of a comparably equipped $49,890 XT4 Sport — though the Mexico-made Optiq more than makes up the difference courtesy of a $7,500 federal EV subsidy. Optiq brings more futuristic styling as well as a silky driving experience — including one-pedal driving to slow the car and a dedicated, pressure-sensitive paddle on the steering wheel if you want even more electric motor braking.
Both Caddys share the brand’s 33-inch dash screen, Google Built-In infotainment system, and other technical goo-gaws. XT4 does not offer Super Cruise like the Optiq — but does have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (unlike the EV).
Optiq’s estimated 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of instant torque outstrip the 235 horsepower and 258 torque from the XT4’s 2.0-liter turbo-4 cylinder mill, so expect the EV to be considerably quicker than the ICE’s 7-second 0-60 mph stroll.
On the other hand, the XT4 will refill its 16-gallon tank to its 458-mile range (in two minutes) at the pump more quickly than the 300-mile-range Optiq can fill its 85 kWh battery pack at a roadside fast charger. The EV can add 79 miles of range in 10 minutes.
Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or @HenryEPayne.