While some automakers backed off performance vehicles as they transitioned to a more EV-heavy fleet, Cadillac remained committed to speed with its V-branded vehicles. The brand recently confirmed that its electric Optiq SUV will be the next to wear the V badge, arriving in 2026 as the new Optiq-V.
The Optiq is Cadillac’s smallest electric crossover, slotting below the Escalade IQ, Lyriq, and upcoming Vistiq. We don’t have any details on the vehicle, other than that it doesn’t directly correlate to a Chevy EV like the Blazer-based Lyriq. The Optiq follows the Lyriq-V, which has a starting price of around $80,000, so we expect a notable upcharge over the current Optiq’s roughly $53,000 starting MSRP.
The regular Optiq is no slouch, even without a performance variant. Its most efficient format offers 302 miles of range, with some variants sporting up to 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Cadillac’s V treatment will likely turn those numbers up significantly, but the range estimates often suffer as a result of boosting EVs’ performance.
Cadillac said the Optiq-V would have a “unique package prioritizing precision, a dynamic suspension, and tight steering for an exhilarating driving experience.” The new performance variant should help boost Optiq sales, which were Cadillac’s second lowest, ahead of the aging XT4 gas crossover.
[Images: Cadillac]
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