zzdcar
Home
/
Reviews
/
Automobile information
/
Entry-level Cadillac Optiq EV promises 300 miles of range for $54,000
Entry-level Cadillac Optiq EV promises 300 miles of range for $54,000-May 2024
2024-05-29 EDT 12:05:53

The 2025 Cadillac Optiq will be the General Motors luxury brands entry-level EV when it starts production late this fall. But it wont have entry-level specs.

After unveiling the Optiq in November 2023, Cadillac is now filling in some of the blanks on this electric crossover SUVs spec sheet. We now know that the Optiq will feature a standard dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain tuned for 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, along with an 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack providing an estimated range of over 300 miles. Like other GM EVs, the Optiq will be capable of one-pedal driving, with regenerative braking adjustable via a steering wheel paddle.

When the battery is depleted, the Optiq will be able to recover 79 miles of range in 10 minutes via DC fast charging, according to Cadillac. Via a dedicated Level 2 AC home charging station, the Optiq is also able to charge at 11.5 kilowatts or 19.2 kW, recovering 33 miles of range per hour of charging or 55 miles per hour, respectively.

An infotainment system with a 33-inch dashboard display and built-in Google functionality will be available as well. The Super Cruise hands-free driver-assist system previously seen in other Cadillac models and a 19-speaker AKG audio system with Dolby Atmos are standard. The interior also uses some sustainable materials, including yarn made from 100% recycled material and a wood veneer made from tulip wood and recycled newspaper. The latter cant look any worse than the hilariously fake wood that was once a staple of Cadillac dashboards.

Related At 190 inches long, 84 inches wide, and 65 inches tall, the five-seat Optiq is close in size to a Tesla Model Y, albeit three inches longer. Its 116-inch wheelbase is also 2.2 inches longer than the Teslas, yet the Model Y has an additional 2.7 inches of rear legroom and 0.2 of an inch of front legroom. The Model Y also has slightly more headroom in both rows, and more cargo space as well. Cadillac quotes 26 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 57 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, compared to 30.2 cubic feet and 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up or down, respectively, for the Tesla (which also has a frunk).

Previous Next 1 of 12

Cadillac

Cadillac

Cadillac

Cadillac

Cadillac

Cadillac

Cadillac

Cadillac

Cadillac

Cadillac

Cadillac

Cadillac Cadillac is emphasizing style and build quality more than practicality, though. The Optiq features a downsized version of the styling from the handsome Cadillac Lyriq, with a large grille that incorporates lighting elements and an etched pattern in the glass of the rear-quarter window.

The Optiq will be sold in Luxury and Sport grades, with a $54,000 base price. That puts this entry-level model closer than expected to the Lyriq, which for the 2024 model year starts at $58,590 with 314 miles of range, albeit with rear-wheel drive. Granted, the Optiq will still look cheap compared to Cadillacs next two EVs, the opulent Celestiq sedan and the Escalade IQ. The Vistiq three-row crossover is scheduled to follow as a 2026 model.

Comments
Welcome to zzdcar comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.
Sign up to post
Sort by
Show More Comments
Automobile information
New Fiat Titano revealed as Peugeot Landtrek twin
New Fiat Titano revealed as Peugeot Landtrek twin
The wraps have come off the new Fiat Titano 1-tonne bakkie, which appears to be little more than a rebadged Peugeot Landtrek. But could it end up being assembled in SA? This is the new Fiat Titano 1-tonne bakkie. Look familiar? Well, that’s because it’s effectively a rebadged Peugeot...
May 16, 2026
Honda Fit e:HEV Facelifted for 2024
Honda Fit e:HEV Facelifted for 2024
The Honda Fit e:HEV facelift has arrived in South Africa. Here’s a look at how much it costs and what has been updated. The Honda Fit e:HEV is the brand’s most frugal model offered locally in South Africa. Combining the legendary practicality with an updated and more powerful engine,...
May 16, 2026
All-New Suzuki Swift: What to expect
All-New Suzuki Swift: What to expect
The fourth-generation Suzuki Swift has been revealed and we have some details on what’s to come. The current-shape third-generation Suzuki Swift is approaching the end of its current lifecycle, with this generation first landing in SA back in 2018. The Japanese carmaker has been hard at work developing the...
May 16, 2026
Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Announced with 330 kW
Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Announced with 330 kW
The high-performance version of the stylish coupe has been announced. Meet the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 with a hybrid 6-cylinder turbo engine! We’ve already seen the Mercedes-Benz CLE, a coupe that blends the C-Class and E-Class in one very pretty package. Now there’s the Mercedes-AMG CLE53, which brings a whole lot...
May 16, 2026
Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series: V8’s retirement in sight
Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series: V8’s retirement in sight
While the revised Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series range will retain the 4.5-litre V8 for now, the big turbodiesel’s retirement date is on the horizon, according to our sources. Here’s how long it still has… We’ve already brought you early details of the refreshed Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series...
May 16, 2026
These 23 vehicles each just had their best sales month of 2023
These 23 vehicles each just had their best sales month of 2023
November 2023 saw SA’s new-vehicle market suffer its biggest losses since early 2021. But, fascinatingly, as many as 23 nameplates registered their best performances of the year so far… In November 2023, South Africa’s new-vehicle market suffered its most significant year-on-year losses since the beginning of 2021, with sales...
May 16, 2026
Copyright 2023-2026 - www.zzdcar.com All Rights Reserved