Cadillac could appear a bit too conventional to hold its driving cap on EVs. And but, that hasn’t stopped the GM model from rolling out — or not less than exhibiting off — 4 all-electric automobile fashions since 2022.
The newest is the 2025 Optiq, a mid-size crossover that would lastly snag the younger, hipster prospects Cadillac has longed for. With a base worth of $54,000, it’s the most affordable within the EV lineup, and its design has sufficient particular touches to face aside from the remainder of its portfolio.
In different phrases, the Optiq is designed and priced as a gateway drug to the Cadillac model. And it’s pronounced Optick, not Opteek, so don’t go embarrassing your self in entrance of the fits at Cadillac like I did.
Nuts and bolts
Right now, there is just one all-electric Cadillac — the Lyriq — that’s on the market. The Escalade IQ is coming later this 12 months and the beautiful (and huge) Celestiq is obtainable to prospects by inquiry solely.
The Optiq, which is slated to enter manufacturing this fall and sits beneath the Lyriq electrical crossover, is diminutive sufficient to be thought-about a compact SUV.
Constructed on GM’s Ultium platform, it sports activities an 85 kWh battery that Cadillac says is sweet for 300 miles of vary. Nevertheless, the 400-volt system can solely cost at 150 kW. That’s sooner than the Mercedes-Benz EQB, however the model’s Lyriq can attain a price of 190 kW and even down-market choices just like the Kia EV6 can attain speeds of over 200 kW. Regardless, Cadillac says the Optiq can add 79 miles of cost in 10 minutes and go from 20% to 80% state of cost in 26 minutes. It’s not unhealthy, however there are faster choices on the market.
Charging at dwelling, nonetheless, must be a lot speedy. The usual onboard charger is 11.5 kW and patrons can go for an enormous 19.2 kW onboard charger. Have in mind, nonetheless, that the massive charger wants 80 amps to push all that juice, so that you’ll want a reasonably sturdy electrical panel.
Cadillac Optiq designed to drive gross sales
One factor is for certain, the Optiq is a looker. I like the Monarch Orange shade of this demo mannequin and Cadillac says it can additionally are available in vibrant blue and crimson in addition to the extra conventional white, black and grey exterior colours. The roof of this demo mannequin is black, however the Optiq will come normal with a body-colored topper.
Designers added some cool texture to the rear quarter-panel window by printing a sequence horizontal design traces on two panes of glass and laminating them collectively. The impact echoes the look of the LED taillamps and brings some fascinating visible dynamics to the rear of the automobile.
Talking of lighting, Cadillac actually will get into the nitty-gritty when growing its aesthetic right here. Positive, all of them have a vertical, upright stance, however the tail lights are literally in good alignment with the slight camber of the rear wheels and each the entrance and tail lamps perform a little choreographed dance as drivers strategy or stroll away from the automotive. It’s a neat contact.
Improvements proceed inside with the usage of 100% recyclable supplies overlaying a part of the sprint and the middle console. It’s a singular alternative to make use of fibers on the console and never some form of plastic or steel, however it actually works. It’s nice to have a soft-touch materials the place it’s least anticipated.
Additional, the horizontal floor of the console is roofed with a transparent, high-gloss end, defending the console and making my ears glad as I click on my fingernails on its floor. That is an ASMR lover’s dream.
Cadillac Optiq storage and tech
There may be loads of storage, right here together with an area beneath the middle console, however what surprises me is a bit of cubby beneath the row of HVAC controls, simply ahead of the middle console however not related to it. Its ambient lighting can change based on whim and it’s only a neat little element I wasn’t anticipating. The ambient lighting continues on a laser-etched ornamental panel simply above the HVAC buttons.
This base demo mannequin can be geared up with a panoramic glass roof and a normal 19-speaker AKG Audio system with Dolby Atmos. I didn’t get to pattern any tunes, however the immersive audio expertise ought to present high-level, undistorted listening it doesn’t matter what your jam is.
The massive 33-inch diagonal display screen homes the infotainment system and digital gauge cluster.
There are a number of GM quirks right here. Firstly, there is no such thing as a bodily headlamp swap. As a substitute it’s a must to faucet icons on the display screen. Thankfully they’re positioned on the left-most a part of the display screen and are all the time seen, so that you don’t must go rooting by menus. Secondly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto usually are not accessible. The excellent news is that the system makes use of Google built-in which incorporates Maps and Assistant. I haven’t tried Google Assistant for hands-free texting, however Google Maps can entry the Optiq’s state of cost, predict vary on the finish of a visit and counsel charging stations.
Each Optiq will get a sturdy suite of security options like blind-zone steering help, computerized parking, ahead collision alert and adaptive cruise management. GM’s Tremendous Cruise hands-free/eyes-up semi-autonomous driving assistant with lane-change help is free for the primary three years of possession.
I solely acquired to see the Optiq as a static demo, however I’m a bit of greater than excited to get this EV out on the road. Cadillac recruited people that developed the chassis of the superb CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing sedans in addition to the Escalade V to hopefully deliver a fun-to-drive aspect to the all-wheel drive Optiq.
The automotive manages to eke a Cadillac-estimated 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque out of its twin motors. That’s a good quantity, however needless to say EVs are heavy and the Optiq suggestions the scales at 5,192 kilos. I don’t count on it to be a rocket ship in a straight line, however I hope it may possibly carve a nook or two.
GM’s glorious magnetic experience management isn’t accessible on the Optiq, a lot to my disappointment, however Cadillac says the passive dampers present a managed experience by the twisties whereas reacting rapidly to mitigate high-frequency occasions like damaged pavement or bumps within the street. There’s a Sport mode and the corporate additionally says the dual-compound all-season Continental Cross Contact tires have a stiff sidewall and a tread that splits the distinction between vary and grip. There are three ranges of brake regeneration, the strongest offering .4Gs of deceleration, bringing the Optiq to a full cease. Drivers may also use a paddle on the left aspect of the steering wheel to allow regenerative braking.
At first look it seems to be a welcome addition to Cadillac’s electrical lineup with nice seems, an distinctive inside design and doubtlessly a vigorous driving expertise.