2025 Cadillac Optiq Arrives As Baby Lyriq With 300-Mile Range

In a rather unusual move, the 2025 Cadillac Optiq was fully shown to the public with two images (front and back) but no other details. Those additional details have finally been revealed, giving us a much clearer picture of what should be Cadillac’s most affordable electric vehicle yet. As a quick lesson for those who haven’t been keeping with Cadillac’s new IQ naming scheme for EVs, the Optiq will be a compact crossover positioned below the Lyriq (six inches shorter wheelbase). The American luxury brand also has other EVs coming, such as the three-row Vistiq crossover, Escalade-IQ, ultra-luxury Celestiq sedan, and a few others that haven’t been announced yet.

Like its other Cadillac siblings, the Optiq rides on the General Motors Ultium platform, which also underpins the Chevrolet Equinox EV. Though you will never hear Cadillac admit it, the Optiq likely shares common parts with the Chevy, including a battery pack. That being said, the Optiq’s specifications appear to be a substantial upgrade over the Equinox EV.

Standard Dual-Motor Power

The Optiq will come standard with twin electric motors, combining to deliver 300 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. That’s a bit less than the RWD Lyriq, which uses a single motor, but it’s a nice bump over the dual-motor Equinox, which has 288 hp. In a rare move for GM, Cadillac has actually quoted the Optiq’s battery size at 85 kWh, rather than the company’s internal “modules” measurement.

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This is the same battery used in the Equinox EV, but the range is actually slightly better. Whereas the Equinox AWD only manages 288 miles on a charge, the Optiq will go 300 miles. Cadillac hasn’t quoted the peak charging speed, but says the Optiq can add 79 miles of range in 10 minutes. This is similar to the Equinox’s charging speed, which peaks at 150 kW. A dual-level charge cord comes with the car, allowing Level 2 or Level 1 charging at home. The speeds are not mentioned for home charging, but it’s likely the same 11.5 kW (or optional 19.2 kW) found in the Chevy.

Mini Lyriq Styling

This has been our best look yet at the Optiq, which bears some resemblance to the Lyriq but in a smaller package. Cadillac previously showed the car in a bold shade of orange, likely the same Afterburner Tintcoat that’s available on the Hummer EV, but has now added some photos of a silver Optiq to show a more subtle option.

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It will be positioned between the smaller Lyriq and larger Escalade IQ.

At the front, Cadillac created what it called a Black Crystal Grille, which integrates a vertical lighting signature along with a laser-etched pattern. At the back, the taillights are split, giving the car a unique parting signature. Walking up to the car with the key triggers a choreographed lighting sequence at both ends. Some other unique styling details include a fixed glass roof that transitions from glass to metal and a unique Cadillac Crest graphic in the quarter panel window.

Upmarket Interior

The Lyriq DNA continues in the interior, where the Optiq’s cabin looks properly premium. A 33-inch diagonal LED display comes standard and boasts 9k resolution that can display over one billion colors. Unfortunately, that screen will use Google software without Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. On the plus side, it will be linked to a standard 19-speaker AKG audio system with Dolby Atmos. Cadillac loaded the car with safety tech including standard Super Cruise (for three years), adaptive cruise, blind zone steering, automatic parking, and more.

Cadillac hasn’t announced full dimensions yet, but claims the Optiq will have best-in-class cargo capacity and second-row space. The press images show a trunk that can easily swallow two full-sized suitcases with room for more.

Entry Level EV Luxury

The Cadillac Optiq will arrive with two trims: Luxury and Sport. It will start at around $54,000 (estimated), not including destination, but it’s unclear how much more expensive it can get with options. We’ll have to wait for more detailed pricing. Cadillac may choose to build a cheaper single-motor version, but nothing has been confirmed.

Production begins in “late fall,” and the Optiq is priced to go up against established options like the Audi Q4 e-tron, Genesis GV60, and Volvo XC40 Recharge. We look forward to driving the Optiq to see how it stacks up against the competition.