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Cadillac may seem a bit too traditional to hang its driving cap on EVs . And yet , that has n’t halt the GM brand from rolling out — or at least show off — four all - electric fomite models since 2022 .
The late is the 2025 Optiq , a mid - size of it crossover that could finally snag the untried , hipster customer Cadillac has hanker for . With a base price of $ 54,000 , it ’s the cheapest in the EV lineup , and its innovation has enough special touches to stand asunder from the residue of its portfolio .
In other words , theOptiq is designedand priced as a gateway drug to the Cadillac firebrand . And it ’s pronouncedOptick , notOpteek , so do n’t go hinder yourself in front of the suits at Cadillac like I did .
Nuts and bolts
Today , there is only one all - electrical Cadillac — the Lyriq — that is for sale . TheEscalade IQis coming later this year and the stunning ( and large)Celestiqis provide to customers by inquiry only .
The Optiq , which is slated to go into production this fall and sits under the Lyriq electrical crossover voter , is diminutive enough to be considered a thickset S.U.V. .
Built on GM ’s Ultium political program , it frisk an 85 kWh barrage fire that Cadillac say is good for 300 mi of range . However , the 400 - V scheme can only commit at 150 kW. That ’s faster than theMercedes - Benz EQB , but the brand ’s Lyriq can reach a charge per unit of 190 kW and even down - marketplace pick like the Kia EV6 can reach swiftness of over 200 kW. Regardless , Cadillac says the Optiq can tote up 79 miles of charge in 10 arcminute and go from 20 % to 80 % land of tutelage in 26 bit . It ’s not bad , but there are quick option out there .
Charging at home , however , should be plenty rapid . The standard onboard battery charger is 11.5 kW and buyers can choose for a monumental 19.2 kW onboard charger . Keep in brain , however , that the openhanded charger needs 80 A to tug all that juice , so you ’ll call for a fairly robust galvanizing panel .
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Cadillac Optiq designed to drive sales
One thing is sure , the Optiq is a looker . I bonk the Monarch Orange semblance of this demo good example and Cadillac say it will also descend in hopeful blue and ruby as well as the more traditional white , bleak and gray exterior colors . The roof of this demonstration model is shameful , but the Optiq will number standard with a body - colored topper .
Designers add together some cool texture to the rear quarter - panel window by printing a serial horizontal design lines on two panes of methamphetamine hydrochloride and laminate them together . The essence echo the feeling of the lead taillamps and bring some interesting optical dynamics to the backside of the vehicle .
Speaking of kindling , Cadillac really gets into the nitty - gritty when developing its aesthetic here . Sure , they all have a vertical , upright stance , but the tail lights are actually in perfect conjunction with the slight camber of the rear wheel and both the front and rear lights do a piffling choreographed saltation as drivers approach or take the air off from the car . It ’s a neat touch .
Innovations continue inwardly with the utilisation of 100 % reusable fabric covering part of the elan and the center cabinet . It ’s a unparalleled choice to use fibers on the console and not some kind of plastic or metal , but it really works . It ’s great to have a gentle - touch fabric where it is least carry .
Further , the horizontal surface of the console table is cover with a clear , high - gloss conclusion , protecting the cabinet and making my ear happy as I click my fingernails on its surface . This is an ASMR lover ’s dream .
Cadillac Optiq storage and tech
There is mickle of storage , here including a space under the center console , but what surprises me is a small cubby under the row of HVAC controls , just forth of the center console but not connected to it . Its ambient lighting can exchange accord to whim and it ’s just a clean little item I was n’t look . The ambient lighting keep on a laser - etched decorative panel just above the HVAC button .
This base demonstration model is also equipped with a panoramic looking glass ceiling and a received 19 - speaker AKG Audio system with Dolby Atmos . I did n’t get to taste any tunes , but the immersive audio recording experience should provide high - level , undistorted listen no matter what your mess is .
The expectant 33 - in aslope screen planetary house the infotainment organization and digital gauge clump .
There are a few GM quirkiness here . first of all , there is no forcible headlight switch . Instead you have to tap icons on the screen . fortuitously they are locate on the left - most part of the screen and are always seeable , so you do n’t have to go root through menus . Secondly , Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not useable . The sound news is that the system uses Google construct - in which include Maps and Assistant . I have n’t try Google Assistant for hands - gratis texting , but Google Maps can enter the Optiq ’s state of charge , predict range at the end of a trip-up and propose commove stations .
Every Optiq get a robust suite of prophylactic features like blind - zone direction assistance , automatic parking , forward collision alert and adaptive sail command . GM ’s Super Cruisehands - liberal / eye - up semi - autonomous drive help with lane - alteration assist is free for the first three days of possession .
I only receive to see the Optiq as a inactive demo , but I ’m a little more than worked up to get this EV out on the street . Cadillac recruited folk that rise the chassis of the excellent CT4 - V and CT5 - V Blackwing sedans as well as the Escalade V to hopefully fetch a sport - to - drive chemical element to the all - wheel drive Optiq .
The car manages to eke a Cadillac - approximate 300 HP and 354 Irish punt - feet of torque out of its duple motors . That ’s a enough amount , but keep in intellect that electron volt are heavy and the Optiq tips the scales at 5,192 pound sign . I do n’t expect it to be a roquette ship in a straight bank line , but I am hope it can cut up a corner or two .
GM ’s excellent magnetic ride control condition is n’t uncommitted on the Optiq , much to my disappointment , but Cadillac suppose the passive dampers allow for a controlled drive through the twisties while react quickly to mitigate high - frequency events like broken paving material or bumps in the route . There is a Sport mode and the company also says the dual - compound all - season Continental Cross Contact tyre have a stiff sidewall and a tread that splits the difference between range of a function and adhesive friction . There are three levels of brake regeneration , the strongest providing .4Gs of deceleration , bringing the Optiq to a full stop . Drivers can also utilise a paddle on the left-hand side of the steerage bike to enable regenerative braking .
At first glance it front to be a welcome addition to Cadillac ’s electric lineup with slap-up looking , an exceptional interior design and potentially a lively drive experience .
With a base price of $ 54,000 and enough exceptional skin senses to stand apart from the rest of its portfolio , the 2025@CadillacOptiq is design and price as a stepping stone into the brand . Read more on the newfangled Optiq EV from@yeah_emmehere : https://t.co / RFfM7CBURCpic.twitter.com / EShk8bRgTD
