2025 Cadillac Optiq: A Fresh Face for Cadillac?
For years, Cadillac has struggled to capture the attention of younger, affluent buyers, who often favor German luxury brands. Could the all-electric 2025 Optiq change that? I recently had the chance to get behind the wheel of the new Optiq in San Francisco, thanks to Cadillac, to find out.
Starting at $54,390, including destination, the Optiq is Cadillac’s most affordable EV. Despite sharing the General Motors’ Ultium platform with the Chevy Equinox EV, the Optiq feels distinctly more premium. Is it the car to bring in the next generation of Cadillac owners?
Appealing Aesthetics
From the outside, the Optiq aligns with the rest of Cadillac’s EV lineup, featuring design cues from the Lyriq and Escalade IQ, as well as the upcoming Vistiq and Celestiq. The Optiq boasts a more youthful design, with interesting color options (including a bright orange!) and a unique rear quarter window design. Buyers can choose between 20- or 21-inch wheels. The front features Cadillac’s signature vertical headlights and an illuminated grille. At the back, split vertical taillights stretch the height of the car.
At 190 inches long, the Optiq is reasonably sized, comparable to a BMW X3, but with a roomier interior. Designers pushed the wheels to the corners, resulting in more space inside. Second-row passengers get 37.8 inches of legroom, and the trunk offers 26 cubic feet of cargo space – numbers that Cadillac claims are segment-best.
Interior and Tech
As expected in a luxury vehicle, the interior is a highlight, with a 33-inch wide single-screen display that combines the gauge cluster and center touchscreen. While this system has been around for a few years, it’s well-executed, customizable, and easy to use. Physical buttons for climate controls and an iDrive-style control knob add a touch of traditional tech, providing a solid blend of modern and classic design.
Like other GM EVs, the Optiq doesn’t offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but it does include GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system as standard. The 19-speaker AKG audio system with Dolby Atmos sounds impressive.
The materials in the top-of-the-line Sport 2 model, with a sticker price of $61,195, feel appropriate for the price point. Cadillac uses a unique recycled fabric material on the door cards and dashboard, and the leather, wood, metal, and piano black plastic add to the premium feel. The heated, cooled, and massaging seats are comfortable even after hours of driving.
Powertrain and Performance
All Optiq trims feature a dual-motor setup producing 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.9 seconds and a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. Cadillac estimates that the 85-kWh battery can add up to 79 miles of range in just 10 minutes using a 150 kW DC fast charger and has a total range of 302 miles on a single charge.
Comfort Over Sportiness
The Optiq prioritizes comfort over sporty driving dynamics. The suspension is soft, leading to a bit of floatiness. The steering is slow, designed for a relaxed driving experience. The Optiq’s focus is on delivering a comfortable luxury ride. One-pedal driving is available with adjustable regen braking levels, and a paddle behind the steering wheel controls the regen, but the paddle is made of inexpensive plastic.
A New Era for Cadillac?
The Optiq isn’t perfect, but it’s a strong effort from Cadillac. It has the potential to attract young buyers, thanks to its styling, interior, and driving experience. While there are faster and more engaging EVs on the market, the Optiq stands out for its approach. Cadillac has a lot riding on this EV, and it could mark a turning point for the brand.
