Cadillac Gears Up for EV Push in Australia with Two New SUVs
Cadillac is making a significant investment in the Australian market with the announcement of two new electric SUVs: the Optiq and the Vistiq. These vehicles are scheduled to arrive on Australian shores in 2026, expanding the brand’s electric vehicle lineup alongside the Lyriq and its high-performance variant, the Lyriq V.
The Optiq: An Entry Point for the Brand
The Optiq will serve as Cadillac’s entry-level electric SUV, offering a compelling package in a more compact form. It measures 4820mm in length, 2126mm in width, and 1644mm in height. Despite its smaller size compared to the Vistiq, it still surpasses the dimensions of the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, and luxury competitors like the BMW iX3 and Genesis GV70.
Powering the Optiq is a dual electric motor setup providing all-wheel drive, generating 224kW of power and 480Nm of torque. Equipped with an 85kWh battery, the Optiq is expected to provide a range of approximately 482 kilometers. Furthermore, the vehicle supports 150kW DC fast-charging, allowing for an additional 130km of range within just ten minutes, according to Cadillac.
Inside, the Optiq boasts a 33-inch LED 9K display for driver information and multimedia functions. It also integrates Google Built-in, a 19-speaker AKG audio system with Dolby Atmos, heated front seats and steering wheel, synthetic leather seats, and a fixed glass roof.
Vistiq: A Spacious and Luxurious Option
The Vistiq, a full-sized, seven-seat SUV, will offer an even more luxurious and spacious experience. With dimensions of 5222mm in length, 2203mm in width, and 1804mm in height, the Vistiq provides ample room, including a third row of seating. This positioning makes it one of the largest EVs available in the Australian market, exceeding rivals such as the Volvo EX90, BMW iX, and Hyundai Ioniq 9. It will fall approximately 300mm short of the LDV eTeron 9 ute, which is scheduled to arrive later this year.
Under the hood, the Vistiq features a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup. In US specifications, this setup delivers 452kW of power and 880Nm of torque, though Australian specifications have yet to be confirmed. The Vistiq is equipped with a 102kWh battery pack that delivers approximately 482km of range in the US, and it can sprint from 0 to 98 km/h in a blistering 3.7 seconds.
The interior of the Vistiq is equally impressive, featuring the same 33-inch touchscreen display as the Optiq, along with an additional 8.0-inch display for climate control functions, including five climate zones. Other features include a 23-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system, optional 21-, 22-, or 23-inch alloy wheels, and carbon-fiber and real wood trims.
Cadillac emphasizes superior ride comfort, achieved through General Motors’ adaptive damping control, which provides coil springs or air springs as customisable options.
Advanced Safety Features
Both the Optiq and Vistiq will come standard with Cadillac’s advanced driver-assistance systems, including a blind zone steering assist system, cyclist alert, forward collision alert, and night vision. The night vision technology uses infrared cameras to enhance the driver’s visibility of cyclists and pedestrians at night.
Further details regarding Australian specifications, including pricing, are anticipated closer to the 2026 launch of both models. Cadillac’s expansion demonstrates a commitment to the electric SUV segment, following its initial commitment to the Lyriq model. The brand has a strong expectation of the Australian market and intends to compete directly with the leading luxury automotive brands, which includes Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
