Cadillac plays a dual role within the American automobile giant GM. On one hand, it is the pinnacle of GM's combustion performance alongside the Corvette, with its powerful V Blackwing sedans and upcoming Formula 1 entry.
On the other hand, Cadillac is at the forefront of GM's electrification package with a growing electric crossover lineup. Combining these two distinct goals, Cadillac has now given its smaller and more agile model, the Optiq, the V treatment. Cadillac recently unveiled the 2026 Optiq-V.
This new model packs significant power beyond its size. While the regular Cadillac Optiq delivers 300 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, the Optiq-V has significantly more power. Its dual-motor AWD system can produce 519 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.
Not just power, the Optiq-V also comes with a V-Mode that features a number of performance enhancements to fully exploit its performance. With Launch Control in V-Mode or Velocity Max mode, the Optiq-V can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Competitive Mode allows the driver to customize traction management settings to optimize handling.
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Cadillac equips the Optiq-V with standard Brembo front performance brake calipers, available in blue or red. Owners can opt for sportier summer tires and a carbon fiber package, which adds a carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser, and rear mid-spoiler.
Usually, when an EV is given a significant performance boost, its range is significantly reduced. However, the Optiq-V doesn't suffer such a big range loss. With an 85-kWh battery, the Optiq-V offers 275 miles of range, according to GM's internal estimates, slightly less than the standard Optiq's 302 miles.
The automotive world is moving to the Tesla/NACS charging port. GM offers a NACS adapter for its vehicles to use the Supercharger network. However, the 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V won't require an adapter. It will be the first GM EV to be released with a native NACS port instead of a CCS port. Most GM EVs are expected to switch to this in 2026.
Standard tech features on the 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V include:
- 33-inch LED display
- 19-speaker AKG Studio Audio System with Dolby Atmos
- Super Cruiser
- Google built-in infotainment with Google Maps and Google Assistant
Cadillac says the 2026 Optiq-V will arrive at dealers in fall 2025. The Optiq-V has a starting MSRP of $68,795. That's $9,800 less than the 'Cadillac Lyriq-V' and $8,195 more than the 615-hp 'Chevy Blazer EV SS'.
Taking styling cues from its electric 'V' siblings, the 'Optiq-V' impresses with royal blue brake calipers, 'V-series' badges and a unique 'V-mesh' pattern on the grille. It rides on 21-inch alloy wheels, which can be swapped out for other finishes.
As standard, the roof is painted black and features a panoramic fixed glass roof. Two new paint colors are available as limited edition options: 'Magnus Metal Frost' and 'Deep Ocean Tintcoat'.
The interior continues the sporty aesthetic, with 'Santorini Blue' accents continuing the blue theme. These can be paired with upholstery in 'Noir' or 'Noir and Sky Cool Gray'. There's also woven carbon fiber on the center console.
This small electric SUV, with its performance, tech features and styling, shows how Cadillac's future will bridge the electric and performance markets.
