MY26_Cadillac_OptiqV_CA1_0065 — 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V
Cadillac

Since its pivot to a modern design aesthetic around the turn of the 21st century, Cadillac has been trying to reposition itself from buying the purveyor of floaty land yachts that I grew up with to a more performance oriented brand that can compete with European luxury brands. A key part of that effort has been the V-series models which are analogous to the BMW M, Mercedes-AMG and Audi RS. Now that Cadillac has a range of five electric models, it has started to create V-badged versions of those vehicles. Earlier this year, Cadillac announced its first electric performance model, the Lyriq-V and this fall, it will add the smaller Optiq-V.

MY26_Cadillac_OptiqV_CA1_3881 (1) — 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V
Cadillac

In recent years, Cadillac has also been putting more effort into motorsports than at any time in its history. After a three year effort at Le Mans was abandoned in the early 2000s, Cadillac is back running its V-Series.R prototypes in both IMSA and the World Endurance Championship and in 2026, a Cadillac team will be entering Formula 1. If Cadillac follows in the path of Honda and some other automakers by rotating engineers through its race programs and then back to production efforts, it should greatly benefit the road vehicles it produces, especially when it comes to control software that is so crucial to making electrified drivetrains work.

MY26_Cadillac_OptiqV_CA1_0980 — 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V
Cadillac

One of the advantages of a broad range of EVs is that you get a toolbox of components that can be relatively easily mixed and matched in different combinations as needed. For example, when the Lyriq first arrived it had a 325-hp motor on the rear axle. Later an approximately 200-hp motor was added for all-wheel-drive (AWD). Those motors were upgraded to provide 615-hp and 650 lb-ft of torque for the 3-row Vistiq and then they became the power source for the 2-row Lyriq-V. Now those same motors are going into the Optiq-V where they will provide the same peak torque along with 519-hp.

MY26_Cadillac_OptiqV_CA1_9787 — 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V
Cadillac

The lower power output is partially capped by the lower voltage provided by the smaller battery. The Optiq-V uses the same 10-module, 85-kWh battery pack as the standard Optiq, Equinox EV and Honda Prologue. The smaller pack has a nominal voltage of 288V compared to about 317V for the larger 12-module pack in the Lyriq and Blazer EV which limits its output.

Despite the reduced power, the roughly 500-600-lb lower weight of an Optiq compared to a Lyriq puts it nearly on par with the larger model. The Optiq-V is expected to be plenty quick with a projected 0-60 mph time of 3.5-seconds putting it just a couple of tenths behind the Lyriq-V and in the same ballpark as the Tesla Model Y Performance.

Cadillac’s V-models have always been about more than just straightline speed. They have traditionally handled and stopped just as well. While we won’t be able to judge that performance for ourselves until later this year, the engineers have certainly given the Optiq-V the parts it should require to earn the V badge. It comes standard with adaptive dampers that should improve wheel and body control. The front wheels also have six-piston Brembo brake calipers that should have no issue dissipating any kinetic energy the regenerative braking can’t absorb.

Grip is provided by standard 275/40R21 Continental Sport Contact 6 summer tires on all four corners. As expected on any modern vehicle, Cadillac engineers are taking advantage of software and electronics to enhance the performance. To that end, the Optiq-V has brake torque vectoring on both axles to help direct the output from each of the two drive units to whichever wheel on that axle can help get the vehicle pointed in the right direction. The Optiq-V will also have launch control and competitive modes to further enhance performance at the limit.

MY26_Cadillac_OptiqV_CA1_1136 — 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V
Cadillac

As part of the V-series family, the Optiq-V gets some familiar exterior updates including a diamond mesh in the lower grille area and generally more aggressive sculpting of the surfaces below the faux-grille as well as a modest splitter at the bottom edge of the fascia. At the rear there is also a black spoiler at the bottom edge of the liftgate glass and a diffuser panel under the bumper. The 21-inch black painted alloy wheels are of course unique to the Optiq-V and provide room for the larger brakes.

There are a couple new exterior colors that are exclusive to the Optiq-V, Magnus Metal Frost (silver) and a lovely blue called Deep Ocean Tintcoat. On the inside, there are two color combinations, either a white or dark grey, both with blue accents.

MY26_Cadillac_OptiqV_JS2_8778 — 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V
Cadillac

A notable functional change for the Optiq-V is the adoption of an SAE J3400 or NACS charging port, the first to be announced for a GM product. When asked if this was exclusive to the Optiq-V or would be on all Optiqs for 2026, a GM spokesperson would only give a canned response – “The 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ-V is GM’s first electric vehicle confirmed to feature a native NACS. We will share more on MY26 OPTIQ in the coming months.”

MY26_Cadillac_OptiqV_CA1_9774 — 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V
Cadillac

That said, if the Optiq-V is getting this new charging port, it’s almost certain that GM isn’t going to build different trims with different ports. It probably also means that at least the other EVs built at GM Ramos Arizpe factory in Mexico will also get the new port including the standard Optiq, Chevrolet Equinox and Blazer EVs and the Honda Prologue. We’ll have to wait and see on the rest of the lineup. Unfortunately, the carried over battery architecture means that DC fast charging will still only be limited to 150-kW.

The larger, stickier tires and larger motors mean that the Optiq-V will be a bit heavier than the standard Optiq. GM isn’t saying how much yet, but 150-200-lbs seems a safe bet and that means the range will be reduced to about 275 miles.

The Optiq-V goes on sale this fall with a starting price of $68,795.

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2026 Cadillac Optiq-V Gets 519 HP And 0-60 In 3.5 Seconds