It’s been more than 20 years since Cadillac unveiled the CTS-V, the first model in its high-performance V sub-brand, showing the world that it could produce vehicles beyond cushy sedans for octogenarians to drive slowly to the grocery store. Since then, Cadillac has made V versions of coupes, four-doors, wagons, and even the Escalade. It’s done the same with its electric vehicles, the newest of which is the 2026 Optiq-V.
To differentiate the Optiq-V from its tamer Optiq sibling, Cadillac gave it a different front fascia with V-pattern mesh in the lower grill, a glossy black front splitter, body-color lower trim, and a glossy black rear diffuser. The standard 21-inch wheels have a satin graphite finish and come wrapped in all-season or optional summer performance tires; polished and painted 21s with a dark finish are also available. For a more aggressive look, there’s a carbon fiber package that includes a front splitter, rear diffuser, and rear mid-spoiler made out of the lightweight material.
Two limited-edition exterior colors join the palette of paint choices: Magnus Metal Frost and Deep Ocean Tintcoat. There’s more blue on the rear quarter windows, which feature blue accents inspired by the V-Series badge. If that’s not enough, royal blue brake calipers are an option. No matter which color the Optiq-V wears, it comes with Brembo front calipers and a black roof with a panoramic fixed glass panel. Most importantly, all Optiq-Vs are equipped with an NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging port—a first for a General Motors vehicle.
There are two available interior color schemes: Noir and Noir/Sky Cool Gray, both of which have blue accents. Technically, they’re Santorini Blue, which Cadillac says, “evokes the energy, action, and excitement associated with innovation and high performance.” You can even step things up to Santorini Blue seatback panels and matching seatbelts. If for some reason you don’t feel like driving, you can let the standard Super Cruise system do it for you and watch it take you closer to your destination on the 33-inch LED infotainment display while you enjoy the sound of the 19-speaker AKG Studio Audio System.
Like the regular Optiq, the V-Series model is equipped with an 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack connected to dual-motor all-wheel drive. Range is down from 302 to 275 miles, but output is way up from 300 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque to 519 and 650, respectively. The Optiq-V’s Velocity Max mode unleashes the full potential of all that power. Launch Control focuses it on straight-forward acceleration, enabling the Optiq-V to reach 60 mph in only 3.5 seconds—0.4 seconds ahead of the CT4-V Blackwing with the six-speed stick (and only a tenth behind the 682-horsepower CT5-V Blackwing with the same gearbox).
The 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V will go into production this fall and carry a starting price of $68,795. When will it be drag-raced against a gas V-Series vehicle? Probably shortly after it hits the streets.
