Cadillac has been expanding both its range of V-Series performance SUVs and its lineup of electric vehicles (EVs), and within the overlapping circles of this Venn diagram sits the upcoming 2026 Optiq-V.
As both an electric SUV and a member of the V-Series line, the Optiq-V is expected to get a more powerful dual-motor all-wheel drive electric powertrain.
General Motors’ luxury brand has yet to confirm powertrain details for the Optiq-V, but it says its engineers have “delivered a unique package prioritising precision, dynamic suspension and tight steering for an exhilarating driving experience”.
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The dual-motor all-wheel drive Optiq produces 224kW of power and 480Nm of torque, with power supplied by an 85kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) lithium-ion battery.
It features strut front suspension, and as with the larger Lyriq there’s a five-link rear suspension system and Passive Plus Dampers all round.
Visible changes evident from Cadillac’s two teaser images include V-Series badging and a rear spoiler, though we’d also expect other aesthetic upgrades to include more aggressive rocker panels and unique wheels.
The Optiq-V will slot in under the Lyriq-V, which was revealed late last year ahead of a local launch in 2026. Cadillac has yet to confirm the Optiq-V for our market.
The Lyriq-V features a dual-motor electric powertrain producing 459kW and 880Nm, allowing it to claim a 0-60mph (0-96km/h) time of just 3.3 seconds in V-Mode or Velocity Max mode.
That just shades the 3.4-second sprint time of the supercharged V8-powered CT5-V Blackwing sedan when equipped with an automatic transmission, despite being down 40kW and 13Nm and weighing more.
The Lyriq-V pumps out an extra 71kW and 270Nm over the regular dual-motor Lyriq, though it doesn’t gain Magnetic Ride Control like other V-badged models within Cadillac’s lineup. Instead, it features standard Continuous Damping Control.
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Changes over the regular Lyriq include a quicker steering ratio, Brembo front brakes, a new artificial propulsion sound, and new Competitive and customisable V-Mode drive modes.
It also receives a raft of aesthetic changes like a unique lower front fascia, rocker panels and wheels, while inside there’s a new steering wheel with sculpted hand grips, plus unique trim.
Revealed in late 2023 and due on sale here in 2026, the regular Optiq measures 4820mm long, 2126mm wide and 1644mm tall – making it smaller than the Lyriq, but still longer and wider than an Audi Q6 e-tron.
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Inside, even in the base model there’s a 33-inch curved LED display like the Lyriq’s, incorporating Google built-in, while music can be played through a 19-speaker AKG sound system with Dolby Atmos.
Other standard equipment includes a wireless phone charger, fixed panoramic glass roof with a power sunshade, and power-adjustable and heated front seats with driver memory.
Stepping up through the Optiq range brings features like a head-up display, ventilated and massaging front seats, and heated outboard rear seats.
Cadillac commenced deliveries of its debut model in Australia, the Lyriq, earlier this year. The single-model lineup will expand in 2026 to include not only the aforementioned Lyriq-V and Optiq, but also the three-row Vistiq.
