Cadillac has made a bold move to capture a younger, more style-conscious electric vehicle market with the 2025 Optiq, a compact electric SUV aimed squarely at undercutting European competitors. It’s an attempt to break from the brand’s older, more traditional image and finally speak to the Tesla generation — or at least those curious about EVs who haven’t yet sworn allegiance to the Germans.
Optiq: Cadillac’s Most Accessible EV Yet
With a starting price of $54,390, the Optiq is Cadillac’s most affordable EV and a sharp entry point into the Ultium platform. While it’s mechanically related to the Chevrolet Equinox EV, the Optiq has a distinctly premium feel that’s well beyond its bones. From the outset, Cadillac positions the Optiq not as a performance rival to BMW’s M-lite SUVs, but as a stylish, comfortable cruiser. And that’s a smart play.
Youth Appeal by Design
The Optiq’s design pulls in signature Cadillac elements while adding some youthful flair. Vertical headlights, a glowing front crest, and stretched taillights scream modern Caddy, but bright colors like orange and intricate quarter window detailing give it a unique, funky personality.
Notably, it’s not a massive SUV, either. At 190 inches long, it slots right next to a BMW X3 in footprint. But Cadillac pushed the wheels far to the corners, giving the 116-inch wheelbase room to work — especially for second-row passengers, who enjoy 37.8 inches of legroom. With 26 cubic feet of trunk space, it’s almost as spacious as the larger Lyriq in the areas that count.
Inside: A Luxury Tech Lounge
Inside, Cadillac blends high-end materials with smart ergonomics. A single 33-inch curved screen dominates the dash — combining the digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen. It’s clean, responsive, and customizable, much like the setup introduced in the Lyriq. Cadillac smartly includes a control knob with hard shortcut buttons for those wary of going full touchscreen.
There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as GM continues to push its own Google Built-In platform. While controversial, this setup does work smoothly, with Google Maps and voice commands fully integrated.
Comfort is the name of the game here. Even in the $61,195 top-trim Sport 2 model tested, everything from the massaging leather seats to recycled textile door panels felt upscale and well thought out. The 19-speaker AKG audio system with Dolby Atmos sounds better than you’d expect in a vehicle at this price, easily holding its own against more expensive setups from luxury rivals.
Performance and Ride
Cadillac may hint at sportiness in its marketing, but the Optiq is tuned more for comfort than corner carving. That’s just fine — the ride quality is smooth, the cabin is quiet, and the EV platform gives it a solid, planted feel.
No performance specs were mentioned directly in the review, but expect power to be competitive with other dual-motor crossovers in the segment. The real standout feature here is Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driver-assist system, which is standard equipment on the Optiq — a rarity at this price point.
Comparing the Optiq
Here’s how the Optiq stacks up against key rivals in the entry-luxury EV crossover market:
| Feature/Spec | Cadillac Optiq | Tesla Model Y | BMW iX1 (EU) | Audi Q4 e-tron |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $54,390 | $44,990 | ~$52,000 (est.) | $49,800 |
| Range (est.) | TBD (likely 300+ miles) | 279–330 miles | ~270 miles | 265 miles |
| Infotainment | 33″ screen, Google Built-In | Tesla UI | BMW iDrive 9 | MMI Touch + Virtual Cockpit |
| Super Cruise (hands-free drive) | Standard | Not available | Not available | Optional (some ADAS) |
| Cargo Space | 26 cu ft | 30.2 cu ft | ~18–20 cu ft | 24.8 cu ft |
Is the Optiq a Game-Changer?
The 2025 Cadillac Optiq isn’t trying to be the most thrilling EV on the market — and that’s the point. It delivers luxury, space, comfort, and tech in a handsome, well-priced package, with just enough personality to break through Cadillac’s old-man image.
It may not convert BMW loyalists overnight, but if Cadillac can get people behind the wheel, the Optiq has a real chance to bring fresh energy into the brand.
FAQs:
Is the Cadillac Optiq a real luxury vehicle or just a fancy Equinox?
While it shares its platform with the Equinox EV, the Optiq offers noticeably upgraded materials, tech, and design, making it feel like a legitimate entry-luxury SUV.
Does the Optiq have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
No. GM has phased out smartphone mirroring in favor of its Google Built-In infotainment system.
What’s the range of the Optiq?
Official EPA numbers haven’t been released, but expectations are around 300 miles, depending on configuration.