The 2025 Cadillac Optiq compact crossover is the newest vehicle in Cadillac’s continued EV onslaught, effectively replacing the XT4 in the Cadillac lineup’s hierarchy. It’s an important car for the brand as buyers continue to gravitate toward crossovers and EVs.
The Optiq shares its basic structure, including wheelbase, with its corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Equinox EV, and is roughly 7 inches shorter and 3 inches narrower than the Lyriq.
Stylistically, the 2025 Cadillac Optiq looks very much like a baby Lyriq with some Escalade IQ cues sprinkled in. The front is dominated by the brand’s crystal black “grille” with LED lights inset into it and an illuminated Cadillac badge in the center.
The rear of the Optiq is where you’ll find the most Escalade IQ influence with split taillights that mimic the ones found on its much larger brother. An interesting design flourish can also be found on the rearmost side windows, where lines are etched into the glass, which then continue into the lighting patterns of the brake lights. Interesting stuff.
All models come with standard 20″ wheels, while buyers of upper trims can opt for upgraded 21″ wheels in two different designs.
Cadillac unveiled a new interior design language with its first EV, the Lyriq. It brought with it all-new, brand-exclusive switchgear, a sweeping 33″ LED display, and improved materials and quality. The Optiq carries all those features forward with a distinctly upscale-looking and feeling cabin.
My test vehicle was equipped with a “sky cool gray” interior, which amounts to very light, almost white gray seats and lower dash, darker gray fabric accents, and striking azure blue trim. It may sound like a lot, but in person, it works very well, even more so when you learn that this colorway was inspired by Santorini – white buildings, blue ocean, etc. It’s refreshing to see such bold use of color in a luxury product and helps Cadillac stand out in a sea of black and gray interiors. Of course, should you want a black and gray interior, Cadillac has that on offer as well. Those looking for something even more adventurous choose to upgrade to either a Phantom Blue interior or an Autumn Canyon interior, both of which bring upgraded stitching, piping, and unique perforation patterns to the interior.
Optiq features essentially the same software as the Lyriq, with model-specific tweaks. In general, it works well enough, though it is not as intuitive nor as attractive as other systems from more software-driven companies, requiring you to go into multiple menus for many tasks. An unfortunate omission is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which are missing. While the built-in Cadillac software is good, there are holes in its functionality, especially for Apple users where Apple Music, Podcast, and more are not available as native apps. Compounding the software frustrations is a companion app that is extremely slow to respond and generally lacks functionality, such as being able to actively see if the vehicle is unlocked or not.
Beyond the software, the interior of the Optiq is a luxurious, visually interesting place to spend time. Most importantly, its unique colors and textures help it stand out in a crowded market and make it feel genuinely different.
This new batch of Cadillacs, while looking sleek and sporty, are really leaning back into the supremely smooth, luxurious Cadillac ride of yesterday, and the Optiq is no exception. The Optiq’s ride is notably soft and composed, especially for a vehicle of this size with a shorter wheelbase. It effortlessly glides over most surfaces, with only the sharpest of imperfections making themselves known. In contrast to the Lyriq, Optiq displays a slightly firmer ride, again fitting for a smaller, more youthful vehicle. In the end, though, the Optiq is still a Cadillac, and those looking for comfort will not be disappointed.
All 2025 Optiqs come with dual-motor AWD standard. This setup delivers an even 300 hp and a respectable 5.9-second 0-60 time. It’s by no means a neck-snapping experience, but that’s not the intention here where the throttle mapping has been tuned to deliver a smooth wave of power, not the jerky, punchy acceleration of many other EVs.
All Optiqs also get an 85 kWh battery pack capable of delivering an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles. In practice, the Optiq appeared to best these rated figures by roughly 10 miles; your mileage will, of course, vary depending on exterior temperature and driving style. Charging speeds top out at a just barely competitive 150 kW with the ability to gain approximately 80 miles of charge in 10 minutes at a suitably powerful DC fast charging station. Those charging at home will find the slower fast charging speeds less of a concern.
The 2025 Cadillac Optiq presents a strong value proposition starting at $54,390, including a $1,495 destination fee. Standard equipment levels are high, with all Optiqs coming with niceties like a rearview mirror camera system, glass roof, customizable ambient lighting, heated steering wheel, premium AKG audio system with Dolby Atmos, and GM’s excellent Super Cruise hands-free driving system as standard – the latter of which is curiously not standard on the larger, more expensive Lyriq.
The 2024 Cadillac Optiq is available in Luxury 1 and Sport 1 trims, both with nearly identical standard equipment, with the Sport trim featuring additional dark-colored trim and a different grille, which raises the price over the Luxury trim by roughly $500. Top-of-the-line Luxury 2 and Sport 2 trims add even more standard features, including ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and more for an additional $2,000. Those looking for the fancier interior color options will need to order one of the level 2 trims to be able to select the $1,100 interior upgrade option.
The 2025 Cadillac Optiq is an excellent choice for anyone looking into the luxury compact crossover EV segment. It delivers a unique mix of design, comfort, technology, range, and performance that is sure to please anyone looking in this segment.