- A Cadillac Optiq-V appears to be coming soon to join the Lyriq-V
- Upgrades will likely include more power, bigger brakes, and a V-specific sound
- No change is expected for the Optiq’s standard 85-kwh battery
Cadillac has just launched its first V-Series performance electric vehicle in the form of the 2026 Lyriq-V midsize SUV, which is priced to start at $79,990, and it looks like the next in the series will be a compact Optiq-V.
Camouflaged Optiq prototypes have been spotted sporting a few details that point to them as an Optiq-V performance variant.
Differences from the regular Optiq compact crossover, which was launched for the 2025 model year with a starting price of $54,390, include a new front fascia with a subtle lip spoiler and a unique mesh pattern for the lower intake.
The rear fascia appears to incorporate a subtle diffuser, and an extended ducktail spoiler on the rear hatch can clearly be seen. One of the prototypes was also wearing a pair of side skirts. A final visual clue is the enlarged brake rotors and gray-painted calipers that resemble the upgraded Brembos found on the Lyriq-V. They sit within 21-inch wheels, which is the largest size offered on the current Optiq.
2026 Cadillac Optiq-V spy shots – Photo via Baldauf
The Lyriq-V also comes with more power, a dedicated V-Mode, and V-specific sound, and all of those features should also make it onto the Optiq-V. The V-Mode enables the driver to customize settings, including steering weight and throttle sensitivity.
The Tesla Model Y Performance will likely be the benchmark for the Optiq-V’s capabilities. The Tesla can deliver 0-60 mph times of around 3.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of around 12 seconds.
The current Optiq delivers around 300 hp from its dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain. Its battery is an 85-kwh unit that Cadillac estimates is good for 300 miles of range. The Optiq-V will likely have a lower estimate given its performance focus.
We expect the Optiq-V to debut later this year as a 2026 model.