- Cadillac has introduced the 2026 Optiq-V, which has 519 hp and 275 miles of range.
- The crossover has unique styling inside and out as well as an adaptive suspension.
- It starts at $68,795 and is being billed as a luxurious “canyon carver” that hugs back roads.
Cadillac’s impressive electric vehicle lineup continues to grow as the company has unveiled the 2026 Optiq-V. It’s a performance-focused crossover, notable for being the first vehicle from General Motors to have a native NACS (North American Charging Standard) port. This has been long overdue, and it will allow for easy access to Tesla Superchargers.
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While the NACS port is a welcome addition, the V-Series is all about performance, and the Optiq-V doesn’t disappoint on paper. It features a dual motor all-wheel drive system that produces an estimated 519 hp (387 kW / 526 PS) and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque. This enables the 5,445 lb (2,470 kg) crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.5 seconds when using Launch Control.
More: 2026 Lyriq-V Boasts 615 HP, Is The Quickest Cadillac Ever
Powering the show is an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provides an estimated range of 275 miles (443 km). That’s 27 miles (43 km) fewer than the standard model, and it feels a little underwhelming.
On the bright side, a DC fast charger can deliver approximately 70 miles (113 km) of range in as little as 10 minutes. At home, you can expect to get 18 miles (29 km) of range per hour with a 7.7 kW charger or 31 miles (50 km) per hour with an 11.5 kW charger.
During a media briefing earlier this month, Lead Development Engineer Alex Doss told us the Optiq-V was designed to be a “canyon carver.” As part of the focus on driving dynamics, the crossover comes equipped with an adaptive suspension, torque vectoring technology, and specially developed tires.
The model also sports a customizable V-Mode as well as Brembo front brakes that measure 15.4 inches (390 mm). Unfortunately, the Optiq-V eschews the 1,500 lb (680 kg) towing capacity found on the regular model.
A Familiar, But Sportier Design
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Besides an additional 219 hp (163 kW / 222 PS), the Optiq-V has an aggressive front fascia with a gloss black splitter. They’re joined by body-color components, a black roof, and a revised intake with a unique mesh pattern.
Designers didn’t stop there as the model rides on special 21-inch alloy wheels that feature a satin graphite finish as well as a laser-etched V-Series badge. A closer inspection also reveals a prominent diffuser as well as a unique motif for the rear quarter glass.
The Optiq-V will be offered in eight colors, including Deep Ocean Tintcoat and Magnus Metal Frost, which are V-Series exclusives. Customers can also get a carbon fiber package that includes a front splitter, rear diffuser, and a mid-mounted spoiler.
A Carbon Clad Interior With A Handful Of Special Touches
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The interior largely carries over as drivers are greeted by a familiar 33-inch display with Google built-in. However, there are several special touches, including a sport steering wheel, carbon fiber trim, and V-Series badging.
Designers also used blue accents and a patterned fabric, which is woven from yarn made from recycled materials. On the topic of upholstery, the model will be offered with two interior themes as well as an Expressive Color package. The latter adds Santorini Blue seatback panels as well as Santorini Blue seatbelts.
Also: New Tesla Model Y Performance Breaks Cover, Plaid Wheels And All
We’ll learn full details closer to launch, but the Optiq-V comes nicely equipped with a panoramic fixed glass roof and a 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system with Dolby Atmos technology. They’re joined by Super Cruise as well as a host of other driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, blind zone steering assist, and enhanced automatic parking.
Pricing and Competition
The 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V is scheduled to enter production this fall, with pricing starting at $68,795 including destination. It will be available in North America, Israel, and the Middle East. For those keeping track, that’s $9,800 less than Cadillac’s larger 615 hp Lyriq-V.
One of its key rivals will be the forthcoming Tesla Model Y Performance. While that version hasn’t officially debuted, it’s expected to carry a price premium of around $8,000 to $10,000 over the standard AWD model, placing it in the $57,000 to $59,000 range before the $7,500 federal tax credit.
