Preview: 2025 Cadillac Optiq Debuts as Brand’s Smallest Electric SUV

Amid declining interest in electric vehicles (EVs), the market continues to expand, with the 2025 Cadillac Optiq debuting as the brand’s latest – and smallest – emissions-free entry.

This new model will slot in below Cadillac’s midsize Lyriq SUV and compete with the likes of the Genesis GV60. With its quirky name, it aligns with the brand’s other EVs, including the Lyriq, Escalade IQ, Celestiq flagship, and next year's Vistiq.

Another Ultium Product

As anticipated, the 2025 Optiq uses the so-called Ultium battery technology that underpins all the latest General Motors (GM) EVs. This dedicated electric platform supports the existing Chevrolet Blazer and Equinox EVs, and the new Honda Prologue, to name just a few.

While Ultium EVs can be had with one or two electric motors and either rear- or all-wheel drive, the new Otiq will launch in standard dual-motor all-wheel-drive form. An 85-kWh battery pack will deliver a Cadillac-estimated 300 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. That’s slightly less juice than the Audi Q4 E-Tron 55’s 335 hp but more than the 288-hp Mercedes-Benz EQB.

As for how far it can travel before being plugged in, Cadillac estimates 483 km. If that range number holds up once Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) performs its testing, the Optiq will easily top its rivals. According to Cadillac, hooking it up to a DC fast charger can add up to 127 km of range in about 10 minutes.

Like many modern EVs, the Optiq will have a one-pedal driving mode (which allows the driver to slow down and stop the vehicle using only the accelerator). However, the Optiq will also offer so-called Regen On Demand, which the brand describes as “a driver-controlled braking feature that allows the driver to slow down or stop the Optiq with a dedicated, pressure-sensitive paddle located on the steering wheel.” This technology has existed previously in the Cadillac ELR EV and the Chevrolet Bolt.

A Little Lyriqal

One look at Cadillac’s provided imagery shows that the new 2025 Optiq's exterior styling pays tribute to its larger Lyriq sibling. With its complicated-looking head- and tail lights and plenty of chrome and gloss-black trim, it looks very similar to Cadillac's midsize electric SUV but in a scaled-down form.

To eke out as much driving range as possible, Cadillac's designers have applied a vented rear spoiler, diffusers, and other body elements to aid aerodynamics at the vehicle's rear while retaining its sleek looks.

A More Sustainable Cabin

Its maker calls the Optiq’s passenger cabin “the most progressive Cadillac interior” yet. It blends Cadillac’s latest technology with a smattering of recycled materials.

As GM’s luxury brand, the Optiq’s tech menu is extensive. For starters, it gets Cadillac's signature 33-inch diagonal dashboard display that’s proliferating through the brand’s lineup. Then there’s GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance system.

To help Optiq drivers in challenging parking or driving scenarios, radar, camera, and ultrasonic sensor technology provide enhanced views, sensing, and monitoring of the vehicle’s surroundings. Besides a Google built-in compatibility infotainment experience, the Optiq will have a standard 19-speaker stereo.

As for the saving-the-planet stuff, the patterned accent fabric is woven from yarn created from 100 per cent recycled materials, and the PaperWood veneer is made up of parts of tulipwood and recycled newspaper. Regarding the electric SUV’s utility, Cadillac is promising “segment-best” cargo capacity and second-row passenger space.

Final Thoughts

You’ll have time to decide if you want to buy the new 2025 Cadillac Optiq. It doesn't start rolling off the assembly line until later this year. When it does, it will be available in two familiar Cadillac trim levels: Luxury and Sport.

Canadian pricing wasn’t available at the time of writing, but we expect it to start within range of rivals like the Audi Q4 E-Tron ($65,000), Genesis GV60 ($72,650), and Mercedes-Benz EQB ($75,700).