This is the 2025 Cadillac Optiq, which is basically the little sibling of the Lyriq. It’s Cadillac’s tiniest electric vehicle, packing a punch with its tech and handling all wrapped up in a fresh SUV design. In a nutshell, it’s like the electric version of the base XT5 in Cadillac’s range. The overall length is almost the same, with the Optiq measuring 189.8 inches, making it just 0.2 inches longer than the XT5. However, the EV boasts a 116.3-inch wheelbase, which is four inches longer.

When you stack it up against the Audi Q4 e-tron, which has a shorter wheelbase of 108.7 inches and a length of 180.6 inches, the Optiq stands out. But that longer wheelbase isn’t just for looks; it allows for the installation of an 85-kWh battery, the largest in its class.

Exterior

There are some really cool design elements here. You’ll see that the Optiq’s windshield and D-pillar are both angled quite a bit, which gives it a sporty vibe. Everything comes together nicely, including the etched body panel between the C and D-pillars. This design is a nod to the updated Cadillac badge. Up front, the Cadillac’s signature grille is loaded with tons of LED lights, and that massive Cadillac emblem is so bright it might just dazzle drivers coming towards it.

Trims

The 2025 Cadillac OPTIQ comes in four different trims: Luxury 1, Luxury 2, Sport 1, and Sport 2. Each trim offers a distinct mix of features, technology, and design, giving buyers the chance to personalize their OPTIQ experience.

Under The Hood

Beneath the surface, there are two electric motors, one located at each end. The front motor is a permanent-magnet synchronous motor that’s always working, while the rear motor is an induction type that kicks in when needed, especially during acceleration. The Optiq delivers 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque at its peak. While it doesn’t quite match the Audi, it’s still a solid performance. It goes from 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds.

Range and Charging

The range is a very respectable 302 miles from the 85 kWh battery. The only downside is a Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate of only 150 kW.

Wheels and Tires

This tester has the optional 21-inch black alloy wheels as part of the Onyx package.  They are 275/40s wearing Continental Cross Contacts.

Driving

Since we know Cadillac is providing a V-trim on all its EVs, I won’t complain about this one, as it will likely get more power when that version comes out.  This one doesn’t seem short of power as such, but it is lacking in thrills, which I am sure most owners won’t care about.  There are a few drive modes in the Optiq: Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. Sport mode changes the accelerator mapping to be more responsive. .

Once on the move, it’s supremely quiet and refined, and at freeway speeds, the chassis is very composed with a very impressive suspension setup. On a car of this price, you don’t get the excellent Magneride damper setup, but the passive-plus dampers deliver a solid yet sporty driving experience unless they sense a sudden road irregularity, then fluid is redirected to secondary valving, which helps to smooth things out and make the ride softer.

When it comes to driving ease, Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving assist, comes standard on all Optiqs, letting drivers relax while still paying attention in the cabin during highway trips. It is, in my opinion, one of the best systems of its kind on the market today.

The steering is also very good in a world of usually mediocre and feel-free systems. Cadillac has learned from its efforts in its V and Blackwing vehicles to make a system that’s decent rather than simply ok.

Solid Regen

Drivers have the option to use one-pedal driving whenever they want, along with a paddle-activated ‘regen on demand’ feature located by the steering wheel. This is a hand-operated brake that you can gently apply on downhill slopes for energy recovery, or squeeze hard in a panic if the car ahead suddenly stops.

Interior

The Optiq comes loaded with a ton of tech right out of the box. Cadillac’s current obsession with digital features is evident in the massive 33-inch display on the dashboard, which is the same size as the one in the bigger Lyriq, merging both the instrument panel and infotainment system. If you go for the Luxury 2 or Sport 2 trims, you can also get a head-up display, which might just make the extra cost worth it. Even with that giant screen, Cadillac still sticks to physical buttons for heating and ventilation controls, which is a plus for usability.

While it doesn’t have leather, the inside (most materials are recycled), it still feels luxurious compared to other EVs in this category, like the Equinox EV and Prologue. The seats are nicely contoured, and the second row offers plenty of legroom, plus there’s enough space behind for plenty of cargo.

I really liked the cool textures on the surfaces and controls, especially the material on the door trim, dash, and center console. The center console floats above a large area for storage, and there is ample room for drinks as well as in the doors.

Music Appreciation

The best reason to consider purchasing a 2025 Cadillac Optiq all-electric SUV has got to be the AKG sound system come equipped with Dolby Atmos audio as standard, and has 19 speakers behind stainless-steel grilles sprinkled throughout the cabin. The Optiq is the first model to feature this impressive high-end technology from the sound giant. It’s impressively good.

Cargo Space

The 2025 Cadillac Optiq offers 26 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 57 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. This is pretty decent for this segment. Under the cargo area floor, is a briefcase that contains Marcellus Wallace’s soul, just kidding it has a 110 Volt charger and a Tesla charging adapter.

Price

Base prices start at $55,595 for this Sport 2 model. It has the Onyx package, which I mentioned earlier, which includes those 21-inch wheels, Puddle Lamps, and Vader Chrome mirror caps. For $625, you get Monarch Orange paint, and for $600, a black roof. Add that up, and including destination, the total price is $62,310.

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Verdict

This is a very good effort from Cadillac, especially its good looks, its no-compromise interior, and great standard tech. It has decent range, good performance, and surprising handling. I think Cadillac has a winner on its hands.  

2025 Cadillac Optiq Numbers

BASE PRICE: $55,595
PRICE AS TESTED: $62,310
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, SUV
FRONT MOTOR: Permanent-magnet AC
REAR MOTOR: Induction  AC
COMBINED POWER: 300 hp
COMBINED TORQUE: 354 lb-ft
BATTERY PACK: Liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 85.0 kWh
PEAK DC FAST CHARGE RATE: 150 kW
TRANSMISSION: 1-speed direct-drive
CURB WEIGHT: 5,200 lb
RANGE: 302 miles
0-60 MPH: 5.7 seconds
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB: 111/94/103 mpge
CARGO SPACE: 26 cubic feet, 60 cubic feet with rear seat folded
PROS: Beautiful exterior, super smooth ride, Atmos is the bees knees
CONS: Soft handling, lacks thrills