Cadillac reveals Optiq-V with 519 hp

The all-electric compact SUV is the latest Cadillac vehicle to receive the high-performance V-Series badge.

Cadillac Optiq-V exterior — *The Cadillac Optiq-V is a powerhouse electric compact SUV. – GM Canada photo*

Cadillac has revealed the high-performance version of its smallest and least-expensive electric SUV.

The newly launched 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V packs an estimated 519 hp and 650 lb.-ft. of torque when the driver selects Velocity Max mode.

That’s enough power to propel the compact SUV from zero to 96 km/h (60 mph) in 3.5 seconds, Cadillac said.

The Optiq-V is slated to go on sale in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Middle East and Israel and production will begin in the fall of 2025.

The Optiq-V is also the first General Motors vehicle with a built-in North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, allowing it to charge at Tesla Superchargers.

The automaker said the new vehicle, the latest to wear the V-Series badge, takes the standard Optiq and enhances it for driving enthusiasts.

“The V-series was a natural continuation with the Optiq architecture,” said John Cockburn, Optiq-V chief engineer, in a news release. “With Cadillac’s signature isolated precision ride and handling characteristic, tighter steering, enhanced suspension and summer-only tires, our team delivered a unique package that makes Optiq-V a fun, nimble drive that’s quicker when cornering.”

The Optiq-V has a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with a battery pack with a capacity of 85 kWh.

It has an estimated driving range of 443 kilometres.

Cadillac Optiq-V rear — *The Cadillac Optiq-V has an estimated 443-km driving range. – GM Canada photo*

Performance features

Drivers can select various performance-focused settings, such as Competitive Mode and V-Mode via the V button on the steering wheel.

Cadillac said the vehicle’s launch control, when V-Mode or Velocity Max is activated will result in zero to 60 mph runs of 3.5 seconds.

Competitive Mode is designed to increase vehicle agility via the traction management system.

Brembo fade-resistant performance front brakes are standard, with calipers painted in blue or red and wearing a V-Series logo.

Cadillac Optiq-V interior front — *The Cadillac Optiq-V has a standard 33-inch screen. – GM Canada photo*

Other standard tech

The electric SUV has a 33-inch diagonal LED screen and a 19-inch AKG Studio audio system with Dolby Atmos capability (subscription required).

Super Cruise capability is standard and the vehicle comes with a three-year Super Cruise plan included.

Advanced radar, camera and ultrasonic sensor tech is also part of the package as is a suite of various safety and driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind zone steering assist, enhanced automatic parking, forward collision alert and more.

The Optiq-V also has Google built-in, but some features, such as Google Assistant, require a subscription for full functionality.

*The Cadillac Optiq-V is a high-performance version of the Optiq. – GM Canada photo*

Canadian pricing hasn’t been announced.

Full vehicle details are available on the Cadillac Canada website.