More Powerful 2026 Cadillac Optiq Will Blow Away Audi Rival
Cadillac recently launched a performance version of its smallest EV, the Optiq-V. It runs the larger Lyriq-V surprisingly close in the performance stakes, but with a starting price of nearly $70,000, this Cadillac EV will be far out of reach for many. Fortunately, details about the normal Optiq lineup for the 2026 model year have been shared by GM Authority, and they're quite significant. For starters, a new rear-wheel-drive variant will be introduced, and it's fair to assume it will lower the price to entry for this Cadillac EV.
Related: 5 Reasons Why the New Optiq-V Might Be Cadillac's Best EV Yet
The 2026 Cadillac Optiq with RWD will produce 315 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Impressively, that makes it more powerful than the 2025 Optiq AWD, which makes 300 hp. However, the latter is still more torquey, at 354 lb-ft.
The AWD Optiq has gotten a big boost in output. It now makes 440 hp and 498 lb-ft, easily outmuscling the previous version by 140 hp and 144 lb-ft. The 2025 Optiq AWD was already independently tested reaching 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, so this new AWD model could easily sneak in below five seconds for the benchmark sprint.
Both 2026 Optiqs will use an 85-kWh battery pack with a range of around 300 miles. Plugged into a DC fast charger, the EV will be able to add 79 miles of range in just 10 minutes. According to Inside EVs, the 2026 Optiq will also receive a NACS plug, allowing it to take advantage of the Tesla Supercharger network more easily.
The only other change involves exterior colors, with Crystal White Tricoat being replaced by Vibrant White Tricoat for 2026. Other than this, don't expect the already stylish Optiq to look any different.
Pricing isn't known yet, but the 2025 Optiq starts at $52,895. We expect the new RWD model to be cheaper, but not by much, since it's actually more powerful. Hopefully, this model starts at below $50,000. As for the new AWD model, its big power boost could raise its starting price to over $55k.
To put those estimates into perspective, Audi's smaller Q4 e-tron starts at $49,800 for the 2025 model year, but it only makes 282 hp in base form. If the base Optiq RWD is priced similarly, it easily looks like more bang for your buck. The dual-motor Q4 e-tron starts at $55,200, but its 335 hp is dwarfed by the upgraded Optiq dual-motor with 440 hp.
Production of the 2026 Cadillac Optiq is scheduled to start on August 25, but interested customers will be able to schedule orders about a month before that.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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