2026 Cadillac Optiq Gets Cheaper and More Powerful for 2026

Miami Herald

17 hours ago

Cadillac's push into the electric era started with the Lyriq, but it's the smaller Optiq that's shaping up to be the brand's most approachable EV. Positioned as the most compact and affordable electric vehicle in the Cadillac lineup, the Optiq already offers a sharp design, solid range, and a more premium feel than most compact electric crossovers.
For 2026, the Optiq receives a host of updates, including more powerful powertrains and increased charging access, but the biggest headline is a surprising one: it's getting cheaper. According to dealer order guides accessed by CarsDirect, Cadillac is trimming thousands off the Optiq's sticker, making its most attainable EV even more competitive against rivals from Audi, BMW, and Tesla.
For the 2026 model year, Cadillac is slashing $1,995 off the price of every Optiq trim except the high-performance V variant. That puts the base Optiq RWD at just $50,990, a 3.8% drop from the 2025 model's $52,895 MSRP. The Sport trim follows suit at $51,500, while Premium Luxury and Premium Sport drop to $53,100 and $53,600, respectively.
Apart from being a better deal in isolation, the price cut also makes the Optiq more competitive against similarly sized rivals like the Audi Q4 e-tron. It's worth noting that the Audi starts at $49,800 with less power and fewer standard features.
These price cuts come as part of a broader strategy: Cadillac has reconfigured the powertrain offerings, moving the base model to a single-motor RWD layout. We just didn't expect the price cut across the range.
The 2026 Optiq RWD makes 315 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, outgunning the 2025 AWD model's 300 hp. For buyers wanting more, the 2026 AWD variant gets a massive upgrade, now making 440 hp and 498 lb-ft – up 140 hp and 144 lb-ft from last year.
All 2026 models continue using an 85-kWh battery, good for around 300 miles of range, depending on the drivetrain. DC fast charging enables 79 miles of range in 10 minutes, and a new NACS plug means Optiq drivers can now access Tesla's Supercharger network. A new Vibrant White Tricoat replaces the outgoing white paint option, but otherwise, the exterior design remains unchanged.
Production of the 2026 Optiq begins August 25, with order books opening later this month. If you've been waiting for a luxury EV that doesn't break the bank, this could be Cadillac's strongest pitch yet.
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