Cadillac Hopes to Capture Entry Level Luxury Buyers With 2025 OPTIQ SUV

Cadillac is a huge step closer to launching its entry-level all-electric luxury compact SUV called the 2025 OPTIQ. Cadillac debuted the vehicle in Paris to symbolize the brand’s commitment to Europe and also in Detroit. Cadillac first confirmed plans to build an entry level BEV last year. It will be built on GM’s Ultium platform and is expected to have a range of 300 miles on a full charge. Cadillac already has a LYRIQ
SUV and flagship CELESTIQ sedan. The Cadillac ESCALADE IQ is expected later this year and the VISTIQ SUV should arrive next year. Production on the small OPTIQ should start this fall.

“Cadillac has always defined American luxury, and OPTIQ is an example of how our bold, innovative spirit is propelling us into the EV future,” said John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac. “Over the past five years, Cadillac has welcomed approximately 1 million new customers to the family globally, while our percentage of younger buyers has increased 5% in the U.S. OPTIQ will be an important gateway to attract luxury EV intenders to Cadillac as we look to offer a fully electric portfolio by the end of the decade.”

As I reported last November when the OPTIQ was announced, “OPTIQ will act as the entry point for Cadillac’s EV lineup in North America, slotting in below LYRIQ, a luxury compact SUV. OPTIQ's spirited driving dynamics are designed to appeal to global luxury customers.”

2025 Cadillac OPTIQ

The 2025 Cadillac OPTIQ is aimed squarely at younger buyers. It is expected to be loaded with luxury, including Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving technology.

• Standard dual motor all-wheel drive
• Segment-best cargo capacity and second-row spaciousness
• An 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack
• 300 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of instant torque.
• DC fast charging can add up to 79 miles of range in about 10 minutes.

Cadillac’s 2025 OPTIQ Destined for Europe and North America

OPTIQ will have a global footprint, selling in over 10 regions, including Europe.

“As part of Cadillac’s all-electric entry into Europe, we are excited to host OPTIQ’s debut in Paris. We look forward to providing specifications and opening sales for OPTIQ later this year,” says Jaclyn McQuaid, president and managing director of GM Europe.

2025 Cadillac OPTIQ Promises Great Handling and Sporty Ride

OPTIQ is designed to look sporty and youthful. The 2025 OPTIQ is about 6 inches shorter than the LYRIQ. A rear spoiler, diffusers and sculptural design should improve aerodynamics at the rear of the vehicle. It truly looks like a smaller version of the LYRIQ. OPTIQ gives drivers the opportunity to switch between several Drive Modes, including Tour used for everyday driving, Sport for enhanced road driving and improved steering, Snow/Ice to prevent wheel spin and My Mode which personalizes the driving experience with adjustable braking responsiveness and steering feel.

“With near-instantaneous torque, OPTIQ delivers a unique and spirited driving experience. The Ultium Platform allows us to fit enough muscle into a smaller package to provide a thrilling performance, delivering a sensation of isolated precision,” said John Cockburn, chief engineer.

OPTIQ offers Regen On Demand, 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.

One-Pedal Driving allows the driver to slow down and stop the vehicle using only the accelerator under most driving conditions. The system also converts energy from the OPTIQ’s forward momentum into electricity, which is stored in the battery pack for future use.

A Dual-Level Charge Cord allows the driver to plug into an appliance-style four-pronged outlet (professional installation required) or a standard three-pronged outlet.

Other Design Details Include:

Drivers will immediately notice a 33-inch diagonal advanced LED display with 9k resolution. Advanced radar, camera and ultrasonic sensor technology integrated throughout OPTIQ will help provide customers with enhanced views, sensing and monitoring of their surroundings in a variety of everyday driving scenarios. Standard safety and driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Enhanced Automatic Parking, Forward Collision Alert and several others.

The fixed-glass roof makes the OPTIQ’s interior feel larger. OPTIQ’s rear quarter panel window design is achieved through a Cadillac-first precision pattern in acoustic laminate glass. The graphic pattern is found throughout OPTIQ .

“OPTIQ’s bold design leverages the Cadillac standard for luxury while remaining youthful, sporty and innovative. Its expressive detailing, integrated technology and welcoming interior gives drivers a true immersive experience,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Cadillac Design.

When OPTIQ Will be Available

OPTIQ will offer two distinctive trims — Luxury and Sport. Pricing starts at an estimated $54,000, including destination charges.

Production of OPTIQ will begin late this fall.

Visit www.cadillac.com for more information.

Cadillac Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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