Hands-On: 2025 Cadillac Optiq is Entry-Priced EV Luxury

We're taking a deep dive into the 2025 Cadillac Optiq, the luxury brand's latest EV offering. With Optiq Chief Engineer John Cockburn, we'll explore the design and features of this premium SUV, which joins the likes of the Lyriq and Escalade IQ. Similar in size to the Cadillac XT5, this entry-level electric car will go up against competitors like the Audi Q4 e-tron and Lexus RZ electric vehicles. We'll discover the range, pricing, and technology that GM thinks will win over new EV buyers.
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⏱️ Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:54 Light Animation
1:17 What Is Optiq?
2:42 Dimensions
4:50 EV Specific Features
5:42 Platform
7:14 Charging Port
10:14 Interior
15:10 Cargo Space
17:42 Availability
18:16 Conclusions
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[@randomcheese1719]

one of the best looking cars on the market, hands down

[@Hybridog]

GM's EV design language is really very nice. This is a slick, nicely styled vehicle with a lot of interesting details. Cadillacs have become more eye catching in the last 10 years or so and this one is no different. Looking forward to seeing them on the road.

[@ALMX5DP]

Looks pretty slick. They’re leaning heavy into the EV market so hopefully GMs brands can keep up with the demand.

[@Nebula1701]

It's sooo interesting for GM how different teams target their customer base with vehicle configurations. Here are the different drive configurations you can get in the current ultium CUV lineup. Blazer EV: AWD, FWD, and RWD Lyriq: RWD, or AWD Equinox: FWD, or AWD Optiq: AWD

[@ejd1984]

When you compare the dimensions (Length, Width, Wheelbase), the Optiq is really a premium Equinox EV

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

Not a single car reviewer has noted that the Lyriq doesn't have a brightness knob for the infotainment center - it pretty much does what it wants. Dims, brightens, goes very dim and activates ambient lights - at will.

[@krane15]

Obviously its set to ambient adaptive.

[@ac1888]

I like it.

[@MyMovie5858]

This body proportion looks much better than the Lyriq.

[@Travis-nm1qw]

The rear end definitely looks better. I just don't understand why this doesn't have better range. It has a pretty big battery and relatively low h.p.

[@MyMovie5858]

@@Travis-nm1qw it has a relatively high drag coefficient , so the range is not as good as it could've been. If you are driving mostly in city traffic, it probably not going to matter too much.

[@ronniemullis8717]

I’m waiting patiently, when will it be available? What about a Two Tone Tan Interior? That goes with a lot of exterior colors.

[@ltkwok]

I hope there will lots of this orange at the dealers. Keep the black/white/grey/silver inventory to zero if you can.

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

Not a single car reviewer has noted that the Lyriq doesn't properly index file folders from a USBC thumb drive.

[@krane15]

Too bad there's not a panoramic roof that actually opens. I don't order a sunroof because its glass, but as an alternate to get ventilation. Especially during the Autumn and Spring. I can't say that I find this trend of a sun roof that actually opens.

[@Just-a-guy926]

A Ultium platform mates comparison test would be helpful.

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

Ask him: WHERE'S THE CARGO COVER? Ask him: WHERE'S THE CARGO NET?

[@DavidWestonDesign]

The color chosen (orange) leaves me asking - why !!!

[@keeponkeepinon76]

I have to pay a subscription to use maps. Nope, no sale.

[@onenickthomas]

8 years, or use your phone's built in connectivity. I think thats probably fine since thats like 3rd owner problems considering a lease, and off-lease, and a trade in lifecycle

[@krane15]

Nickle and dime stuff? Yeah, that ship has sailed.

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

I don't think the market needs the Optiq. The market needs the VISTIQ. A lot of taxi/limo guys are buying Lyriqs to use for their services but they lack the 3rd row seat and cargo capacity of the XT6. The XT4 makes more sense than the Optiq. The Lyriq was meant to replace the XT5, but the problem GM has is that the XT5 and XT6 were too damn good. Using regular unleaded they still get about 20mpg. The XT5 and XT6 are also way cheaper than the Lyriq. The Lyriq and Optic are premium EV and dominate the segment since they give you a level of luxury that you would need to spend a whole lot more for if you bought a German luxury EV. And I don't speak from opinion: I own a 2024 Lyriq AWD luxury 3 and an 2018 XT5

[@rudiknaus4139]

I like it, but at the colour choice they have to work..

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

Dealer lots are flooded with Lyriqs. Why not get a low interest lease on a Lyriq instead of going smaller with an Optiq? The XT4 has the Lyriq's infotainment display and isn't burdened with public charging. Fully loaded, it's still $2000 cheaper than an Optiq's starting price.

[@MyMovie5858]

XT4 is much smaller than Optiq, and it does not qualify for the $7500 tax incentive nor can you get the Supercruise in XT4 at any price.

[@bahamatodd]

Majority of charging is done at home and you start every day with a full battery. The XT4 is much more of a burden having to regularly stop at a gas station.

[@novaguy9767]

The hood isn't short so I"m not sure why they couldn't get a frunk but it's not a deal breaker. It's a nice looking vehicle, GM in general does well with design. People complain about not having Carplay but so long as the Infotainment system is snappy it shouldn't matter, the Google based systems seem pretty good. No word on how fast it is, anything sub 5 secs 0 - 60 is acceptable, don't need sub 4 secs.

[@Nebula1701]

Equinox EV is around 6 seconds and this shares the platform, there could be small adjustments/tuning for the Optriq but that's the baseline.

[@TurfSurf]

Craig needs to bring his trademarked cheesey jokes back for the reviews! I miss them so much!😂😂😂

[@EVPulse]

They appear here and there. Depends on how much time we have to shoot and prepare.

[@krane15]

But he does them so well.

[@mrallelectriccarlunacy]

Hmm the 2027 Cadillac Fishtiq I see on this lot looks a lot like an Aptera.

[@kbarrett1844]

Sharp vehicle. I would hope that Cadillac also considers some hybrid variants as well.

[@krane15]

Unlikely. It would appear they're skipping over the hybrids. That's a Toyota thing.

[@mrallelectriccarlunacy]

Looks mostly good but I’m really tired of plastic around the wheel wells exaggerating the gap. Bizzy Forks makes the same mistake. Folks lower their car mostly to get rid of that look.

[@mrallelectriccarlunacy]

Make the trim match the body color.

[@mrallelectriccarlunacy]

And why the anti-Supercharger F-150-style charge door?

[@krane15]

The trend, like those glass sun roofs that don't over to vent air.

[@jtp1984]

150kw charging is absurdly laughable for a premium brand!😫 Kia Hyundai do with 350wh!

[@moarpwr4414]

150kW is definitely laughable, however the Kia and Hyundai really only hit around 240kW tops. Still works though for the 10%-80% in 15-20 minutes. As a Kia EV6 owner, charging speed is key and a primary decision maker. I drive way too much and that charging speed is what really separates it from the rest.

[@bahamatodd]

Watch out for Hyundais misleading marketing. When they talk about charging notice they always mention when USING a 350 kW charger. That does not mean they charge at 350 kW.

[@BensEcoAdvntr]

I like the look, but specs wise this is basically a Chevrolet Equinox EV

[@brucemcdou]

Correct, but that’s not bad. I grew up with cars in the 70s and 80s. Cadillac then was just a Chevrolet with a lot of chrome and shiny bits along with all the power options. So no surprises and not much to go wrong. Nice to see they finally have figured out that’s the most foolproof way to make a reliable luxury car. I like this and would consider it.

[@onenickthomas]

I think they made plenty of changes to justify.

[@gd2bking1]

It's called economy of scale! ALL MANUFACTURERS DO IT! STOP!!!

[@PaulHo]

Still doing the reverse lights just to unlock, I see. 🤢

[@krane15]

On the other hand, light check.

[@BTC909]

Cadillac Equinox

[@gd2bking1]

It's called economy of scale. All manufacturers do it. STOP!!!

[@BTC909]

So no NACS wait until 2026.

[@frankcoffey]

That's why this is a time period to lease rather than buy. We are not to the new standard yet, let someone else get stuck with the CCS cars.

[@ALMX5DP]

What’s wrong with using an adapter for the infrequent times you might go to a Supercharger?

[@BTC909]

@@ALMX5DP You can lose it. Possible communication issues. The vehicle & charger have to handshake to start the charging. I see those garbage adapters on Amazon. If someone used one of those could they damage the charger & inturn the next person's vehicle. Also do adapters affect charging speed. Any heat issues? Unlocking issues?

[@ALMX5DP]

@@BTC909 sure it’s a little bit of an inconvenience to have to have an adapter (but that will remain true for NACS vehicles trying to use the vast sea of CCS stations for a while), and though quality can be an issue if you have a recommended adapter brand or model all it is is physical wiring and pin location changes. It will not affect handshakes or anything else. A good adapter should support more throughput than current Superchargers can provide so I don’t think any concern there as well. It’ll be bulky but far from a dealbreaker in my mind.

[@rod2625]

I really don’t like that wannabe spaceship look!

[@krane15]

Cadillac speak: that's Art and Science.

[@gerhardk98]

GM dropped car play, I drop GM 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@jjoehler]

only on there evs, it’s competitive with tesla

[@kenhiett5266]

They aren't marketing this car to Chevrolet Spark customers anyway.

[@gerhardk98]

@@kenhiett5266 Hope the snide remark makes you feel superior.

[@kenhiett5266]

@@gerhardk98 It has nothing to do with feeling superior. It's just true. The vast majority of Cadillac buyers won't care.

[@MrProy33]

Another crappy EV. Hard pass.

[@gd2bking1]

You don't like it, you don't want it, so NO ONE SHOULD!!! MMMMKAAAAYYYY!!!

[@kenhiett5266]

The next 20 years are going to be difficult for you.

[@krane15]

Give one reason why. Otherwise, just hate speech.