Cadillac is coming back to Australia this year as an electric-only brand, led by the BMW iX-rivalling Lyriq – and it could be followed by the smaller Optiq.
Launched in China a few weeks ago, the Optiq has now been detailed for the US market – and Auto Express has reported word from General Motors’ luxury brand that it’ll be produced in right-hand drive for the UK market.
That opens up the distinct possibility of it coming here, and indeed GM has previously teased the Lyriq won’t be Cadillac’s only model locally for long.
“The Optiq is an exciting new addition to Cadillac EV lineup globally,” said a spokesperson for GM Australia and New Zealand today.
“We are focussed on launching Cadillac and the Lyriq into Australia and New Zealand this year, and will make further product announcements next year.”
Cadillac has confirmed the Optiq will have a “global footprint” and be sold in over 10 regions, including Europe.
The luxury brand has released key specifications for the Optiq for markets like the US, where it will offer different batteries to those used in China.
The Optiq will also forego the single-motor, front-wheel drive variant offered in China, which produces 180kW of power and 330Nm of torque, with all models sold in North America and Europe to feature a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup.
Cadillac hasn’t confirmed where non-Chinese market Optiqs will be built when production begins in spring (September-November); Chinese-market Optiqs are produced in China by the SAIC-GM joint venture.
In the US, the Optiq range will open at US$54,000 (A$81,505), just below the Lyriq which opens at US$58,590 (A$88,758) – and which Cadillac has said will be “priced competitively” within its segment in Australia.
US-market Optiq specifications are below:
| Cadillac Optiq | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Dual-motor all-wheel drive |
| Power | 224kW |
| Torque | 480Nm |
| Battery | 85kWh lithium-ion nickel cobalt manganese |
| Range | 483km (estimated) |
| DC fast charging time | 127km in 10 minutes |
| Kerb weight (minimum) | 2355kg |
Cadillac hasn’t confirmed the charge rates.
The Optiq will feature a one-pedal drive mode.
Externally, there’s a clear kinship with the larger Lyriq, Vistiq and Escalade iQ SUVs without it looking like the smallest of a family of nesting dolls.
Inside, the similarity with the larger Lyriq is more pronounced.
Ahead of the driver is a 33-inch curved LED display with 9K resolution, while music can be played through a 19-speaker AKG sound system with Dolby Atmos.
The cabin is bathed with sunlight thanks to a fixed glass roof, while there’s interesting fabric trim – woven from yarn made from 100 per cent recyled materials –that can be found on the dashboard and doors.
The Optiq also offers PaperWood veneer, made of equal parts tulip wood and recycled newspaper.
Dimensions are as follows:
| Cadillac Optiq | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4820mm |
| Width (incl. mirrors) | 2126mm |
| Height | 1644mm |
| Wheelbase | 2954mm |
| Boot space (seats up) | 744L |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1603L |
The Optiq is slightly larger than the BMW iX3, which is 86mm shorter on a 90mm shorter wheelbase. It’s also slightly longer and narrower than a Tesla Model Y.
In contrast, the Lyriq is 5005mm long, 2207mm wide and 1623mm tall on a 3094mm wheelbase, putting it close in size to a BMW iX.
GM has trademarked all Cadillac electric SUV nameplates in Australia, including not only the Lyriq and Optiq but also the already revealed Vistiq and Escalade iQ.
MORE: Why GM is continuing post-Holden revival with Cadillac
MORE: Cadillac leaves door open for plug-in hybrids
MORE: Cadillac Optiq: Tesla Model Y rival detailed
MORE: Cadillac commits to selling only electric cars in Australia
MORE: Cadillac getting ready to roll out more electric cars in Australia
MORE: Cadillac locked in for Australia in 2024: Everything you need to know
