Cadillac Revamps Optiq

Cadillac Powers Up the Optiq

Cadillac’s making waves in the electric vehicle world with an exciting update to its compact EV lineup. The latest in the mix is the spruced-up 2026 Cadillac Optiq. What makes this round of updates noteworthy? Well, Cadillac is serving up a new rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model alongside a more powerful all-wheel-drive (AWD) version. The goal here is clearly to broaden the appeal with something for enthusiasts and budget-conscious buyers alike while leaning on the renowned American electric car maker’s distinctive style.

RWD Debut

Cadillac’s all-new RWD Optiq enters the arena packing quite a punch. It churns out 315 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This power makes it more robust than the 2025 AWD model, although the latter still beats it in torque with 354 lb-ft. This sets the stage for an enticing experience for those preferring the RWD dynamics over AWD surefootedness. RWD enthusiasts will find it’s no slouch on performance.

Potent AWD

On the flip side, Cadillac’s AWD Optiq is getting an impressive upgrade, now hitting 440 hp with 498 lb-ft of torque. This hefty power jump, 140 hp and 144 lb-ft more than the prior model, suggests it’s ready to blaze past 60 mph in under five seconds, setting it up as a true performance contender within Cadillac’s EV portfolio. The performance is set to outshine the previous sub-6-second sprint, giving it an edge over many of its segment peers, both in terms of raw acceleration and the driving thrill it can deliver.

Battery and Range

Powering these electric rockets is an 85-kWh battery pack promising a respectable range of around 300 miles. For those with wandering feet, a 10-minute fast charge can inject about 79 miles of extra range, a boon for planning longer trips or needing a quick top-up between errands. Cadillac throwing in a NACS plug only sweetens the deal, opening doors to the expansive Tesla Supercharger network, ensuring seamless access to charging stations.

Price and Look

The 2026 Optiq’s exterior gets a minor refresh with the adoption of a crisp Vibrant White Tricoat finish. While styling remains largely unchanged, it seems plenty tasteful already. The talk on pricing is speculative at this point, shaking out predictably with minor shifts likely. Looking to undercut rivals, the new RWD could start a smidge under $50,000, almost neck to neck against the likes of Audi’s Q4 e-tron, which kicks off at $49,800 with less punch.

Rolling out in summer with production beginning August 25, enthusiasts and prospective buyers could start placing orders a month ahead. Cadillac is setting the stage to capture imaginations of traditionalists and tech fans alike with an evocative mix of motoring marvels, ensuring there’s something enticing in the garage for everyone.