2026 Cadillac Optiq Debuts with RWD Base Model, 519HP Optiq-V, and Tesla Supercharger Access

Cadillac is wasting no time evolving its electric SUV lineup. Just a year after the debut of the 2025 Optiq, the brand is giving its most affordable EV a major performance and accessibility upgrade for 2026—including a new rear-wheel-drive (RWD) base variant, a high-output AWD version, and a new Optiq-V performance flagship.

New RWD Base Model with Lower Price, Higher Power

The 2026 Cadillac Optiq RWD becomes the new entry-level configuration, expected to undercut the 2025 AWD version’s $54,000 starting price. But it’s no slouch:

Power: 315 horsepower

Torque: 450 Nm

Battery: 85 kWh Ultium pack

Range: ~483 km (300 miles est.)

Interestingly, the new base model produces more horsepower than the outgoing AWD version, showing Cadillac's focus on performance—even at the entry level.

AWD Model Gets a Massive Power Boost

The 2026 Optiq AWD isn't sitting still either. Cadillac increased the output to:

Power: 440 horsepower

Torque: 675 Nm

That’s a 140hp increase over the 2025 version, offering true AWD excitement in a compact luxury SUV form.

Meet the 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V: 0–97 km/h in 3.5 Seconds

Cadillac is also introducing the Optiq-V, a V-Series high-performance model:

Dual-motor AWD system

Power: 519 horsepower

Torque: 880 Nm

0–97 km/h (0–60 mph): 3.5 seconds (Velocity Max mode)

This places the Optiq-V in direct competition with performance EVs like the Mustang Mach-E GT and Tesla Model Y Performance.

Dimensions & Platform

Built on GM’s BEV3 platform, shared with the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV, the Optiq features:

Length: 4,820 mm

Width: 1,913 mm

Height: 1,644 mm

Inside, drivers get a luxurious experience with a 33-inch sweeping LED display, now a Cadillac EV signature.

Charging & Tesla Supercharger Access

All models use the same 85 kWh Ultium battery, offering:

127 km (79 miles) of range in just 10 minutes via DC fast charging

Standard NACS port, unlocking Tesla Supercharger access across North America

2026 Styling & Paint Update

There are no major design changes for 2026, aside from one notable paint swap:

Crystal White Tricoat retired

Replaced with Vibrant White Tricoat

Production & Order Timeline

Production starts: August 25, 2025 – GM Ramos Arizpe, Mexico

Dealer configurations open: June 26, 2025

Customer order processing begins: July 24, 2025

2026 Cadillac Optiq Trim Summary

Trim Drivetrain Power Torque 0–97 km/h Battery

RWD Rear-Wheel Drive 315 hp 450 Nm ~6 sec (est.) 85 kWh

AWD Dual-Motor AWD 440 hp 675 Nm ~5 sec (est.) 85 kWh

Optiq-V Dual-Motor AWD 519 hp 880 Nm 3.5 sec 85 kWh