Rosalind Evans
In a decisive move to strengthen its position in the electric vehicle (EV) market, Cadillac has announced the introduction of the Optiq, a new entry-level EV in the form of a compact crossover. Positioned to expand Cadillac’s EV lineup, the Optiq will come in below the brand’s current entry-level Lyriq, with a starting price of around $59,000. The unveiling of the Optiq underscores Cadillac’s broader strategy as the brand targets an exclusively electric portfolio by 2030, a vision shared and amplified by its parent company, General Motors, which aims for an all-EV offering by 2035.
Cadillac remains tight-lipped on the specifics of the 2025 Optiq, including its price tag, but anticipates its sale in the U.S. market by next year, with an eye towards broader horizons, including North America, China, Europe, and potentially other regions. The Optiq marks the fourth EV in Cadillac’s stable, following the Lyriq, the ultra-luxury Celestiq sedan, and the forthcoming electric iteration of the Escalade SUV. Despite the brand’s ambitious electric future, it faces the headwinds of supply chain disruptions and challenges in ramping up domestic battery cell production, which have delayed the broader rollout of its EVs. Cadillac’s slow EV production has not dampened its global aspirations, as indicated by the expansion of EV sales to Australia and New Zealand with a right-hand-drive Lyriq.
Cadillac’s vice president, John Roth, expresses confidence in the brand’s trajectory, stating, “Cadillac is experiencing great sales momentum thanks to our strong product portfolio — and we are now expanding our business globally.” He adds that introducing the right-hand-drive Lyriq will “enable new opportunities in important markets where EV adoption is strong.” As Cadillac gears up for its electric era, the Optiq is poised to play a pivotal role in capturing the hearts and drives of a new generation of EV enthusiasts.
The Optiq’s introduction signals Cadillac’s commitment to electrification and its readiness to contend in an increasingly competitive EV market. With plans to go all-electric by 2030, Cadillac’s roadmap delineates a transformation in its fleet and a strategic pivot towards a sustainable and electrified future. The journey towards this future will be powered by vehicles like the Optiq, designed to blend luxury with the environmentally conscious ethos of the modern driver.
