When one thinks of a Cadillac entry-level crossover, only one model has come to mind in recent history. However, with the all-electric Cadillac Optiq joining ranks with the ICE-powered Cadillac XT4 as another small crossover offering from Caddy, this will soon no longer be the case. With that in mind, GM Authority was wondering which luxury crossover looks better to you, dear reader.
Of course, the XT4 currently serves as the luxury marque’s smallest and most affordable ICE-powered crossover, while the Optiq is set to fill the same role on the all-electric side. Despite this similarity, the two luxury crossovers don’t share much in common in terms of aesthetics. The Optiq features a design language similar to that of the Lyriq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ, while the XT4 follows design themes showcased in the brand’s other ICE-powered offerings.
Cadillac XT4
Cadillac Optiq
It goes without saying that electric vehicles are the future for the GM luxury brand’s design, but is it really an improvement over the ICE-powered look? Let us know which exterior design language you prefer by voting in the poll below, and fire off your thoughts in the comment section.
As a reminder, the XT4 is powered by the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY gasoline engine, rated at 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to the GM nine-speed automatic transmission with both FWD and AWD configurations available. Meanwhile, the Optiq draws motivation from GM Ultium battery and GM Ultium Drive motor technologies to develop 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.
Regarding structure, the XT4 rides on the GM E2 platform and is produced at the GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City. As for the Optiq, the all-electric luxury crossover will be underpinned by the GM BEV3 platform and will kick off production later this year in Fall 2024. Notably, the Optiq is actually already on sale in China.
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Comments
Both look like old lady vehicles.
To me, it’s the Optiq for sure. As for the XT4, it’s not a bad looking crossover and would be so much better looking if they fully painted it instead of leaving 1/4 of the vehicle with that ugly black plastic. From what I can tell, the new Optiq does have the black but it’s painted.
But the biggest thing that kills the XT4 to me is it’s drive. When I had an XT4 loaner (two of them in total) a couple years ago, it was one of the worst driving vehicles I’ve ever been in. That 2.0 turbo and 9 speed are not well set up and the suspension was terrible. But if nothing else, the Optiq is at least a name unlike XT4.
Optiq is certainly more modern, probably the better looking of these 2.
That said, a CT4-V with a powertrain that wasn’t phoned in would probably look better than either of these choices. Yes, I believe that horsepower can improve a vehicle’s looks! It’s all subjective, after all…lol
None of Cadillac models come to my mind when it comes to buying due to those awquard front and rear lights. Lyriq has been on my list since ever announced but totally disappointed after seeing the design of tail lights, isnt it little too much??
Vote for XT-4
Not a fan of electric vehicles because I take long trips and do not wish to stop every 300 miles to charge it up. That is so dumb.
300 miles at a rate of 70 mph is little over 4 hours. Most people are pulling over to take bathroom breaks and eat. Some even refueling. My envision only gets about 400 miles a tank so its not far off. Yes…. the charging times I get it, but by the time you factor in going to the bathroom and stopping to grab a bite to eat you’d be waiting an extra 10 minutes? Slow down, relax! Enjoy the trip. “It’s not so much the destination as it is the journey.” -Captain Jack And charging times are only getting quicker.
You did fall into the GM rabbit hole trap. You never charge an EV to 100 percent capacity and you never discharge it to zero percent capacity. Optimall of 80-20 comes to mind. Which means using only 60 percent capacity and even that only when EV batteries are new.
Mike
The Optiq for me. The XT-4 isn’t bad looking either, but not up to the Optiq’s styling.
The Optiq is a GREAT looking car/SUV/CUV/ whatever, but it’s electric. If it were available with a gasoline powered V6 or even a hybrid system, I would consider buying or leasing one, BUT I don’t want an EV.
XT4 all the way, baby.
Compare them both to Mercedes, Beemer, Audi, Lexus rivals and get back to me .
I know that imitation is supposed to be the sincerest form of flattery, but the Optic and the Lyric seem to be channeling the Range Rover side surfacing to quite a degree.
The distinction between the two models is very small, due to the very recent refresh on the XT4 (‘24MY). I am disappointed as I was expecting a more drastic styling change between them. Unless the interior occupants space is much improved in the Optic, I do NOT see why I would dish out an additional $5,000 for the Optiq…
It looks like a $54K optic gets you the same equipment as a $56k XT4. Through in the tax credit and it’s actually cheaper
SUV or station wagon?
My wife has the XT4. I like the slightly longer look of the Optiq better. I like the fact that it has an actual name to a greater extent. 95% of our use of the XT4 would be better served by the Optiq. I think GM/Cadillac would sell more electric vehicles, and would sell electric vehicles faster, if they included, within the purchase, the temporary use of an equivalent gas vehicle. In some instances, an upgraded, gas-powered vehicle. This would be great for longer trips and/or towing. I know some subscription services attempted this, but I believe they failed because the subscriber would never end up owning a vehicle. They were Lease only. We tend to maintain 2 vehicles within our household but like to have 1 that we own outright.
The wife had an xt4 and I hated it! Too small and very under powered. Whiney noisy turbo. Don’t like EV’s either.
Recently rode in the rear seat of a XT4. I am 6’3″ and my head touched the headliner, poor rear legroom and too much road noise. The Escalade is a clear winner but too large for our needs.