The 2025 Cadillac Optiq has made its formal U.S. debut, dropping in as the luxury marque’s latest all-electric compact crossover. All U.S.-spec Optiq variants are equipped as standard with dual GM Ultium Drive motors; however, buyers in the Chinese market are also offered a single-motor setup. Which leads us to ask – should GM offer a single-motor setup for the Cadillac Optiq in the U.S. as well?
Both approaches have pros and cons. While the dual-motor, U.S.-spec Optiq ensures that every U.S. Optiq customer will enjoy sporty performance, a single-motor powertrain option could provide U.S. customers with a lower starting price, making the crossover more appealing for buyers on a budget. Indeed, high prices are currently considered one of the biggest obstacles to widespread EV adoption. In addition, a single-motor setup could be popular in warmer U.S. states where all-wheel drive is less of a necessity.
There is a competitive aspect to this as well, as entry-level models with a single-motor drivetrain are somewhat common among the Optiq’s rivals. Just a short list of Optiq rivals that offer both a single- and dual-motor powertrain include:
- Audi Q4 e-tron
- Genesis GV60
- Lexus RZ
- Mercedes-Benz EQB
- Tesla Model Y
- Volvo XC40 Recharge
For now, the dual-motor configuration, currently standard for the U.S. market, provides a balanced all-wheel-drive experience and superior performance, but a single-motor option could broaden access to Cadillac‘s luxurious EV experience. The U.S.-spec Optiq currently offers two trims, namely the Luxury and the Sport, with the entry-level Luxury starting at an estimated $54,000. When equipped with the 85 kW GM Ultium battery pack, motor output is estimated at 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.
So, what do you think? Should Cadillac introduce a single-motor Optiq in the U.S., providing greater variety and a lower price point, or should the exclusivity and high performance of the dual-motor setup remain standard? Voice your opinion by voting in the poll below, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac Optiq news, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Why would you think that anyone would care? All auto media types these days are SO out of touch with reality, it’s disgusting.
Why not? Many people living in warmer areas don’t need the AWD and would probably appreciate the extra range. Better to have options.
No, if you want a single motor then get the Equinox EV. Cadillac should maintain its premium.
It would still be a better interior than the EQEV.
They could do a larger motor RWD version that would be a bit sportier than the FWD EqEV.
Personally, I prefer handling dynamics of an AWD drivetrain better. We get a lot of rain and having the power be able to distribute and better 4 corner traction control with dual motors is reallly good.
If “Cadillacs should maintain their premium”, why do all ICE escalades have 2wd across-the-board, on both normal and long models?
And earlier, the Escalade had a “Severely underpowered Diesel option”, at least compared to the ridiculously overpowered Escalade IQ.
Now for myself, I like simple things, which is why I drive a 2wd Lyriq. And I live in snowy, icy Buffalo, NY.
I also happen to know how to drive a vehicle here in the wintertime.
So hopefully they will make the Vistiq with 2wd available.
I like my Caddy dealer, but it may be I’ll have to transfer to Chevy to get what I want.
I say buyers should have a choice !!!
I say I can’t get past the name no matter how many motors.
Missed opportunity for a good pun.
“Can’t see past the bad optiqs of the name”
😜
Yes, produce the single motor model. Most Cadillac owners don’t need a sportier ride. I don’t because I drive short distances below the speed limit and I never get snow. And I like the greater range. But do both models.
Had a LYRIQ loaner last year while mine in the shop, which had AWD – I tested it and its power was downright scary.
MY RWD single motor job has more than enough power for me, and Buffalo Wintertime had no trouble with traction.
Was looking at the almost identical HONDA PROLOGUE, but dealers are not ordering the 2wd version. Told the Honda dealership I’ll seriously look at a 2wd model, but so far the nearest one is in OHIO.
They need to put the bigger battery in the Prologue.
A long range RWD variant would be a good offering.
But I think Cadillac has a winner with the Optiq, as-is.
I’m waiting for a NACS port in a non-Tesla EV though.
The single motor should be standard, with the dual motor optional; I have a single motor Lyriq and love it; I don’t drive off-road (in a Cadillac, who would?) or in snow, etc.
I think do a RWD performance oriented, long range version, near the same price.
And AWD is not just about snow and off-road.
Well, the AWD version of the Lyriq occasionally has some issues. A friend bought the AWD version and says the car drives funny. I noticed a bit of something with the AWD loaner I had, but couldn’t put my finger on exactly what was going on.
Of course there are more issues with an electric since there is no transfer case and synchronizing front and rear axles becomes important.
My RWD model drives perfectly fine.
“ making the crossover more appealing for buyers on a budget.”
Sort of weird thing to say when talking about Cadillac which is a luxury brand.
If someone is looking for a budget EV, look to the Chevy Equinox 1LT.
It should have a motor- as in a ICE.
Ewww
No Plug. No Sale.
Have an AWD Lyriq and yes, it is quite fast (acceleration-not top speed). I am guessing like most buyers, the AWD seemed necessary because I live in the snow belt (though we had little snow this past winter). I sort of doubt anyone is buying a Lyriq for its off road prowess. One thing to note. The Lyriq AWD is a screaming bargain compared to the standard Lyriq. How do you get nearly 200 more horsepower and pounds feet of torque in any vehicle for just a couple of thousand dollars more. The icing on the cake is that that extra power and traction comes at a cost of almost no loss of range. Not sure how they did that, but it’s a great package at a very reasonable price in 2024 terms with a luxury feel, ride and power. Try to match it in another EV, even a pedestrian, non luxe brand, for the price.
AWD is not just about snow and off-road.
AWD has better handling and performance, and good in rainy and wet conditions too, especially with dual motor electric vehicles where it can respond much quicker with torque vectoring and traction control.
No if there’s going to be Buick options anytime soon.
Single Motor? Sure….3.0l twin-turbo V6.
Nah.
No Plug. No Sale.
Yes and that single motor should be at least the 2.0 turbo.
No Plug. No Sale.
The Cadillac Optiq sail (D-pillar) panel reminds me of a pre 1940’s wash board….. GIMMICKY