GM unveiled the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V late last month, showing off the very-first all-electric production model to wear a Cadillac V-Series badge. This high-performance addition to Caddy’s battery-powered lineup raises an interesting question – should GM consider a high-performance variant of other all-electric Cadillac models? What about, for example, a new high-performance Cadillac Optiq-V?
It’s an interesting proposition, and although GM has not officially indicated that it plans to actually develop or release a new Cadillac Optiq-V, some fans will no doubt take interest in the idea.
Set to launch in the U.S. for the 2025 model year, the Cadillac Optiq is positioned as the entry point to Cadillac’s EV lineup, with the crossover’s dual-motor, AWD powertrain (currently the only powertrain on offer for the U.S. market) offering up a respectable 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The setup includes a permanent magnet motor in front and an induction motor in the rear for additional traction. Notably, the Chinese market will also have the option for a front-wheel-drive variant.
Still, we can’t help but wonder where a V-Series upgrade might take the Optiq. A hypothetical Cadillac Optiq-V could leverage a more aggressive powertrain, swapping the induction rear motor for a new permanent magnet motor for enhanced rear-wheel performance. This could push the power and torque figures into decidedly more thrilling territory, similar to the Lyriq-V’s performance gains.
Of course, the performance upgrades would extend beyond the powertrain. Our hypothetical Cadillac Optiq-V would also rock a sportier suspension and a lower ride height, as well as enhanced braking and signature V-Series exterior styling cues. To this latter point, we’re imagining body tweaks and a more aggressive design that would elevate the crossover both visually and aerodynamically, once again mirroring the approach taken with the new Lyriq-V, as seen in the teaser video below:
With GM’s recent strides in electrification and the expansion of the V-Series portfolio into the EV space, a Cadillac Optiq-V could make for a compelling addition to the lineup. But what do you think? Should Cadillac give the Optiq the high-performance V-Series treatment? Vote and share your thoughts below!
Comments
All Cadillac models should have a V trim. BMW, Audi, Mercedes does. Leaving money on the table if you don’t.
Build a gas model for real cadillac folks!!!drill baby drill.
Obviously, they’ll wait to see if anyone bites with the Lyriq then figure out whether the cost versus market potential will make them enough profit to consider it. These are pretty much just status symbols at this point since whether you’re talking engines or motors, they all output way more power than anyone needs in a street car. There’s practically nowhere you can go to properly use half the power most EV’s make.
Electric V. Is just. Stupid!
EVs will replace all gas cars by 2040. If Rusia wants to fight the U.S. or Iran fights Israel, then oil will go ovef $500 a barrel and gasoline will be to expensive to burn. EVs will replace gas cars sooner.
Unless we go back to producing our own oil and gas.
Put an ICE in it I’ll buy it ..
Absolutely! However, please make sure it lives up to the “V” expectations. Maybe take some notes from Cadillac’s racing team or offer an “Eray” version. Hybrid’s are still the stepping stone for many Americans. Lifetime battery warranty would be nice too but Mary will need to slim her pay a lil bit