Earlier this month, GM Authority published images of the upcoming Cadillac Optiq-V, representing the brand’s second fully electric V-Series variant after the launch of the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V. Details are obviously forthcoming at this point, and the vehicle itself has yet to be officially confirmed by Cadillac.
That said, this camouflaged prototype obviously signals its existence, and we’re left wondering: what electric powertrain is the Optiq-V getting?
The 2025 Cadillac Optiq that’s now on sale is equipped as standard with a two-motor setup providing 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, along with an all-wheel drivetrain. Since the Lyriq-V boasts 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, or precisely 100 ponies more than the regular Lyriq AWD, the future compact Caddy hot rod should benefit from at least 400 horsepower.
To achieve this, GM could either replace the smaller, rear-mounted induction motor with the same magnetic motor driving the front wheels, which produces 220 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque in the front-wheel-drive Chevy Equinox EV and Chevy Blazer EV. Doing so would result in a combined 440 horsepower and 486 pound-feet for the Optiq-V. Such an output would provide strong acceleration numbers without fear or upstaging the bigger and costlier Cadillac Lyriq AWD.
Another possibility is to simply borrow the Lyriq AWD’s electric motors outright, which yield a combined 515 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. These output levels allow the Lyriq to rip from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, so a potentially lighter Optiq-V could reach that speed in approximately 4 seconds.
Stopping duties would be handled by Brembo front brake calipers with oversized rotors all around, just like on the Lyriq-V. We can also expect, or hope, that the Cadillac Optiq-V will be equipped with a Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspension, as found on the Lyriq-V as well.
Though the spied prototype doesn’t reveal precise design details, we can spot a lower and more aggressive front fascia, different side sills, a sportier rear bumper and a liftgate spoiler. The Cadillac Optiq-V prototype is wearing what appears to be one of the regular Optiq’s six wheel design options, specifically the LPO or dealer-installed 21-inch Gloss Black alloy wheels (RPO VSP) that’s part of the Onyx Package (RPO PDB).
The current 2025 Cadillac Optiq uses GM battery technology and GM drive motor units, and is available in Luxury 1, Sport 1, Luxury 2 and Sport 2 trim levels in the U.S. and Canada. The Optiq is based on the GM BEV3 platform and built alongside the Chevy Equinox EV, the Chevy Blazer EV and the Honda Prologue at the GM Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.
Comments
Hopefully they will use the motors from the Lyriq AWD model. HP and torque around 500 each. Will make for a great ride. Get 0-60 times in the mid to upper 3 second range.
The Optiq-V presents an interesting challenge for Cadillac in terms of model differentiation, which is a struggle we’re seeing with EVs in general. With the commoditization of electric powertrains—where many models end up using similar battery and motor setups—it becomes harder to make each vehicle feel distinct. This is especially tricky for a performance sub-brand like V, where traditional factors like engine displacement and unique tuning played a huge role in setting models apart. How do you ensure each V model has its own identity without stepping on the toes of others?
For the Optiq-V, I think Cadillac should be targeting a 0-60 time in the low 4-second range. That would likely mean using the Lyriq AWD setup with the Velocity Max tuning, and pricing it in the $65K-$70K range. This keeps it from overlapping too much with the highest-tier Lyriq AWD while still giving a stepping stone up to a more powerful Lyriq-V.
It’s a strategy that mirrors what we’re seeing with the Vistiq. The Vistiq and Lyriq-V have similar performance figures and some pricing overlap, but the Lyriq-V gets the performance enhancements and sportier branding. Vistiq-V seems like a near certainty—Cadillac could add the usual performance upgrades, trim a couple of tenths off the 0-60, push it closer to 3 seconds, and price it in the ~$100K range.
This approach builds a well-structured portfolio of electric V and non-V SUVs, but the big wildcard is the Escalade IQ-V (do we have enough letters?). If Cadillac goes that route, we could see something in the 3s for 0-60, similar to what the Hummer EV has achieved.
That said, Cadillac still needs a true CT5-V replacement. The CTS/CT5 lineage is the heart of the V brand, and while high-performance electric SUVs are cool, they can’t fully replace the hardcore performance sedan that has defined Cadillac’s enthusiast following. Whether it’s electric or something else, they need to deliver a real performance car to keep the V legacy alive.
I am interested in the Cadillac Optiq but I am watching the news about the Trump tariffs on Mexico. I hope it never happens!
My money is on the Blazer EV-SS power train that is built in the same plant in Mexico.
Interesting how we’re getting V models in the Cadillac SUV EV models, but we never saw any V models in there XT lineup. I guess that’s why I purchased a Genesis GV70, same money way better vehicle. I’ve had CTS-V’s and have CT4 V Blackwing, awsome.
I’m glad to see all those v series and all that horsepower so it can be used on the Long Island Express Way ,…