Cadillac has officially confirmed the forthcoming launch of the new 2026 Optiq-V, marking the next chapter in the electric evolution of the V-Series performance portfolio. Building on the recent introduction of the 2026 Lyriq-V, the new Cadillac Optiq-V is expected to offer more power, sharper handling, and more aggressive styling than the non-V-Series Optiq. Official details will be announced this summer.
“Cadillac has confirmed the Optiq has earned the V-Series badge,” GM states. “The 2026 Optiq-V will be part of Cadillac’s fifth generation of the V-Series portfolio, elevating the brand’s performance offering. Building on Optiq’s agile drive, Cadillac engineers delivered a unique package prioritizing precision, a dynamic suspension and tight steering for an exhilarating driving experience!”
While full specs are still under wraps, Caddy’s current EV portfolio provides some context with regard to setting expectations. For starters, the non-V-Series 2025 Optiq features a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup good for 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Given the new 2026 Lyriq-V increases output by 100 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque compared to the standard 2025 Lyriq AWD (515 horsepower to 615 horsepower, 450 pound-feet of torque to 650 pound-feet of torque), the Cadillac Optiq-V is likely to deliver at least 400 horsepower.
As for the specific powertrain in play, there are two possibilities to consider. One possibility is to borrow the permanent-magnet motors found in the Chevy Equinox EV and Chevy Blazer EV, potentially delivering a combined output of 440 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. The other option is to take Lyriq AWD’s motors, which could help the lighter Cadillac Optiq-V sprint to 60 mph in roughly four seconds.
Visually, the 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V will introduce a series of sporty styling cues. Spy photos captured earlier in the year reveal a redesigned front fascia with a more aggressive lower bumper section, a mesh grille, and a chin spoiler. The profile also shows new side skirts, while the rear shows a larger spoiler and a reshaped bumper.
Under the skin, the Optiq rides on the GM BEV3 platform, while production takes place at the GM Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.
First elevated wing for E-Ray?
Minor changes compared to the refreshed 2025 model year.
Same enhancements as with the U.S.-market model.
Water is going where it's not supposed to.
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The next question is pricing. I hope the new tariffs will not make this EV too expensive.
Wonder if there’s gonna be an Equinox EV SS
I thought Caddy's V meant, well, V8. My 2012 CTS-V wagon meant if it had a V on the badge, it was all all ICE, no EV. Oh well, I'll just keep making noise while turning 9s in 1/4.
No. When the V series was introduced, every engine used by Cadillac was in a V configuration (and the majority of their vehicles had the Northstar V8 as the base option. I'm pretty sure it was only the CTS and SRX that were available with a V6 option.
The V in V-series was a tribute to the Cadillac logo introduced after WWII.
Thats what it meant. In 2012.
No, V meant velocity. If it meant V8, why are there none V models with 8 cylinders?
Actually, there is still the Escalade V, which has a supercharged V8 still.
But yeah, it never referred to engine configuration.
V now means a software change to release energy from a battery more quickly, more aggressive fake engine sounds and different light-up plastic to lead the way.
V does a lot more than that, the suspension, tires, and dynamics are changed.
To the best of my knowledge the Lyriq AWD uses GM's 255kW motor in the back and 180kW motor in the front, while the Lyriq-V uses the 255kW on both axles, along with the suspension, brakes and tires.
"I thought..." Well there's your problem. 😂
Yawn...
Cadillac continues to follow Jaguar into the EV wilderness.
ong and they are soon to be lost like them
Drb: EVs are no longer a novelty, or glimpse of things to come. They are here, and a well established norm in some countries. Millions on the road globally. 0-to-red line from an average EV on par with near muscle cars. Distance between charge-ups is not an issue. In a dozen states, including Michigan, charging stations are also not an issue. Better reliability than gas burner, with thousands fewer components. People argued for keeping horses. Against TVs over radios. In favor of gas lamps vs. lightbulbs, too. Do you really want to look backwards as well? Planetary disaster from global warming should be reason enough to reject petrol. Beyond cars, several nations now entirely powered by, or nearly entirely powered by green energy. At a lower cost. Just as powering an EV is cheaper than a petrol burner, which is fundamentally 19th century technology.
Well said. Novel ideas come along and take a while for people without vision to see the benefits - in this case to them personally not to mention our planet.
Ok unc you just keep believing just because something is introduced the whole world is gonna jump aboard in the next decade.
Aint nobody excited for this when its electric, quiet, electric motor hums. The Blackwing v8's is what brought excitement. But like what Dodge is dealing with Cadillac will get a wake up call
I drove a 2025 Chevy Equinox EV and it does not "hum". From the outside you hear a musical tone. Go to any GM dealer and listen to the EVs while powered on. No more noise pollution from obsolete gas engines.
and not one of them will run in WY, MN, SD, ND in the winter -- except for 10 miles. And they'll be over $100k. Caddy is no longer affordable unless you make over $200k. for the new ones.
Mark is wrong. I have 4 Cadillacs and I make under $50,000 a year.
2006 Cadillac XLR-V 2017 Cadillac Escalade 2021 Cadillac Escalade 2024 Cadillac XT4
Plus a 2016 Chevy pickup
The "Experts" have been wrong 99% of the time when Trump does things, this will be no different.