For the last 20 years or so, the launch of any new Cadillac model has raised the question of whether there will be a V-Series variant. This is even true of the brand’s EVs, with the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V being the luxury marque’s first electric vehicle to wear “V” badging. GM confirmed that a Cadillac Optiq-V is coming and trickled out a couple of taser images. Now, a couple of Reddit posts on the r/CadillacOptiq subreddit by user achapm have revealed an upcoming Cadillac Optiq-V hiding in plain sight.
Due to a lack of any “V” badges on the body, this may look like an ordinary Cadillac Optiq at first glance. However, seeing it packed next to a non-V Optiq makes it evident that the decidedly sportier red electric crossover you see in these photos is something different.
Up front, the Optiq-V has a notably larger “grille” than the Optiq Sport 1/Sport 2 models with liberally applied gloss black trim between the headlights. The lower part of the front fascia has a painted strip, and the very bottom has an aggressive-looking aero blade.
The rear fascia has a similarly sporty treatment with less black, more paint, and a lower rear bumper design resembling a diffuser. It also has painted lower cladding along the sides that’s normally black, and it appears to have V-specific etching on the rearmost windows. Further, the Optiq-V doesn’t have any chrome garnish on the flush door handles like every other Optiq.
The body of this Cadillac Optiq-V doesn’t have any “V” badges on it, but the wheels have the “V” logo etched into one of the spokes. On the Lyriq-V, the only “V” badge is on the tailgate, and we expect a similar treatment for the production version of the Optiq-V.
“Cadillac has confirmed the Optiq has earned the V-Series badge,” GM stated in April when it confirmed the Optiq-V for production. “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!”
Under the skin, the Optiq rides on the GM BEV3 platform, while production takes place at the GM Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.
Comments
Maybe someone can point out the design differences??? Cause I’m trying, but I can’t see very much. Maybe the area immediately to the right and left of the front grill? And the etched glass design by the D pillar? 👀 👀 👀
The front end is pretty visually different. Not only is the sheetmetal blacked out around the faux grille, the lower clip which includes the air intake has been reshaped.
Also, the black trim around the wheel wells and the back bumper are now matching in body color.
Hmmm, Lyriq V, Optiq V,…..VISTIQ V!!!!!
Kudos to Cadillac for giving the V more substance. It’s pretty funny to see people complaining that this isn’t visually distinct enough when the usual complaint is that it’s “just a trim package.” I do agree that it could be a little easier to identify it as a V, but in this case, it’s a luxury crossover, not a sports car. I’ll bet they figured IYKYK. There’s probably also a design balance between making the V look great and the other ones look cheap, and having them all be desirable with the V just being the icing on the cake.
Do you have info on when 2026 production of the Optiq begins?
Will be available I believe around Fall.