After the Lyriq and Celestiq, Cadillac lifts the veil on a 3rd 100% electric model, the Optiq. The electric SUV should notably arrive on the European market but it has not yet revealed all its technical characteristics for the moment.
While some manufacturers are already well advanced in terms of electrification, others are still a little behind. This is for example the case of certain American brands, such as Cadillac. It must be said that the firm is best known for its roaring V8s, rather than its electric cars. But this is changing.
A new electric SUV
Indeed, the company is keen to catch up, whilein 2020 she unveiled the Lyriq concept, announcing an eponymous electric SUV made official a little later. While the latter has not yet been launched, the American firm has also lifted the veil on its Celestiq, a large, very high-end sedan, which will display an exorbitant price at its launch. But Cadillac doesn’t intend to stop there.
This is how the manufacturer has just present its 3rd 100% electric model. The latter this time bears the name Optiq, thus retaining the nomenclature of this zero-emission (exhaust) range. For now, only two official images have been published, showing the design of this new arrival which should display dimensions smaller than those of the Lyriq.
As a reminder, the latter still measures no less than five meters long. But for the moment, we do not know the figures for this new addition to the catalog. In any case, the latter adopts certain elements reminiscent of the large SUV, and in particular the light signature. However, we note that the front side is a little less busy than the latter. At the rear, we discover quite futuristic vertical lights, while the lines are overall quite aggressive.
This new Optiq seems sport a slightly cut silhouette, totally on trend. And for good reason, more and more manufacturers are adopting this type of profile, starting with Peugeot with its new e-3008, among others. On the other hand, Cadillac has not yet posted photos of the driving position of its electric SUV, which could notably compete with the Tesla Model Y.
An arrival in Europe?
Will it have the right to the huge 33-inch curved OLED screen of its big brother? Nothing is less sure. Because the new Optiq should adopt a position slightly lower than the latter, which should logically result in a slightly smaller allocation as well. But nothing has been confirmed yet. The manufacturer also does not say a single word about the engine of its SUV in its very short press release.
The latter only indicates that this Optiq will play the entry-level role but will still target customers fond of luxury models. We simply know that it will be equipped with an electric motor, undoubtedly less powerful than the 340 horsepower announced for the Lyriq. Will he be entitled to the Ultium platform, particularly compatible with bidirectional charging? The mystery remains unsolved for the moment.
In any case, we will probably have to expect see the latest arrival of the American brand here. With its size which promises to be relatively compact, it could indeed make the journey to Europe, while we know that General Motors is preparing its return here. The Lyriq should also be part of the trip, starting next year for our Swiss neighbors and then in 2026 for France.
With this offensive, Cadillac hopes to overshadow Tesla, already well heckled by Chinese manufacturers, and in particular by BYD. Indeed, the latter is in the process of catching up with the American firm and announces that a very intense price war is being prepared. Other models from GM could also arrive here, including the Hummer EV.