Cadillac continues its transition to becoming a fully electric automaker with the introduction of the 2025 Cadillac Optiq, a compact EV crossover.
From a design standpoint, the 2025 Cadillac Optiq shares numerous styling details with its larger brother, the Lyriq. This includes angular styling with distinct vertical lighting elements and a light-up “crystal black grille” on the front that features LED lights embedded in dark laser-etched plastic with choreographed lighting.
Available in both “Luxury” and “Sport” trims, the Sport versions will feature a different grille design with a more muted lighting pattern.
Wheels will range from 20″ on Sport 1 and Luxury 1 trims up to 21″ on Sport 2 and Luxury 2 trims. Perhaps the most unique design element is the dashed patterning on the C-pillar that plays off the patterned lines in the Cadillac logo. It’s a unique treatment, to be sure.
The rear of the 2025 Cadillac Optiq features a Cadillac Escalade IQ-inspired design with split taillights that are also reminiscent of recent Volvo designs like the EX30 and EX90. Overall, it’s a sharp-looking crossover likely to resonate well with its target market.
Inside, it is much the same story as the exterior, with a Lyriq-inspired cabin. A sweeping 33-inch 9k LED screen combines a digital driver’s display with a central infotainment touchscreen, the same screen found in the Lyriq (and upcoming Vistiq). This screen features built-in Google technology, including native Google Maps and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are notably absent.
The overall interior design is a bit more angular and faceted than the Lyriq’s, featuring interesting materials like fabric on the dash made from recycled yarn and wood trim made from a combination of newspaper and tulip wood. A 19-speaker audio system will be standard equipment, a step up from the Lyriq’s standard 7-speaker setup.
Notably, the 2025 Cadillac Optiq will feature both standard AWD and standard SuperCruise, which is a departure from previous Cadillac models. This should make all trims of the Optiq that much more appealing to potential customers, especially as other competitive brands already offer their hands-free driving systems as standard.
The 2025 Cadillac Optiq will feature an 85 kWh battery that is good for an estimated 300 miles of range and produce 300 hp. This gives the Optiq more range and makes it more powerful than the Chevrolet Equinox EV with which it shares its platform. The Optiq will also be able to gain up to 79 miles of range in around 10 minutes on a DC fast charger.
From a size standpoint, the 2025 Cadillac Optiq is roughly 6.9 inches shorter than the larger Lyriq. It also features a 166.3-inch wheelbase (5.7 inches less than Lyriq), an 83.7-inch width (3.2 less than Lyriq), and is 64.7 inches tall, making it ever so slightly taller than the Lyriq.
Cadillac is estimating a starting price of around $54,000. The 2025 Cadillac Optiq will go into production this fall, with deliveries likely to begin shortly after that.
