2 hours ago
5
Cadillac has introduced the Optiq medium SUV as a rival to the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC, but priced higher than Chinese EV competitors.
Electric Cars
The 2026 Cadillac Optiq is set to arrive in Australia as the American luxury brand’s new entry-level model.
Smaller than the Lyriq that’s been on sale since 2024, the Optiq fits into Australia’s prestige medium SUV class, led by vehicles like the BMW X3, but also home to models as diverse as the Kia EV5 and Tesla Model Y.
With Cadillac’s Australian showrooms comprising an entirely electric line-up, the Optiq will be offered with a 75-kilowatt-hour battery and a driving range rating of 425km with energy consumption of 19.9kWh/100km.
Despite this rating, a driving range of closer to 376km is suggested by the 19.9kWh/100km consumption figure, based on the 75kWh battery size.
Just one variant will be offered, the Optiq Sport, with a dual-motor powertrain providing a combined 224kW and 480Nm.
Pricing for the 2026 Cadillac Optiq starts from $80,000 before on-road costs
The Optiq measures 4820mm long, with a 2954mm wheelbase, making it 65mm longer nose-to-tail with an 89mm longer wheelbase than the segment’s top-selling BMW X3.
Charging will be capable of 22kW AC, or 150kW DC on a compatible charger. Cadillac claims 10 minutes at the maximum charge rate will result in 94km of additional range, but doesn't quote 10-80 per cent charge times.
Standard equipment includes a 33-inch one-piece dash display that creates a single interface for infotainment and instruments, 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system with Dolby Atmos compatibility, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charge pad.
Seats are trimmed in a ‘premium’ PVC faux-leather upholstery called Ineluxe, with quilted and perforated finishes on the seats. Front seat heating, ventilation, and massage, heated rear seats, and electric front seat adjustment are also included.
The Optiq also comes with accent fabrics made from recycled yarn, 126-colour ambient lighting, and eight years of complimentary access to Cadillac Connected Services, which includes Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the myCadillac smartphone app for remote access and charge management.
The Sport model grade includes features like 21-inch dark painted alloy wheels, Brembo front brakes, a ‘Black Crystal’ grille finish, black-out treatment for exterior brightwork, and a panoramic glass roof.
The Optiq includes one-pedal and regen-on-demand EV regenerative braking modes, alongside Tour, Snow/Ice, Sport, and customisable MyMode driving modes.
The Optiq features passive (rather than adaptive) suspension, with a front MacPherson strut and rear five-link design.
The $80,000 Cadillac Optiq Sport undercuts traditional prestige medium SUV rivals like the petrol-powered Audi Q5 TFSI (from $81,000 plus on-road costs), BMW X3 20 xDrive (from $87,300 +ORCs), and Mercedes-Benz GLC200 (from $85,400 +ORCs).
The Optiq also undercuts the electric Audi Q6 e-tron, from $99,900 +ORCs, with the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology, yet to have their Australian prices announced.
Electric rivals in the segment offer lower starting prices, however, including the Cupra Tavascan ($60,990 – $74,990 +ORCs), Tesla Model Y ($58,900 – $89,400 +ORCs) and Zeekr 7X ($57,900 – $72,900).
2026 Cadillac Optiq price in Australia
Note: above prices exclude on-road costs.
2026 Cadillac Optiq standard features:
Electric Cars Guide
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
