Cadillac Optiq-V Dual-Motor Electric Crossover Presented

Earlier this year, Cadillac unveiled the Lyriq-V crossover. It was the first electric vehicle to be awarded the V designation, which the company uses for its most powerful, driver-oriented cars. Now, the second electric V-model is ready: the smaller Cadillac Optiq-V crossover has been introduced in the U.S. Remarkably, only a little over a year has passed since the debut of the base Optiq crossover.

Visually, the V-version doesn’t stand out much compared to the base model. The front is adorned with a more aggressive bumper with pronounced air intakes, original graphics have appeared on the rear pillars, and a large diffuser is integrated into the rear bumper. A carbon-fiber body kit can be ordered for an additional fee. New colors added to the body palette include Deep Ocean Blue and Magnus Metal Gray. Original 21-inch wheels come standard.

Inside, a continuous 33-inch display for the instruments and media system, now with Google services support, is retained. V-version features include a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, abundant carbon-fiber decor, and V-badging. The interior uses recycled materials fabric with blue accents. An extended blue decor package, including front seat backs and seatbelts, is available for an additional fee. Crossovers will feature a panoramic roof and an AKG Studio audio system (19 speakers) with Dolby Atmos technology.

The Cadillac Optiq-V has a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system rated at 526 hp, which is less than the higher-end Lyriq-V model (624 hp). However, the peak torque is the same 880 Nm. In Velocity Max mode (essentially launch control), the 2470 kg crossover can accelerate to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in 3.5 s compared to 3.3 s for the Lyriq-V crossover. The 85 kWh traction battery provides a range of 443 km according to the American EPA methodology, 43 km less than the standard Optiq. However, the V-lettered super-crossover is the first Cadillac EV with a standard NACS connector, providing access to the Tesla Supercharger network. In ten minutes, the battery can acquire enough charge for a range of 113 km.

Other features of the Optiq-V version include a sports-tuned adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes (with fixed calipers on the front wheels), and specially welded summer tires for the fast electric vehicle. For the U.S. market, this clarification is important, as cars sold there typically come with all-season tires as standard.

Production of the Cadillac Optiq-V super-crossover will begin this fall. In the American market, the EV will cost from $67,300, which is nearly $10,000 less than the higher-end Lyriq-V model. The fast Optiq-V will also be available in Canada, Mexico, Israel, and the Middle East.