General Motors has announced that its new entry-level Cadillac Optiq electric vehicle will start at $54,000. The compact crossover, Cadillac’s fourth electric vehicle, is expected to hit the market later this year.
Cadillac’s vice president, John Roth, stated, “Cadillac has always defined American luxury, and Optiq is an example of how our bold, innovative spirit is propelling us into the EV future.” The Optiq, introduced at a Cadillac showroom in Paris, will be available in 10 regions, including North America, China, and Europe.
The launch of the Optiq comes as automakers aim to make EVs more appealing by introducing more affordable models, mainly due to slower-than-expected sales. The Optiq’s pricing, excluding EV incentives like federal credits of up to $7,500, makes it a more accessible option in Cadillac’s EV lineup.
This lineup currently includes:
- $59,000 Lyriq midsize crossover,
- $300,000-plus bespoke Celestiq sedan,
- The forthcoming $130,000 Escalade IQ SUV.
The Optiq represents GM’s strategic move to reenter the European market after selling its operations there in 2017. Additionally, it offers an opportunity to regain market share in China, where GM has experienced significant sales and earnings declines in recent years.
Design-wise, the Optiq features Cadillac’s signature sleek vertical and horizontal lighting and a black grille. It boasts a spacious 33-inch diagonal LED interior display and incorporates GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance system. The Luxury and Sport trims vehicle includes an 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack with a dual motor all-wheel drive propulsion system, delivering an estimated 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.
Overall, the Optiq is estimated to have a range of 300 miles on a single charge. Additionally, a DC fast charger can add approximately 79 miles of range in about 10 minutes.
As GM continues to innovate and expand its EV offerings, the Cadillac Optiq aims to attract a broader audience and solidify the brand’s presence in the growing EV market. Optiq will be produced at GM’s Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.
