Cadillac teases a V-badged Optiq SUV

Cadillac’s all-electric Optiq SUV will receive the coveted V badge later this year, the automaker confirmed today. It will be the second EV in Cadillac’s lineup to join the performance-attuned V-series, after the reveal of the Lyriq-V earlier this year.

The 2026 Optiq-V will be part of the fifth generation Cadillac’s V-series portfolio, the company announced. The company also emphasized agility, suspension, steering, and “an exhilarating driving experience.” More details, including specs, range, and performance capabilities, will be released later this year.

The standard Optiq was first revealed last year as a compact electric SUV starting at $54,000. The 2025 Optiq sports an 85kWh battery pack that can add about 79 miles of range in 10 minutes when plugged in to a DC fast charger, for a total range estimate of 300 miles. It’s a two-row, five-seat crossover that shares a platform with the Chevrolet Equinox EV. 

The Optiq is likely a good fit for the V-series because it was designed to be a sportier drive than most compact SUVs, with low-rolling tires, diffusers, and a rear spoiler. The dual-motor setup puts out 300 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque — two performance specs likely to get a big upgrade in the V-badged version. (By comparison, the Lyriq-V can put out 615 hp, 650 lb-ft of torque, and accelerate from zero to 60mph in just 3.3 seconds — besting the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing’s acceleration by a tenth of a second.)

The Optiq-V will probably get all the goodies packed into the Lyriq-V, such as traction management features and a “unique sound experience” that simulates an engine growl. Thanks to their quick, seamless acceleration and aerodynamic shapes, EVs are a great fit in the performance segment. Indeed, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi all have performance-geared EVs for sale. Cadillac would be the latest to add its own spin on plug-in power.