The 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V Is Tiny, But Packs A Big Punch

Cadillac performs a dichotomous role within General Motors. The brand has joined Corvette at the apex of GM’s combustion performance, with its powerful V Blackwing sedans and upcoming entry into Formula 1. But Cadillac is also the spearhead of GM’s electrification push, with a burgeoning lineup of electric crossovers boosting sales.

The two movements appear at odds. But Cadillac is bridging the gap between them. The Lyriq received the V treatment earlier this year. And as Cadillac teased, the smaller, nimbler Optiq is getting it as well. Cadillac just unveiled the 2026 Optiq-V.

The Cadillac Optiq-V Delivers More Than 500 Horsepower

The base Cadillac Optiq provides a reasonable 300 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The Optiq-V provides substantially more punch. Its dual-motor AWD system produces up to 519 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. And more power is only part of the equation. The Optiq-V comes with a V-Mode, featuring an array of performance enhancements to help owners make the most of it. With Launch Control in V-Mode or Velocity Max mode, the Optiq-V can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Competitive Mode lets the driver customize traction management settings for optimal handling.

Cadillac fitted the Optiq-V with standard Brembo front performance brake calipers, available in blue or red. Owners can opt for sportier summer tires and a carbon fiber package, which adds a carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser, and rear mid-spoiler.

Boosting Performance Doesn’t Kill The Optiq-V Range

Typically, when a manufacturer delivers a substantial performance boost to an EV, it comes with a significant reduction in range. The Kia EV6 GT, for instance, drops to 231 miles of estimated EPA range, compared to the GT-Line AWD’s 295 miles. However, the Optiq-V does not suffer quite as steep a drop. With its 85-kWh battery, the Optiq-V, according to GM’s in-house estimates, only drops to 275 miles of range compared to the standard Optiq’s 302 miles.

The Cadillac Optiq-V Gets A Tesla Charging Port

The automotive world is converting to the Tesla/NACS charging port. General Motors offers an NACS adapter for its vehicles to use the Supercharger network. But the 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V won’t require an adapter. It is the first GM EV to launch with a native NACS port rather than a CCS port. Most GM EVs should switch over in 2026.

Standard Tech Features On The 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V

• 33-inch LED display
• 19-speaker AKG Studio Audio System With Dolby Atmos
• Super Cruiser
• Google built-in infotainment with Google Maps and Google Assistant

Priced To Go And Styled To Match

Cadillac says the 2026 Optiq-V will hit dealers in Fall 2025. The starting MSRP for the Optiq-V is $68,795. That’s $9,800 less than the Cadillac Lyriq-V, which starts at $78,595. Alternatively, it’s $8,195 more expensive than the 615-hp Chevy Blazer EV SS, which starts at $60,600.

Borrowing styling features from its electric V siblings, the Optiq-V looks the part, sporting royal blue brake calipers, V-series badges, and the unique V-mesh pattern in the, erm, grille. It rides on 21-inch alloy wheels in a satin graphite finish, although these can be swapped for polished and painted items in a ‘dark sport finish.’

As standard, the roof is painted black and has a panoramic fixed glass roof. Meanwhile, two new paint hues are limited edition options: Magnus Metal Frost and Deep Ocean Tintcoat.

The interior leans into the sporty aesthetic, continuing the blue theme with Santorini Blue accents. These are paired with upholstery in either Noir or Noir and Sky Cool Gray. Naturally, there’s woven carbon fiber on the center console, because no high-performance car can do without it nowadays.