2025 Cadillac OPTIQ

Behold the new entry point to the Cadillac electric lineup: the new 2025 Optiq. Considered a compact SUV along the lines of the Audi Q4 E-Tron, Mercedes-EQ EQB SUV, Volvo XC40 or Tesla Model Y, the Optiq will slot in under the Lyriq two-row SUV, the Vistiq three-row SUV and the range-topping, super-luxe Escalade IQ three-row SUV. I recently got an up close look at the Optiq ahead of its reveal.

The Family Look
You’ll likely not mistake the new Optiq for anything other than a Cadillac — unless you mistake it for a new Kia, which apparently has adopted Cadillac’s front-end look almost to a fault. The boomerang-shaped headlights and light-up grille draw direct comparison with literally everything else in the modern Cadillac lineup, and while it’s attractive, it’s becoming less distinctive as other brands are apparently doing much the same thing.

The Optiq is a lot more distinctive in the back, with two-level taillights that somewhat recall Volvo’s wagons and SUVs, but in more angular, less cohesive ways. The really interesting styling bits are the rear-quarter window panels, which are barely windows at all. When you look at them from the inside of the car, you realize that the only bit of that oddly decaled black glass that you can see out of is a tiny sliver at the front of it. The rest of it is meant to disguise the massively thick D-pillar support structure that’s likely needed for roof-crush strength standards. Overall, however, the new Optiq looks good, chunky and solid, and it brings the distinctive new look that Cadillac has been using across its showroom to a new class.

Nice Inside, in the Modern Way
The interior is a pretty combination of new materials and familiar shapes. Most interesting is the choice of using a woven fabric as the main covering for most of the interior panels. The doors, dash, console and other panels are all covered in the beautifully textured, unique textile that almost certainly will show stains and schmutz with age. Putting it atop the door panels feels like a questionable move, especially for any drivers who routinely rest their sweaty arms there while driving. One wonders how well or easily it can be cleaned.

The big 33-inch mixed gauge cluster and multimedia screen is exceptionally bright and easy to use. It runs on a Google operating system that will have mixed opinions among fans; if you’re already part of the Google universe, integrating your accounts and smartphone will be fantastic, but if you’re an Apple fan, well, there’s bad news. Just like nearly all of GM’s  new EV offerings, Apple CarPlay will not be offered. Also interesting was a quote from the SUV’s chief engineer at the Optiq’s unveiling to the press: “That screen is amazing. That screen is luxury.” I’ll wholeheartedly disagree with that, as it’s that kind of thinking that is increasingly permeating the auto industry; no screen is “luxury,” regardless of how good its display quality is.

As for spaciousness, there’s plenty for the front-row passengers, with comfortable seats and acceptable headroom, despite the presence of the panoramic moonroof. The second row has decent legroom, but it is a bit more cramped, with headroom that’s a bit tight for people taller than 6 feet. The rear floor also feels higher than expected, giving you more of a knees-up position than you might expect, but the Ultium battery system’s under-floor position is the reason for that. Cargo room is not as impacted, however, with plenty of space behind the second row for luggage and groceries.

Will It Sell?
The 2025 Cadillac Optiq is the smallest of the bunch of current and forthcoming Cadillac SUVs, and it features the lowest price: around $54,000 to start (including destination), according to Cadillac. The Mexico-built Optiq with its North American-sourced Ultium battery system should qualify for the federal $7,500 EV tax credit, too, Cadillac executives told Cars.com, meaning its effective base price should lower to around $46,500 for qualified buyers, sweetening any lease deals, as well. That’s plenty competitive with other compact electric SUVs, and given Cadillac’s style, content and the Ultium’s impressive performance, it’s likely going to be a popular option in this burgeoning field.