2026 Cadillac Optiq-V Goes to the Gym, Comes Out a Much Better Sprinter
Cadillac, which achieved its best-ever quarter in Canada earlier this year, owes much of this success to the all-new Optiq electric crossover, so it's no surprise that the company is adding a performance model following the lead of the Lyriq-V.
According to Cadillac, the new 2026 Optiq-V unveiled today should account for 10 percent of total Optiq sales, satisfying customers who don't consider the regular model's 300 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque to be enough. How about 519 hp and 650 lb-ft? That's what you get in Velocity Max mode, reducing the 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration time to 3.5 seconds with launch control activated.
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To manage it all, the vehicle benefits from an enhanced suspension, specially developed summer performance tires, stronger Brembo front brakes (with blue- or red-painted calipers) and firmer steering. And let's not forget the V-Mode, which is accessible via a button on the steering wheel and allows drivers to save performance-focused settings, including Competitive Mode and a unique sound experience.
As you can imagine, range will take a hit. While the Optiq can officially travel up to 486 km with a fully charged 85kWh battery, the Optiq-V should be able to drive up to 443 km, Cadillac claims. Importantly, it will be the first General Motors electric vehicle to incorporate an NACS (North American Charging Standard) port, allowing direct access to Tesla Superchargers.
On the outside, the 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V stands out with various blue accents, a unique front fascia (including a signature V-pattern mesh in the lower grille) as well as an available carbon fibre package that adds a carbon fibre front splitter, rear diffuser and rear mid-spoiler. V-Series badges can be found on the rear doors and liftgate, while the 21-inch wheels boast a unique design and satin graphite finish. What’s more, two limited-edition body colours can be specified including Magnus Metal Frost (matte metallic grey) and Deep Ocean Tintcoat.
Returning with the same 33-inch curved display, the interior offers two palette options: Noir with Santorini Blue accents, and Noir and Sky Cool Gray with Santorini Blue accents. The seats have an exclusive pattern, too. A 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system and Super Cruise hands-free driving technology are other highlights.
Set to go up against the Polestar 4 and the upcoming Genesis GV60 Magma, the 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V will enter production this fall in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. Canadian pricing has yet to be announced, but given the nearly 20-percent markup applied in the U.S., expect it to be around $80,000.
