Cadillac is hoping to draw new, younger buyers to the luxury brand with its latest V-performance EV model. It has been a difficult group to win over in the past. The 2026 OPTIQ-V has a sportier, yet luxurious design, with lots of power. It is positioned to draw buyers away from other compact SUVs like BMWs and Audis. The OPTIQ-V will have 519 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque. The V-version has a more athletic appearance with a special front fascia and grille as well as body colored lower trim. A carbon fiber package is available, which adds a carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser and rear mid-spoiler.
“V-Series continues to help forge Cadillac’s performance legacy by providing customers an exhilarating driving experience,” said John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac. “OPTIQ-V will be a significant addition to the V-Series portfolio bringing in new customers to the brand and emphasizing Cadillac’s global impact.”
2026 OPTIQ -V Features
- Cadillac-estimated 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds in Velocity Max
- Dual motor all-wheel drive
- 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack that will enable an estimated 275 miles of range
- 21-inch satin graphite alloy wheels
- Brembo® performance front brake calipers
- 33-inch-diagonal advanced LED display
- Standard black painted roof and panoramic fixed glass roof
“The V-Series was a natural continuation with the OPTIQ’s architecture,” said Cockburn. “With Cadillac’s signature isolated precision ride and handling characteristic, tighter steering, enhanced suspension and summer-only tires, our team delivered a unique package that makes OPTIQ-V a fun, nimble drive that’s quicker when cornering.”
2026 OPTIQ -V Adopts the North American Charging Standard
GM is finally switching to the Tesla charging system. The OPTIQ -V will be the first vehicle to have the built-in NACS port. This will give the OPTIQ-V owner better choices for available charging without having to fumble with extra cords and connectors. Charging availability has been a major sticking point for all of the American automakers.
“Integrating the native NACS port into our vehicle architecture is an important step forward, reflecting our leadership in engineering and our commitment to providing our customers with more charging options,” said John Cockburn, OPTIQ-V chief engineer.
Special Drive Modes Accent the Athletic Performance
V-Mode allows drivers to save performance-focused settings. Much like your favorite seat and climate settings, drivers can save their performance settings and a unique sound experience. Drivers get instant access to their preferred performance-driving settings via the V button, mounted on the steering wheel. V-Mode can also be accessed in the Drive Mode app within the 33-inch-diagonal advanced LED display.
Launch Control is designed for straight line acceleration. When the vehicle is in V-Mode or Velocity Max, the OPTIQ-V will deliver a rapid 3.5 second 0-60 acceleration.
Competitive Mode enables traction management features, like precision braking, specifically engineered to increase the vehicle’s agility.
Standard Super Cruise, the industry’s first truly hands-free driver assistance technology.
2026 OPTIQ -V Features Luxurious Interior
The OPTIQ-V’s interior is designed to scream performance. Bright blue seats give a sportier atmosphere. The technology is designed to be user friendly and gives the perception of excitement and energy. The seatbacks feature a unique V-Series perforation pattern, with monochrome V-Series badging with blue accents embroidered on the seat.
Standard woven carbon fiber décor is featured on the center console, while interior V-Series badging is featured on the performance steering wheel, sill plate and floor mats. Ambient lighting is tied to the different drive modes.
Other OPTIQ-V Technology Upgrades Include:
- Standard 19 - speaker AKG Studio Audio System with Dolby Atmos and a stunning 33-inch-diagonal advanced LED display
- Standard Super Cruise driver assistance
- Advanced radar, camera and ultrasonic sensor technology
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind Zone Steering Assist
- Enhanced Automatic Parking
- Forward Collision Alert
Pricing starts at $68,795 which includes destination charges, which should put the OPTIQ-V right in the same zone as similar Mercedes and BMW models. The V-Series SUV, which is assembled in Mexico, should be available this fall.
Cadillac Photo
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
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