Cadillac Will Give the 2026 OPTIQ a V-Series High Performance Package

Cadillac is giving its smallest SUV a huge boost. The 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ EV will be available in a V high performance option. Cadillac is not showing the new performance version, just the newly designed front end. The OPTIQ EV crossover is designed as a global vehicle. It debuted in Paris as a 2025 model.

The 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ V

Cadillac isn’t releasing performance numbers for the new Cadillac OPTIQ V at this point. The company released a statement saying “Building on OPTIQ’s agile drive, Cadillac engineers delivered a unique package prioritizing precision, a dynamic suspension and tight steering for an exhilarating driving experience!”

The compact SUV is positioned as Cadillac’s entry vehicle. When it debuted last year, John Roth, Cadillac’s global vice president said, “Cadillac has always defined American luxury, and OPTIQ is an example of how our bold, innovative spirit is propelling us into the EV future. Over the past five years, Cadillac has welcomed approximately 1 million new customers to the family globally, while our percentage of younger buyers has increased 5% in the U.S. OPTIQ will be an important gateway to attract luxury EV intenders to Cadillac as we look to offer a fully electric portfolio by the end of the decade.”

The current model has 302 miles of range with 300 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of instant torque. DC fast charging can add up to 79 miles of range in about 10 minutes. The OPTIQ is six inches shorter than the Cadillac LYRIQ EV, which will also have a V high performance model. The OPTIQ V will join the growing Cadillac EV lineup, which also includes LYRIQ, LYRIQ V, ESCALADE IQ, ESCALADE IQL, CELESTIQ and VISTIQ. OPTIQ will have a global footprint, selling in over 10 regions, including Europe. Cadillac has singled out the V-Series to represent power and performance. The V-Series celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. When the LYRIQ V was announced earlier this year, Cadillac said in a statement. “In the EV era, V-Series vehicles will be characterized by their exceptional performance, instantaneous acceleration, competitive range, and standard all-wheel drive.”

Athletic and Agile Performance

In test drives this year, the 2025 OPTIQ was praised for its athletic handling. The smaller vehicle is designed to draw younger buyers into the luxury brand and the all-wheel drive crossover maneuvers well and is very agile. The rear spoiler gives a sportier appearance and helps the aerodynamics.

It will be fascinating to see how much the V-Series will boost the 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ’s performance. If the OPTIQ V can give drivers the incredible handling and control that German vehicles like BMW and Audi are known for, it should be successful on the global stage.

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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