V Is For Velocity: The 2026 Cadillac Optiq V-Series
About that headline:
Sue, you can say "V" is for whatever you like. My site, my definitions.
This is the 2026 Cadillac Optiq V-Series. That name may require some explanation.
Cadillac has a line of electric SUVs, all of which have names that end in "iq". The Vistiq is the largest and most conventional-looking of the bunch, with styling that resembles the now-departed gasoline-powered XT6. Below that are two smaller SUVs with new design language for Cadillac, the Lyriq and the Optiq. And although they didn't change the name completely, there is an electric version of the Escalade called the Escalade IQ, along with a long-wheelbase version called the Escalade IQL.
As for the V-Series, that's Cadillac's performance sub-brand, analogous to Mercedes-Benz' AMG or BMW's M cars. I've reviewed several here, including the Lyriq-V, the CT4-V Blackwing, and the CT4-V Series. There was once a differentiation between V-Series and just plain V, with the V being the hotter cars, but Cadillac's consumer literature has blurred those definitions to the point where, as of this writing, they appear interchangeable.
While non-V Optiqs have 315 horsepower in single-motor rear-wheel drive models and 440 horsepower in dual-motor all-wheel drive models, the Optiq V-Series (available only in dual-motor all-wheel drive) dials that up several notches to 519 horsepower. Cadillac says it is capable of 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and based on experience with EVs that do that sprint in as little as 2.8 seconds, I'm inclined to believe them.
Of course, if you're going to drive like that, you're going to use up some electrons. The EPA range estimate for the Optiq V-Series I drove is 250 miles, which is the third-lowest range per charge of any EV I've reviewed in the last two years (behind the Volkswagen ID. Buzz (231 miles) and the Fiat 500e (149 miles two years ago, since upgraded to 153).
Recharges are reasonably quick, with 10%-80% in roughly 25 minutes on a DC fast charger. There are quicker charging vehicles out there, and the Cadillac is held back by an architecture that can only accept a 150 kW maximum charging speed.
There's a decent but not earth-shaking 26 cubic feet of rear cargo space behind the second row of seats. Fold those and there's 57 cubic feet.
Rear seat passengers get what Cadillac calls a segment-best amount of rear-seat legroom---37.8 inches, and everyone inside, regardless of row, is treated to a luxurious, snazzy (that may be the first time in 29 years that I have used the word "snazzy" in a review and I am making a note not to do it again) interior that reminds you you're in a Cadillac V.
The base price of the 2026 Cadillac Optiq V-Series is $67,300 ($68,795 including destination). That money buys a substantial amount of standard equipment (see the window sticker at the end of this review).
A quick note that last month, Cadillac's parent company, GM, announced it was undoing its plan to remove Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its vehicles, a process already under way in its EVs (this Optiq does not have them). GM is introducing a new user interface for its 2027 full-size pickup trucks with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and that UI will spread across all GM products, though a specific timeline is yet to be determined.
Our tester had a few extra-cost options: The exterior carbon fiber package was $5,700, the Charging & Convenience Package 2 (upgraded tires, a cargo area cover, different brake rotors and linings and a 19.2kW AC charging module) added $2,555, a charge for "California Emissions requirements", which appears to include two charging adapters, was $600 and blue brake calipers with the V-Series logo on the front put another $595 on the tab.
Bottom line on the window sticker: $78,245.
Worth it? It's a nice car. But it's also within nine grand of the as-tested price of the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V I reviewed in April, which is even quicker, has more passenger room and cargo space and an additonal 35 miles range per charge (285 instead of 250). I think Cadillac's affluent customers might like it even more.
2026 Cadillac Optiq V-Series at a glance:
Price: $67,300 base/$78,245 as tested
Battery: 102kWh
Horsepower: 519
Torque: 650 lb-ft
Transmission: Single-speed
Curb Weight: 6,062 lbs.
0-60 Acceleration (manufacturer data): 3.5 seconds
EPA Fuel Economy Estimate: 83 MPGe
EPA Range Estimate: 250 miles
Class competitors: Lucid Gravity, Volvo EX60, BMW iX, Lexus RZ, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric
