Cadillac has already debuted the Lyriq, Escalade IQ, and Celestiq as part of its bold transition to an all-electric lineup. But the company is not resting on its laurels. It has a new model in the pipeline, christened the 2024 Cadillac Optiq. It’s a compact electric SUV that promises performance, comfort, and gas-free operation. The Optiq uses GM’s Ultium platform, which also powers other Cadillac models. The Ultium platform offers flexible battery sizes, fast charging, ample range, and low maintenance costs. The Optiq will have a standard rear-wheel-drive configuration and an optional all-wheel drive system as well.

Optiq Showcases Cadillac’s New Design Language

The Optiq showcases Cadillac’s new design language, with a smaller and more agile profile. It also features a distinctive grille, LED lighting, a sculpted hood, and a sloping roofline. The interior is spacious and luxurious, with a digital dashboard, a large touchscreen, and premium materials. This baby Lyric also provides advanced driver assistance systems, wireless connectivity, and a high-fidelity sound system.

Available Around The World

The new CUV will go on sale in the U.S., China, Canada, and the Middle East, starting in 2024. The exact pricing and specifications are yet to be announced, but the Optiq is expected to be more affordable than the Lyriq, which starts from $57,195. The Optiq will compete with other compact electric SUVs, such as the Tesla Model Y, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Designed for Urban and Rural Environments

All of this is part of Cadillac’s vision to become a leader in the electric vehicle market and to offer a diverse portfolio of EVs for different customers and preferences. The Optiq is designed for those who want a compact SUV that can handle both urban and rural environments, without the need for fossil fuels.

Electrified Mag’s Take

The Optiq is a baby Lyriq and it looks like a winner. Despite the UAW drama, softening EV demand, and continued charging hurdles, GM said it would deliver 30 EVs before 2025 and the Optiq helps fulfill that promise. GM raised the EV caution flag publicly, pausing its autonomous division Cruise (and firing its head honcho), and moving the goalposts in reaching its million unit EV sales by mid-decade.

Nonetheless, slowing down a bit will give GM some breathing room to get its Ultium Cells factories up and running. GM is not alone in using caution in the new EV landscape. Ford, VW, and Stellantis have all either canceled battery factories, EV development, or postponed them for the time being. We think this EV slowdown will be temporary and whoever takes their foot off the accelerator for too long will be left behind. The way to keep score these days is to pay attention to what’s coming out of the pipeline from manufacturers, not cautiously crafted PR statements.