Cadillac Optiq review

It’s the Cadillac Optiq, the all-electric luxury snack based off of Chevrolet’s Equinox EV, but with a bit more class. The Optiq is the entry-level vehicle of Caddy’s electrified IQ lineup, making the new Escalade IQ and the currently MIA Celestiq the final bosses.

An entry-level luxury EV? In this economy?

Shocking, I know. Believe it or not, compared to just a few years ago, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to all-electric options. While most EVs still skew upmarket, the Optiq is an argument that you can live a certain lifestyle without having to break the bank. Don’t get us wrong, the starting price of about $55,000 isn’t exactly pennies, but given the average price of a new car these days, the Optiq exists in the realm of attainability.

The luxury crossover runs on a dual-motor setup as standard, providing 300hp and 354lb ft of torque, and it comes with an EPA estimate of 302 emission free miles of range.

Ah, so it’s another crossover?

Technically, sure, though if you eyeball the IQ lineup for long enough, you can spot certain stylistic through lines that tend to muddy the waters in terms of typical classification. Some designer’s going to pat themselves on the back when they read this. We met him, in fact. His name is Hoon, which, by the way, is a great name for a car person.

To us, the Optiq comes off as a sharp if bulky wagon that looks contemporary while still retaining the signature Cadillac look. It’s the kind of thing that gives elder millennials pangs of existential panic for liking things they never expected to like.

On the topic of lower back pain…

Yes, there are massage seats.

Got it. Carry on.

Right. While we’re here, the interior of the Optiq is neatly streamlined, and though some physical buttons remain, the centerpiece of the cabin is a stellar 33in digital display that blends the driver interface and the infotainment system together in one unit. It’s busy and takes some getting used to but its functionality outweighs how distracting it can be. 

What’s it like on the road?

So long as we’re doling out back-handed compliments, it’s refreshing to see Cadillac focus on the luxury side of things without worrying too much about sportiness. The all-wheel drive Optiq is firm and easy to drive, it’s just not going to be anyone’s go-to when it comes to tackling the twisties. For a small car, the Optiq has a very broad steering range, making for quite the workout when trying to navigate switchbacks.

That is to say, the Optiq isn’t the car for thrills, it’s for relaxing in-between life’s adventures. Wow, this really is targeting a specific demographic, isn’t it?

The Cadillac Optiq is an intriguing starter car for anyone looking for a bump in their EV-focused lifestyle. The focus on comfort and collection of standard tech features is an effective execution of a classic brand keeping up with the times. Its focus on comfort over sporty handling reminds us of the Genesis GV60 in many respects though its compact stature and streamlined cabin mirrors the Volvo EX30 experience. 

Having said that, there’s little to get super excited about when it comes to the Optiq. Gather up all the things it has going for it - looks, tech, comfort, price - and it still ends up being kind of neat rather than a compelling must-buy. Maybe if there was a Blackwing version? Just kidding, though we suppose this would be a reasonable counterbalance to the CT5-V. Perhaps this is what to get once you trade in the V8 post crisis.