Cadillac Optiq review

Cadillac has given the Optiq two motors and subsequently all-wheel drive as standard, unlike its sibling, the Equinox EV which has a single-motor FWD base option. Hey, we’re taking things upscale here, why settle for less? This adds up to 300hp and 354lb ft of torque to tap into, though the yield is less than what you might expect. Like any EV, its low center of gravity and torque delivery are inherent qualities of its EV nature, and the Optiq leans on these base qualities without fully capitalizing on them.

Leave the barnstorming to the Blackwings, eh?

We’d say so. There are many Caddys that can duke it out in the arena of sport, this just isn’t one of them. What handling and pull it has is best put to use in quick darts around the city or on highway stretches. In either case, drivers can utilize one-pedal driving at their convenience, as well as a paddle-activated ‘regen on demand’ function by the steering wheel. It’s essentially a hand-activated brake that you can feather on declines for energy recovery or panic-squeeze if someone in front of you stops short.

What else does it have going for it?

In terms of driving convenience, Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving assist is standard on all Optiqs, allowing drivers to lounge - attentively - in the cabin on highway journeys. The EPA has given its estimate of the Optiq’s total range as 302 miles, which is plenty for average use. Charging at a DC fast charger will net drivers 79 miles of range in 10 minutes or 55 miles per hour of charge at a level 2 wall charger. Different drive modes like tour and sport ostensibly tweak the steering weight, pedal response and damper stiffness, though you’d be hard pressed to truly suss out the differences in practice.