Sometimes, you just need to be invited in. Many of us feel that way, after all. If we’re wanted in a particular place, we’ll be invited. So when it comes to electric luxury cars, consider the Cadillac Optiq an invitation to be a part of the future, of both Cadillac and of luxury cars.
The Optiq is Cadillac’s way of saying “come on in and see what we’re all about.” The company did this by putting many of its best features into the all electric Optiq and then pricing it at what might be considered entry-level for a luxury car: $54,000 (with the $7,500 federal tax incentive it comes down to $46,500).
And for that price the slate of standard features alone makes this the equivalent of finding a brand new Valentino handbag buried on the discount table at Neiman’s: It’s authentic, you get the full experience and the price will make you smile broadly every time you think about your new bag… or car.
We got a sneak peek at the Cadillac Optiq and this is what it’s all about.
The Cadillac Optiq has an Electric Power Plant That Can Go The Distance
Underpinning the powertrain in the Optiq is the GM Ultium battery-electric system. This is GM’s proprietary system also found in the Lyriq, as well as the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Hummer EV and Chevy Bolt.
Ultium benefits include a fast charging infrastructure—Optiq will be able to charge up to 79 miles in 10 minutes at a DC fast charger; and a solid range—drivers should get up to 300 miles per charge from the 85-kWh battery.
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The Optiq’s List of Standard Features Will Spoil You
And really, once you drive this car, it will be a challenge to go back to a car that doesn’t have these features. The Cadillac Optiq’s two trims—Luxury and Sport—will be filled with lots of great features, starting with massaging seats.
Yes, standard massaging seats. And then, a panoramic glass roof, head up display and ambient lighting. All standard.
And, the digital rear view mirror is standard. That’s because there isn’t a rear windshield wiper—you can thank Cadillac when you don’t have to clear the rear window on a snowy morning. Instead there is a rear view mirror camera that provides a video view of the road behind the car. And Super Cruise hands-free driving is standard; while it’s a subscription service, it’s complimentary for the first 3 years.
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Lots of Power is Standard, Too
The Optiq’s all electric power train will generate 288 HP and 333 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s less than the 340-500 HP that the Lyriq puts out, but enough for a compact SUV this size to give you confidence on the on-ramps or passing a truck. And with more torque than HP, it’ll feel quite zippy.
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There’s Jewelry For the Hand
This may be one of my favorite details: Centered on the console is the multimedia dial and cup holders, all outlined in textured metal. I was instantly drawn to this detail, but maybe that’s due to the ambient lighting that really highlights it, especially in low light. Either way, its distinctive and elegant. And pretty.
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Google’s Operating System Powers the Multimedia Experience
If the jewelry-like features aren’t the first thing you notice, then this will be: The 33″ wide multimedia screen that spans the dash. It’s powered by Google, with “Hey Google” voice assistance. On the left side you’ll find navigation, music and apps —though not Apple CarPlay; that is not part of GM’s multimedia offerings.
On the right side you’ll find a driver display with crisp graphics and another control panel to the left of that. The design is Cadillac’s crown jewel (for now) and it sets the tech tone for this car.
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The Elegant Floating Center Console Offers Storage
Another great detail inside the Optiq is the floating center console. It extends from between the front seats and leaves room underneath for a handbag or other item(s): phone, tablet, makeup bag, water bottle. You name it, and pretty much, it’ll fit there if its smaller than a breadbox.
The floating console also works to accentuate the ambient lighting, which highlights the dashboard as well as the console. A setting on the multimedia system allows this to be customized—you can thank me for choosing purple for my photos; it seemed royal and approrpiate.
Recycled Materials Create an Elegant Interior
This might be a surprise for Cadillac aficionados: there is no leather on the interior of the Optiq. Instead, all the materials used are recycled, reclaimed or renewable. Door panels are composed of recycled fabrics, leatherette and metals. And while the model we toured was mostly black, I was excited to see a lighter color and some beautiful colors in the mix. Aficionados can rejoice; while there isn’t any leather, there is distinct Cadillac style. Lots of style.
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Did I Mention Massaging Seats?
It’s worth mentioning again. And, that the seat controls in the Optiq are on the door rather than on the side of the seat. That little button with a seat and a squiggly line is the massage control. Once you learn where this is you’ll reach for it every time, even when you’re in a car without massaging seats.
The Optiq’s Exterior Design Starts With Signature Headlights
Imagine this face greeting you as you approach. Cadillac added a light signature in which the front grille, running lights and light light blades flicker to life as it’s approached with a key fob. The illumination on the front continues on the rear, too for a distinct look.
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A Distinct Rear End Look On the Cadillac Optiq
Yes, the Optiq continues the “Cadillac Fin” design, a heritage detail that harkensback to the Caddys of the 1950’s. Today’s ‘fin’ is more of a vertical light blade on the rear tail ligthts; on the Optiq they extend along the side of the liftgate too. And then, there is the badge, solo and standing apart from the rest of the taigate. It design has been refined, and it’s functional. Push it to open the liftgate.
The “Fin” Design Adds Motion to the Rear Windows
Cadillac added a screen-printed design of layered glass to the rear windows to extend the “fin” beyond the tail lights. The striations line up with the lights on the tailgate to and lend the look and feel of a wrap-around motion even when the car is standing still.
There’s Ample, and Flexible, Cargo Space Under the Hatch
We love this detail: the Cadillac Optiq has a removable cargo floor that allows you to raise it or lower it by an inch. So, raise it up for more under-floor storage and a floor that is flat with the lip of the cargo opening. Or, lower it and allow the cargo opening lip to keep your groceries from rolling out. And there was no over-thinking this here; the floor simply sides out to be repositioned.
Door Handles, At Your Service
Design without purpose is superficial. Design with purpose is thoughtful. And that was the idea behind the Optiq’s door handles, which extend out to the right, rather than the left, which is typical of lever door handles. This is so that right-handed people will easily be able to grip the handle as they approach. And really, since the door handles lay flat when the car is in motion, they don’t impact the car’s aerodynamics, so they can extend either way. What a nice consideration.
Orders Are Open For a Late Fall Delivery
Expect to see the Cadillac Optiq in the wild by late fall or early winter. Buyers who want to take advantage of the tax incentive for this year will need to purchase it by the end of the year. Which puts the real price at $46,500, a deal for a Cadillac. And quite the invitation to learn to experience the Cadillac life.
Disclosure: I was Cadillac’s guest for this preview; travel was provided but all opinions are my own.
