2025 Cadillac OPTIQ EV First Drive: Modern Tech Meets Classic Caddie Elegance

The Cadillac Optiq comes standard with dual-motor AWD, the E4 in its name; the 500 indicates 500 newton meters of torque, which translates to about 354 lb.-ft, meaning this compact SUV has some zip. The Optiq also comes with Super Cruise hands-free level 2+ semi-autonomous driving, and a 19-speaker AKG sound system with Dolby Atmos to bring the affordable but luxurious experience to a full circle.

While it has all the handy tech of modern EVs, Cadillac was careful to maintain what made classic Caddies so special: a comfortable and quiet ride, lots of interior space, an amazing sound system, subtle yet luxurious styling for an attainable price.

Cadillac’s entrée into the EV world is a bit of a renaissance for the brand. It’s offering competitive products in terms of design, comfort, performance, quality, and technology.

The company’s EV lineup is particularly compelling when compared to other EVs, and the OPTIQ fits right in. You get all the design, comfort, and quality you’d expect from a luxury car brand, including features like heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, and a panoramic glass roof.

The 2025 Cadillac OPTIQ features a modern interior that uses some premium recycled materials, but it doesn’t skimp on buttons for important controls like climate. I particularly enjoyed the white, grey, and blue interior. The exterior is very Cadillac, but my black test car didn’t do it justice.

The OPTIQ is available in four trims – Luxury 1 and 2, and Sport 1 and 2 – which vary mostly in terms of exterior color options, silver or black trim, wheel design and size (20 or 21-inch), and price ($54,390 to $57,090 MSRP). Plus, it qualifies for the full federal tax credit of $7,500, which helps soften the blow.

A contrasting color, like the Monarch Orange that’s available on the Sport 1 and 2 trims, shows off the Art and Science design much better.

Since it’s built on GM’s EV platform (formerly Ultium), the interior is spacious, with 26 cu ft of cargo space (57 cu ft with the rear seats folded), and 41.6 and 37.8 inches of legroom front and back. Sadly, the OPTIQ lacks a frunk.

I found the OPTIQ surprisingly sporty and fun to drive. I spent a week driving the LYRIQ last year, and it was too soft and floaty for my taste. The OPTIQ might not be as fast, but with 300 hp, 354 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 0-60mph time of 5.9 sec, it’s no slouch.

At 5,192 lbs, it’s also lighter than the LYRIQ. The passive dampers deliver a compliant ride, confident handling, and excellent body control. In other words, this car feels very European.

One-pedal driving is available alongside three regen levels, plus GM’s Regen on Demand, which is activated by pulling the left paddle behind the steering wheel. There’s no power button to mess with – just press the brake pedal, put the car in gear, and you’re ready to roll.

GM’s familiar safety and ADAS suite is standard on the OPTIQ. Super Cruise works like a charm and provides hands-free level 2+ semi-autonomous driving on compatible roads.

You’ll find plenty of tech inside the Cadillac OPTIQ, including features like 360-degree cameras and a 5G WiFi hotspot. But unlike other luxury car brands (oh hi there, Mercedes-Benz), Cadillac’s tech isn’t overwhelming.

The infotainment system centers around the same 33-inch diagonal LED display with 9k resolution as in the LYRIQ. It shows driver information and runs Android Automotive with Google built in for navigation and entertainment. 

This also means the Cadillac OPTIQ doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto phone apps. Don’t fret, though: Android Automotive is polished, easy to live with, and provides better route planning and charging integration – something that’s critical when driving an EV.

The icing on the cake is the (standard) studio-quality 19-speaker AKG sound system, which supports Dolby Atmos content via Amazon Music Unlimited for a truly delightful auditory experience.

The 2025 Cadillac OPTIQ packs an 85kWh battery and offers 302 miles of EPA range (estimated), which is pretty decent. It uses the same EV platform and 400V architecture as the Chevrolet Equinox EV, and supports up to 19.2kW of AC (level 2) charging.

Unfortunately, DC fast charging tops out at just 150kW, which isn’t very competitive. Similar EVs – like Tesla’s Model Y, Hyundai’s IONIQ 5, and Kia’s EV6 – are all capable of 250+kW DC fast charging.

While this won’t matter much unless you take the Cadillac OPTIQ on a road trip, 250+kW DC fast charging is table stakes for a modern EV these days. On the plus side, the OPTIQ supports Tesla’s excellent Supercharger network via an optional CCS to NACS adapter, so you’ll have plenty of charging options if you decide to hit the road.

Plus, I figure that most OPTIQ drivers will charge at home and drive around town or commute less than 200 miles each day. 

Overall, I was impressed with the OPTIQ. It’s uniquely Cadillac, fun to drive, and easy to live with thanks to AWD, Super Cruise, Android Automotive, and decent range.

The 19-speaker AKG sound system with Dolby Atmos delivers a game-changing audio experience. With this battery-electric small SUV/crossover, you’re getting a well-rounded EV from a storied luxury car brand for a reasonable $54,390. And that’s a great value.