When we had our first encounter with the Cadillac Optiq, the brand said that while the standard version was already a competent EV the door was open for the potential arrival of a spicier and beefier version that would be ready to bring the fight to rivals in the performance EV segment. It was a brief wait, but Cadillac has finally opened the proverbial door with the unveiling of the 2026 Optiq-V which brings several firsts to the Cadillac brand and will serve as a compact “canyon carver.”
Optiq-V brings NACS port to Cadillac
Before we dive deep into the Optiq-V’s newfound performance credentials we might as well take a moment to talk about a big change the model is bringing for the new model year, the debut of a NACS (North American Charging Standard) port. The V will be the first Cadillac to arrive with the port and it will allow the CUV to charge at Tesla supercharging stations. While GM has rolled out adaptors for owners interested in using a supercharger, the Optiq-V will be the first Cadillac to come from the factory with this port installed.
In addition to the new port, the Optiq-V also brings newfound performance to the model with all Optiq-Vs being powered by a dual-motor setup that makes a combined system output of 519 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. This allows the CUV to make the sprint to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds when Launch Control is activated. An 85-kWh battery pack is the star of the show but the extra muscle causes it to deliver less range with the model getting an estimated 275 miles of range between charges a decrease of 27 miles. Cadillac says the Optiq-V can get 70 miles of range in under 10 minutes when hooked up to a fast charger.
Cadillac’s lead development engineer Alex Doss said the model was designed to be a “canyon carver” with the V getting an adaptive suspension, torque vectoring technology, and special tires exclusive to the V. It will be interesting to see how the V can outshine the standard model which proved itself to be a good handler in its own right when we had the chance to experience it (along with the Escalade IQ) in San Francisco.
Optiq-V gets sportier design
In addition to the beefed-up performance, the Optiq-V also gets spicier styling with the front of the CUV featuring a gloss black splitter, a revised intake with a mesh pattern, and body color add-ons to create a sportier look. The model also gets its own set of 21-inch Satin Black wheels with a laser-etched V badge and a reworked rear diffuser rounding out the bulk of the changes.
The Optiq-V will be offered in eight colors, including Deep Ocean Tintcoat and Magnus Metal Frost, which are V-Series exclusives. Customers can also get a carbon fiber package that includes a front splitter, rear diffuser, and a mid-mounted spoiler. Look for these visual add-ons to make the Optiq-V a potent visual presence especially when paired with certain colors and options.
The interior is largely carried over from the standard model (which is fine with us) but Cadillac designers gave the Optiq-V’s cabin splashes of carbon fiber trim and a sport-shaped steering wheel with V badges also being splashed throughout. Cadillac also gave this particular V blue colored accents as part of an Expressive Color package which adds Santorini Blue seatback panels as well as Santorini Blue seatbelts. Cadillac is still keeping some key details to itself but the 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system will return with the audio system also being infused with Dolby Atmos technology for excellent sound quality. A 33-inch display screen will also return with the system continuing to feature Google’s Built-In software interface.
When can I buy one?
The 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V will be going on sale this fall with a base model starting at $68,795 which is $9,800 less than the bigger Lyriq-V. The model will also be competing head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y Performance. The updated version of the Performance has not been launched yet but reports have suggested it could start at below $60,000 before EV tax credits are included into the mix.
In the meantime, look for the Optiq-V to help cement the V-Series brand into a strong family of EVs with the Optiq variant being the new gateway into the electric versions. The Escalade IQ is rumored to be getting a V model also but it remains to be seen how long we get to wait before Cadillac chooses to release that model onto the world.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.