cadillac will return to Australia this year as an electric-only brand, led by BMW iX rival Lyriq – and it could be followed by the smaller car Optiq.
Launched in China a few weeks agoThe Optiq has now been detailed for the US market – and Automatic express delivery has reported from the General Motors luxury brand that it will be produced with right-hand drive for the UK market.
That leaves open the distinct possibility of it making an appearance here, and indeed GM previously revealed that the Lyriq won’t be Cadillac’s only model locally for long.
A spokesperson for GM Australia and New Zealand said today: “Optiq is an exciting new addition to the global Cadillac EV lineup.
“We are focused on launching Cadillac and lyrics entering Australia and New Zealand this year and will announce more products next year.”
Cadillac has confirmed the Optiq will have a “global footprint” and be sold in more than 10 regions, including Europe.
The luxury brand has announced key specifications of the Optiq for markets such as the US, where it will offer different battery types to those used in China.
The Optiq will also abandon the single-engine, front-wheel drive variant offered in China that produces 180kW of power and 330Nm of torque, with all models sold in North America and Europe getting it. four-motor all-wheel drive setup.
Cadillac has not confirmed where the Optiq will be built for markets outside of China when production begins in the spring (September-November); Optiq for the Chinese market is manufactured in China by the SAIC-GM joint venture.
In the US, the Optiq range will have an opening price of US$54,000 (A$81,505), just below the Lyriq which has an opening price of US$58,590 (A$88,758) – and a price Cadillac says it will is “competitively priced” in its segment in Australia.
Below are the Optiq’s US market specifications:
| Cadillac Optiq | |
|---|---|
| Transmission system | Full-time 4-wheel drive with dual motors |
| Power | 224kW |
| torque | 480Nm |
| Battery | 85kWh lithium-ion nickel cobalt manganese |
| Limit | 483km (estimated) |
| DC fast charging time | 127 km in 10 minutes |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 2355kg |
Cadillac has not confirmed the fee.
The Optiq will have a one-pedal driving mode.
On the outside, there is a clear relationship to the larger Lyriq, Vistiq And Escalate iQ SUVs without it look like the smallest of the nesting doll family.
Inside, the similarities with the larger Lyriq are even more pronounced.
In front of the driver is a 33-inch curved LED screen with 9K resolution, while music can be played through a 19-speaker AKG sound system with Dolby Atmos.
The cabin is flooded with sunlight thanks to the fixed glass roof, and features interesting fabric trim – woven from yarn made from 100% recycled materials – that can be found on the dashboard and doors.
Optiq also offers PaperWood veneer, made from tulip wood and recycled newspaper.
Dimensions are as follows:
| Cadillac Optiq | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4820mm |
| Width (including mirrors) | 2126mm |
| Height | 1644mm |
| The standard long | 2954mm |
| Storage space (seat up) | 744L |
| Boot space (seats sit down) | 1603L |
Optiq is slightly larger in comparison BMW iX3, 86mm shorter on a 90mm shorter wheelbase. It is also a bit longer and narrower in comparison Tesla Model Y.
By contrast, the Lyriq is 5005mm long, 2207mm wide and 1623mm tall on a 3094mm wheelbase, making it roughly the size of a car. BMW iX.
GM has trademarked all Cadillac electric SUV nameplates in Australia, including not only the Lyriq and Optiq but also the already-revealed Vistiq and Escalade iQ.
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