The 519-Horsepower Cadillac Optiq-V Is The First GM EV To Get Native Tesla NACS

Cadillac isn’t backing down on its electric vehicle (EV) deployment, and even wants to bring its EVs to the next level with a full range of V-Series performance models. The Lyriq-V was the first EV model to inherit the treatment and, now, the Optiq, the brand’s most affordable EV. It’s a vehicle I liked quite a lot when I drove it a few weeks back, mostly because of its styling, but also its generally youthful vibe. I never thought I’d one day write this about a Cadillac, but the Optiq truly does feel young and fresh.

Which is why I’m a tad more intrigued by its V version. Cadillac recently invited the media to a private virtual presentation to show it to us, and to tell us more about the hardware hiding underneath its rather attractive body, as well as its technical specifications and expected market integration. Here’s the full rundown of what to expect.

Shared Mechanical Components From A Lyriq-V In A Smaller, Lighter Package

Let’s begin with the thick of the technical specifications. The Optiq-V was clearly engineered for performance geeks, which I assume you are if you’ve clicked on this link. What you need to know is that, in a nutshell, the Optiq-V is not exactly a mechanical clone to the Lyriq-V, but does borrow some of its mechanical components, like its pair of “V-tuned” electric motors. Cadillac also says that the Optiq-V offers a slightly “more dynamic” driving experience in a “smaller, lighter package”. Cadillac’s words, not mine.

“Lighter” is actually kind of an oxymoron in the world of EVs, especially considering that a Lyriq-V already weighs in at a whopping 5,980 pounds. By comparison, its little brother, the Optiq-V, sits at 5,445 pounds. It’s also powered by a smaller capacity battery, 85 versus 102 kWh in the Lyriq-V. But the total combined output isn’t that far behind. The Optiq-V pumps out 519 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, or 96 horsepower less than the Lyriq, but with the same torque figure.

2025 Cadillac Optiq-V Technical Specifications

Cadillac says the Optiq-V will launch from 0 to 60 MPH in 3.5 seconds in Velocity Max mode. But straight-line speed is now the norm for EVs. What I’m curious about is how the car will feel and handle out there in the real world. Cadillac did mention a Competitive mode, which apparently fiddles with the car’s traction management system and electric motors to recreate the sensation of mechanical torque vectoring on the rear axle, as well as yaw control. Cool.

Nobody mentioned gimmicks like a drift mode, however. Or if the Optiq-V can slide like a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, but the Optiq-V does get a set of upgraded Brembo front brake calipers for improved breaking performance. Cadillac also worked with ZF to develop a control-valve adaptive damper setup called Continuous Damping Control (CDC).

Finally, A Native NACS Port

Although GM has been ahead of the curve in terms of its EV deployment, it still hasn’t integrated the North American Charging Standard (NACS) into its latest models, such as the regular Optiq and the Vistiq. The Optiq-V will finally get it, marking the first-ever GM EV to adopt the technology. Cadillac didn’t say if the rest of the Optiq lineup will convert to NACS as well, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the 2026 models will get the update. Cadillac estimates a 275 range figure for the V, which remains decent considering the type of performance it’ll deliver.

What I personally like is the way this thing looks. The Optiq is already a neat-looking crossover, but in V mode, it looks properly hunkered down and mean. Tires are thick, 275-wide squared on all fours, wrapped around model-specific 21-inch wheels that suit the Optiq-V like a glove.

The front and rear bumpers are a tad more aggressive, with gloss black accents that give the V a more sinister look. Cadillac will also offer a carbon fiber package, which is a bit overkill on a vehicle weighing north of 5,000 pounds, but cool nevertheless. The package will enhance the Optiq-V’s appearance through a carbon front splitter, rear diffuser, and mid-spoiler. I also dig how the rear C pillar window design – which remains a smart design element – mimics the V-Series logo.

And inside, the vibrant colors and youthful look continue, but with more emphasis on a carbon fiber finish, a thicker, more purposeful steering wheel, and what appears to be more supportive sports bucket seats. They also look properly epic, especially from the rear. Cadillac says production for the 2026 Optiq-V will begin this fall, and that it’ll kick off with an estimated $68,795 starting MSRP. We’re looking forward to getting our hands on a press unit soon to share with you our first impressions.