New Car Previews

Cadillac’s EV Transition Packs a Multi-Pronged Punch

Automakers worldwide are pushing to electrify their offerings in the face of climate change and tightening emissions regulations.

While the pace of this push has slowed in recent months, electric vehicles (EVs) are here to stay. Cadillac for one isn't resting on its laurels, with the brand working to position itself with entirely electric models across the premium auto market. With the Ultium EV platform from parent company General Motors (GM) allowing for models of varying size and performance, Cadillac has provided a peek at what’s to come as it makes its move toward an emissions-free future.

Optiq

The 2025 Cadillac Optiq is the brand's entry-level EV offering. This two-row EV offers standard dual-motor all-wheel drive and an estimated 482 km of nominal driving range thanks to its 85-kWh battery. Power output is generous, with 300 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.

At 4,826 mm (190 in) in length, it sits in between compact and midsize crossovers. With a wheelbase that’s about 150 mm (6.0 in) shorter than the larger Lyriq’s, the Optiq offers generous front- and rear-seat legroom. Maximum charging speed is 150 kW, and 240-volt Level 2 can hit a maximum of 19.2 kW.

The sharp lines, proportions, and overall shape are an evolution of Cadillac’s current crop of crossovers, and the Optiq does well as a somewhat sportier take. The interior is a slightly toned-down version of the Lyriq's. Even so, it uses elegant design, large panoramic screens, and higher-quality materials compared to the mainstream Chevrolet Equinox EV on which it’s based.

In a nod to sustainability, accent fabrics are made of entirely recycled materials and give the Optiq a cozy feel without losing its premium vibe. A 19-speaker stereo is standard, and GM’s Super Cruise technology enables hands-free highway driving with automatic lane-change capabilities.

Pricing for the 2025 Optiq starts at a little more than $63,000 including freight. Production is scheduled to begin this fall.

Lyriq

Having been around for a few years now, the Cadillac Lyriq is one of the first offerings in Cadillac’s EV stable. Whereas the Optiq is based on the Equinox EV, the Lyriq is a more premium version of the Chevrolet Blazer EV. It takes a more expressive approach with its styling, with aggressive C-pillars and wraparound tail lights like the ones on the flagship Celestiq. While still a two-row crossover, there’s even more front- and rear legroom, and cargo space grows proportionally as well. 

The Lyriq gets two choices for power output: a rear-wheel-drive base model that offers 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque with 505 km of range, and an all-wheel-drive version that makes 500 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. It has slightly less range at 494 km. Maximum charging speeds are the same as the Optiq, and both powertrains are paired with a 102-kWh battery.

Escalade IQ

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ brings electrification to the SUV that’s become an iconic part of pop culture over the last quarter century. While the ultra-luxury Celestiq now supersedes it as Cadillac’s flagship, the Escalade IQ is still a bold statement of excess.

With up to 750 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque, the sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h takes about five seconds. It's good for 724 km of range and does it all with a massive 200-kWh battery. Fast-charging speeds can reach a maximum of 350 kW, adding 160 km of range in about 10 minutes in ideal conditions. Towing capacity is rated at 3,629 kg (8,000 lb).

The Escalade IQ gets the latest in Cadillac’s air suspension and magnetic ride control, with 24-inch wheels at all four corners. Four-wheel steering improves both low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability. Despite its size, a turning circle of 12 m (39.4 ft) matches that of a midsize sedan.

Inside, copious amounts of luxury continue with available executive-style seating in the second row, paired with a 40-speaker stereo and 55 inches worth of screens that span the entire width of the vehicle. Materials and design are among the best in the industry, and all four doors can power open and close on demand. The driver's door can even be configured to open automatically upon approach with the key fob. 

Pricing in Canada is to start around $160,000.

Final Thoughts

With the move to EVs, Cadillac isn’t going to stop at just the Optiq, Lyriq, and Escalade IQ; the 2026 Vistiq three-row crossover is right on the horizon as an electrified counterpart to the XT6. Parent GM is also moving to offer compatibility with Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug, opening up convenience and flexibility to drivers with Tesla Supercharger access after purchasing a $310 GM-approved adapter. Overall, when packed with features like Super Cruise, large-capacity batteries, and bold design, Cadillac's electrification heralds a new era of luxury that retains mass appeal.