Key points
- Cadillac is releasing a new entry-level electric crossover called the Optiq.
- It will be positioned below the Lyriq in Cadillac’s electric lineup.
- The Optiq is expected to go on sale in China in 2024 and will be a competitor to the Tesla Model Y and XPeng G6.
- The crossover is marginally smaller than the Lyriq, with a wheelbase of 2,915 mm (9.5 ft) compared to the Lyriq’s 3,094 mm (10.1 ft).
- The price starts around ¥300,000 ($42,010) and has a range of 250-300 miles.
- It is currently unknown if Cadillac plans to bring the Optiq to the US or keep it as a China-only model.
Here are some additional details
- The crossover is powered by GM’s Ultium platform, which is also used in the Lyriq.
- And it has a rear-wheel drive layout as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
- The Optiq is expected to have a spacious interior and a long list of standard features.
- Cadillac has not yet released any official images of the Optiq, but leaked images has shown it will have a sleek and modern design.
The leaked information about Cadillac’s upcoming entry-level crossover, the Optiq, suggests that it will be positioned below the Lyriq in Cadillac’s electric lineup. The Optiq is expected to be officially revealed later this year and go on sale in the Chinese market in 2024.
Based on documents posted by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Optiq will be marginally smaller than the Lyriq. It will have a wheelbase of 2,915 mm (9.5 ft) compared to the Lyriq’s 3,094 mm (10.1 ft), and it will be shorter and slightly lower than the Lyriq as well.
Small crossover
Small crossovers are popular in China, and the segment is growing rapidly. However, Western manufacturers face competition from local brands like XPeng and BYD. To maintain their market share, traditional OEMs are lowering their prices. Considering this, it is likely that Optiq will have a competitive price point, possibly starting around ¥300,000 ($42,010). While specifications have not been revealed yet, an estimated range of 250-300 miles is probable.
Availability
As for the availability of Optiq in the United States, it remains unknown. Premium crossovers have the potential to sell well in North America, and Cadillac’s best-selling model currently is the XT4, which is similar in size to the Optiq. However, General Motors (GM) has previously produced China-exclusive vehicles, so it is possible that Optiq could be limited to the Chinese market.
Conclusion
The Cadillac Optiq is an exciting new electric crossover that is sure to make waves in the Chinese market. It is a smaller and more affordable option than the Lyriq, which will make it more accessible to a wider range of customers. The Optiq is also likely to be a strong competitor to the Tesla Model Y and XPeng G6, two of the most popular electric crossovers in China.
If Optiq is successful in China, it could pave the way for Cadillac to bring the model to the US. This would be a welcome addition to the US market, as there are currently few affordable electric crossovers available. I am excited to see how Optiq performs in the Chinese market and whether it makes its way to the US.
Here are some of the key takeaways:
- The Optiq is a new entry-level electric crossover from Cadillac.
- It will be positioned below the Lyriq in Cadillac’s electric lineup.
- Expected to go on sale in China in 2024.
- Will compete with Tesla Model Y and XPeng G6.
- Expected to start at around ¥300,000 ($42,010).
- GM’s Ultium platform powers the Optiq
- Optiq will have a spacious interior and a long list of standard features.
- It is a sleek and modern design.
