Small Cadillac Optiq and seven-seat Vistiq heading Down Under

Cadillac Australia has announced it will expand its all-EV offering Down Under with the introduction of the mid-size 2026 Cadillac Optiq and 2026 Vistiq large SUV, with both confirmed for a local launch next year.

General Motors’ Australian outfit said the arrival of both factory-built right-hand-drive models demonstrated Cadillac’s “commitment to global right-hand-drive markets”.

Full pricing and specifications for the Optiq and Vistiq have yet to be announced but the smaller five-seat mid-sizer is topped to be pitched as a premium rival for the Mercedes-Benz EQB, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Genesis GV60, with prices predicted to kick off at around $100,000 plus on-road costs.

If true, that would match the approach taken with the Lyriq that, in all-wheel-drive Luxury and Sport trim, is priced from $117,000 plus ORCs – similar to the Audi Q6 e-tron and rivals like the Polestar 3.

In the US the Optiq range kicks off at $US54,895 ($A86,500), but Australian tastes are normally for the higher-grade all-wheel-drive versions, hinting at price parity.

Slotting in beneath the Lyriq, the Optiq is around 176mm shorter than Cadillac’s only Australian offering, with the Q4 e-tron rival measuring in at 4820mm long, 2126mm wide, 1644mm tall, and with a 2954mm wheelbase.

Sourced in Mexico from the same factory that used to supply the Holden Equinox for Australia, it’s been tipped the Optiq could become the Cadillac brand’s best-selling model Down Under.

From its launch the Optiq comes in a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive format that produces 221kW and 480Nm. Combined with an 85kWh battery, Cadillac claims it will cover up to 485km under US EPA test protocols.

Capable of being charged at up to 150kW using a fast DC charger, Cadillac says in 10 minutes it’s possible to add up to 127km of range.

In the US, the premium SUV comes with an enormous 33-inch screen that incorporates both the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment.

Further features include a powerful 19-speaker sound system, 126-colour ambient lighting, large 21-inch alloy wheels, an illuminated front grille, and GM’s hands-free Super Cruise semi-autonomous cruise control.

Standard equipment includes a wireless phone charger, a fixed panoramic roof (with sunshade) and electric-adjust front seats.

The Cadillac Vistiq, meanwhile, will instantly become the firm’s flagship SUV measuring in at 5222mm long, 2203mm wide, 2804mm tall, and with a long 3095mm wheelbase.

With those imposing dimensions the seven-seat all-electric SUV dwarfs the Mercedes EQS SUV (5125mm long), the Volvo EX90 (5037mm) and the Kia EV9 (5015mm).

In its home market the Vistiq is priced from $US78,790 ($A124,500), with the suggestion it could have a price close to $150,000 when it surfaces in Australia.

Like the Lyriq, the three-row Vistiq comes with a large 102kWh battery that provides for an EPA verified range of 482km.

Driving all four wheels are dual motors that produce 459kW and 880Nm – figures shared with the car-maker’s fastest Lyriq-V, which is also confirmed for our market.

Boosting agility and helping to offset its size is rear-wheel steering, while massive 23-inch alloy wheels are also available.

As standard the Vistiq comes with heated and ventilated front seats with 18-way adjustment and massage function, heated second-row outboard seats, a panoramic roof, a 33-inch curved panoramic display, dual wireless phone chargers and a 23-speaker premium sound system.

There’s no word on local timing for the Lyriq-V, which can accelerate to 60mph (97km/h) in just 3.3 seconds.

Already revealed back in January, the fastest all-electric Caddy comes with the Lyriq's 102kWh battery and can still cover up to 459km on a single charge.

But most will be attracted by the way the Lyriq-V looks and drives, with the hot SUV coming with an aggressive body kit and lower springs, performance-tuned dampers and a big Brembo brake upgrade.

“We made a commitment that Cadillac’s incredible all-electric product portfolio would be a truly global offering,” said Cadillac global vice president, John Roth.

"I’m thrilled to confirm the addition of the Optiq and Vistiq, both of which have been planned and engineered to be built in right-hand drive from their inception, and which will build on Cadillac’s electric momentum in the ANZ region.”

Despite being introduced as EV sales growth slows in Australia, it’s thought the presence of the all-electric Caddy models could help GM Speciality Vehicles conform to the Australian Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) emissions regulations.

This means it will be easier for GM’s local operation to offset the emissions of its V8-powered Chevrolet Corvette and Silverado 1500 ute, as well as the impending full-size GMC Yukon Denali.

One Cadillac yet to be confirmed for our market is the bigger-still Escalade iQ and iQL, with an announcement expected shortly on that car’s fate Down Under.

More details on timings and pricings for the Optiq, Vistiq and Lyriq-V are expected to be released closer to all three models’ debut next year.

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