Cadillac is doing what it does with all of its good cars by giving the newly-introduced Optiq compact electric crossover the high-performance V treatment. Right now, not too much is known about Caddy’s hot little crossover. All we’ve got to go on are a couple of teaser pictures and the automaker’s promise that the Optiq-V will build on the already-sound foundation provided by the normal Optiq.
Caddy says the latest V-Series car will have a “unique package prioritizing precision, a dynamic suspension and tight steering for an exhilarating driving experience.” Of course, this isn’t a full-fat V Blackwing car like what you can get in the CT4-V or CT5-V. It almost certainly won’t be a wild tack star by any means. Like the recently announced Lyriq-V, it will more than likely be about having on-road fun with a boatload of power in a good-looking crossover package. Cadillac knows that nobody is going to track an electric crossover, so it saves everyone the trouble of pretending it’s something you’d do.
What to V-spect
There’s no word on what’ll be powering the Optiq-V just yet. The standard Optiq is powered by front and rear electric motors that put out a combined 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. If I had to guess, it’ll get a system similar to what is found in the Chevy Blazer EV SS and the aforementioned Lyriq-V, but I doubt it will get the full 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque that those cars produce. The Optiq is a smaller package than those two cars and Cadillac is going to need to create some separation between it and the Lyriq. If I had to make an educated guess, the Optiq-V will probably put out between 515 and 550 horsepower. That feels like a sweet spot.
Like other V vehicles, the Optiq-V looks to have some sharper edges than the standard car. If my eyes don’t deceive me, there’s a more sculpted hood up front with bespoke wheels along the side. Out back we get a slightly clearer view, where we’re able to see a small spoiler that runs right under the Optiq-V’s rear window and that classic Cadillac V badge.
For right now, that’s all we’ve got for the Optiq-V. You can expect to get more information about the car in the coming months, but from what I know about the regular Optiq, other V cars and the Blazer EV SS, it’s sure to be a lot of fun.
