The New Cadillac Optiq-V Packs a Ton of Power, Tesla Charging

With a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds, it’s nearly as quick as a CT5-V Blackwing, too.

2026 Cadillac Optiq-V

Photo by: Cadillac

Jeff Perez

By: Jeff Perez

Jun 9, 2025 at 10:30am ET

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Cadillac is going all-in on performance with its V-Series cars—including the automaker's latest electric vehicles. The Lyriq was the first EV to get the V-Series performance treatment, and now that nameplate extends to the smaller Optiq.

The 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V makes significantly more power than the standard version: 519 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, compared to just 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet on the base model. That extra oomph comes from an upgraded 85.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack with two electric motors.

2026 Cadillac Optiq-V

Photo by: Cadillac

The Lyriq-V has a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds, which makes it nearly as quick as Cadillac's most powerful V-Series car, the CT5-V Blackwing (3.4 seconds). The Lyriq-V is even quicker still, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds. Even with that newfound performance, though, the Optiq-V still manages a modest 275 miles of range.

Maybe most importantly, this is the first GM product to come from the factory with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug. That means you can plug into any of the thousands of Tesla Superchargers worldwide without an adaptor. Although, GM hasn't revealed details on charging speeds.

A new V-Mode system adds launch control and a Competitive Mode, which tweaks the traction control system for even better agility. New Brembo performance front brakes give the Optiq-V even better stopping power, and GM's hands-free Super Cruise safety system comes standard on this model.

Model Powertrain Output 0-60 MPH Cadillac Optiq-V 85.0-kWh Battery 519 HP / 650 LB-FT 3.5 Seconds Cadillac Lyriq-V 102.0-kWh Battery 615 HP / 650 LB-FT 3.3 Seconds Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Supercharged 6.2L V-8 668 HP / 659 LB-FT 3.4 Seconds

Performance With Looks to Match

That extra horsepower pairs with even more aggressive looks. The Optiq-V has a unique front fascia with a special V-Mesh grille design, gloss black accents, and available carbon fiber trim pieces. That optional carbon fiber package also extends to the rear bumper and spoiler.

V-Series badges litter the exterior of the body, from the rear doors and trunk to the wheels. The Optiq-V's custom 21-inch wheels wear a Graphite finish with the “V-Series” badge laser-etched into the metal. But, buyers can also choose from polished or painted wheel options, with standard all-season rubber or optional summer tires.

2026 Cadillac Optiq-V

Photos by: Cadillac

2026 Cadillac Optiq-V

Cadillac offers two limited-edition colors for the Optiq-V: A matte gray Magnus Metal Frost and a blue Deep Ocean (pictured here). Those blue accents extend to the painted Brembo brake calipers and inside the cabin, with Santorini Blue (or Sky Cool Gray) accents on the dash, door panels, seats, and even seat belts. There are also V-Series badges aplenty, as well as carbon fiber accents on the center console.

Alongside Super Cruiser, the Optiq-V also gets a host of technology, ranging from a standard 19-speaker AKG9 Studio Audio System, a 33.0-inch display that includes the instrument cluster and touchscreen, and Google's Built-In infotainment system with standard Google Maps and Google Assistant. Unfortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't available.

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The Price to Plug-In

The standard Cadillac Optiq starts at $56,390 in the US for 2025, but you will have to pay a bit more for the V-Series model. Cadillac asks $68,795 for the Optiq-V, with destination and handling charges included. The larger and quicker Cadillac Lyriq-V, by comparison, starts at $79,990.

"The V-Series was a natural continuation with the Optiq’s architecture," says John Cockburn, the Optiq-V’s chief engineer. "With Cadillac’s signature isolated precision ride and handling characteristic, tighter steering, enhanced suspension, and summer-only tires, our team delivered a unique package that makes Optiq-V a fun, nimble drive that’s quicker when cornering."

2026 Cadillac Optiq-V