On Wednesday Cadillac, one of the pioneer automakers, unveiled its most affordable luxury EV. It is a brand new Optiq in the row of “new luxury entry point” for EV buyers, but can it keep up with Tesla’s Model Y?
Cadillac said that the coming EV will join Cadillac’s growing lineup of electric cars that includes the Lyriq, Escalade IQ, Celestiq, and Vistiq launching next year.
The Cadillac Optiq dimension is quite competitive with other electric SUVs. It is 190-inch long, 84-inch wide(with mirrors), and 65-inch tall that make it a rival of Tesla Model Y (187-inch long, 76-inch wide and 64-inch tall). The EV will be available in two trims:- Luxury and Sport, with the starting price nearly $54,000.
The Cadillac Optiq comes with a 6” shorter wheelbase that makes it more agile and fun to drive than the Lyriq. To continue it chief engineer John Cockburn explained,” The Ultium Platform allows us to fit enough muscle into a smaller package to provide a thrilling performance, delivering a sensation of isolated precision.
It is powered by an 85 kWh battery pack with standard dual-motor AWD, the Optiq offers up to 300 (Cadillac-estimated) miles of range. Further you can also enjoy added 79 miles of range in 10 minutes with DC Fast charging. It also features a vented rear spoiler, diffuser, and other elements to boost aerodynamics. The AWD system offers an estimated 300-hp and 354 lb-ft torque.
The exterior of the EV features the signature lighting, a fixed-glass roof, signature black crystal grille and upgraded rear quarter panel. The interior of it also feature a high-tech interior that includes a 33-inch diagonal advanced LED display of 9k resolution, Super Cruise driver assist as standard, advanced radar, camera, ultrasonic sensor tech and Google built-in.
Other details will be provided by the brand in future. At present Cadillac says Optiq production will begin in late fall, with Europe specs and sales set for later this year.
